Bomba Estereo: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Sept. 22, 2017 | Felix Contreras -- If the Tiny Desk offers one lesson, it's that greatness doesn't diminish with less volume. The lesson doubly applies here.
During their performance, Bomba Estereo's Simon Mejia (bass and keyboards) observed that it was the quietist the band has ever played; they rose to the occasion with an intense performance that reflects their earliest days working smaller venues in Colombia.
Band leaders Mejia and Li Saumet (lead vocals) have been consistent in their devotion and homage to Afro-Colombian music throughout their five albums, and steadfast in their fantastic mash-up of electronic music, creating a sonic signature that has become popular around the globe.
But you won't hear that on this video.
What you'll hear is the power of their songwriting and arranging with this stripped-down presentation- which helps remind us of why we fell for this band in the first place.
Set List
- "Soy Yo"
- "Somos Dos"
MUSICIANS
Liliana Saumet (vocals), Simon Mejia (bass/keys), Andres Zea (drums), Efrain Cuadrado (percussion), Jose Castillo (guitar)
CREDITS
Producers: Bob Boilen, Bronson Arcuri; Audio Engineers: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Bronson Arcuri, Beck Harlan, Nick Michael; Production Assistant: Kara Frame; Photo: Emily Bogle/NPR.
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast: www.npr.org/podcasts/510292/ti...

[@Solastar]

Spanish is such a beautiful language , I don’t understand the words but the music makes me want to get up and dance . I love the rhythm of this band .

[@wonderweedo]

Don't worry it doesn't say anything interesting so just enjoy the beat.

[@marthacontreras5894]

If you ever get the opportunity to learn it, you should. The lyrics are super and then you can feel them in your core ❌⭕️❌⭕️❌⭕️

[@jburckhardt]

yep! 🙂specially if the artists are from Colombia 😉

[@elishamario5988]

i know Im kinda randomly asking but do anybody know a good website to stream new series online?

[@anakinmorgan2456]

@Elisha Mario Flixportal xD

[@sansnak]

Que viva Colombia y que viva LATINOAMÉRICA. 🇨🇴🇲🇽🇬🇹 🇭🇳 🇳🇮 🇨🇺 🇭🇹 🇵🇷 🇩🇴 🇨🇷 🇸🇻 🇵🇦 🇻🇪 🇪🇨 🇵🇪 🇧🇴 🇨🇱 🇦🇷 🇺🇾 🇵🇾 🇧🇷 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@santiagovazquez9328]

te falto mx

[@Davidedarto]

Esta de segunda

[@diamantinaorozco3010]

@@santiagovazquez9328 Neeeeee

[@carloshumbertogutierrezsua2577]

Ahhh que chimba

[@andyvaldiviaramos]

LO MAS RICO DE COLOMBIA ES SU COCAÍNA , NO HAY OTRA QUE SE LE COMPARE

[@hugogarza4067]

Este tipo de agrupaciones son un buen alivio a la alegria. Desde México digo gracias pr haber hecho su esfuerzo y ojala que la gente en general aprendiera a apreciar, las letras y la variedad de instrumentos que hacen original a cada grupo ,banda,etc.

[@chaseadams347]

Thank you Bob, for always challenging the youtube community's idea of what Tiny Desk is "supposed" to be.

[@rafaelgaldo84]

Bomba Estereo é a mistura de toda latinidade. É raiz e é vanguarda ao mesmo tempo. Uma das minhas bandas favoritas!!!

[@javierbocajuniors4294]

Yo no la entiendo quiero pegarme un tiro jaja

[@JuaniqueVerde]

SOY YO!!! Thank you NPR for bringing international music/Spanish speaking music to us! This was my first time hearing this band - I love their music and have officially become a fan! ❤️

[@Y0sHiikus]

This is a side of Bomba Estereo I had not heard. If you haven't heard of these guys before check them out ASAP! They're acoustics are as amazing as their loud dance music! Arriba Colombia! Una AfroMexicana en California ❤

[@paulemailspam3704]

Tiny desk please invite Manu Chao!

[@yeyojimenez2378]

that will be great

[@teamgina5430]

Yes please!!

[@caslusfilho]

YAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSS!

[@gamerssesh8222]

THATS A GREAT IDEA

[@mino9855]

Por favor invitenlo 💓🎶❤️

[@caitlinjohnston-sloan1409]

I am so incredibly honored to be in the presence of this band

[@amarcrear5879]

Qué alegría que nos representen tan bien a Colômbia, los amo bomba estéreo, son muy bonitos y tropicales como nuestro país.

[@JarlathBloom]

Saw Bomba in Bogota, and they brought THE HOUSE down. This is such a different, and wonderful performance. I look forward to every release this band does.

[@ulibarri1350]

No puedo escuchar esto sin llorar. mi hija de 5 años me preguntó "¿por qué esta canción te hace llorar? ¡Me hace feliz!" Much love to Bomba Estereo from the snowy mountains of New Mexico, USA. Me & my little Mia.

[@Agustina-pr1lu]

Dramatica

[@betzarazzo]

​@@Agustina-pr1luPs1cópat4

[@edens6thday]

I am SO HAPPY to discover Bomba Estereo today! LOVE, love, love! Thank you BB/Tiny Desk Concerts.

[@haroldtorres7327]

These mellow live versions, que emocion!! Love the sound, muy placido y llena de amor . Thx NPR!

[@Em-mp4hf]

I just love her! She is so cool! Her pineapple and shades! LOVE that guitar!

[@TheOfficeIsBananas]

The video for Soy Yo is ICONIC.

[@VaqueiroAruanda]

Just checked it out and you are sooooo right. Thanks for the tip.

[@misunderstoodsquirrel6388]

Ok, the little girl from the soy yo video is my spirit animal. My favorite video ever!

[@theesweetscience2500]

Maybe the most unique, amazing thing I've seen. Straight fire too. Already loved this band. Now this. Just wow.

[@marianaaldanacorredor4411]

Tenkiuu for listening our COLOMBIAN🇨🇴🇨🇴 music

[@christianenriquez1603]

Please invite them back to do “To My Love” and “Ojitos Lindos”!!!

[@camilabatista6772]

yesss.. it is so perfect

[@xxFlorRockeraxx]

Yo los amo. Me encantan. He tenido la oportunidad de verlos en Chile. Hermosa música.

[@rafaordaz9696]

She is Such a ROCK STAR!!!!! The Band is COOL!!! Great Performance!!!!!

[@melopsicodelia]

saludos desde Costa Rica, la verdad que este grupo siempre me ha gustado montones. Y grita FUEGO...

[@suzycerulean]

Neat as helll, always love how many super unique sounds make their way to tiny desk

[@Gustaken1]

Buenisimo !! Aguante esta musica !!! Viva Colombia y los sonidos de nuestro continente!!!

[@gustavocamargoing]

Bomba Stereo. Just beautiful watching them perform this way here in NPR. Exciting Caribbean funky from COLOMBIA

[@jqumt-ib8qb]

saludos desde Guadalajara, Jalisco. México. somosdosSOMOSDOSsomosDoS ...

[@jhonatancordoba2118]

Son lo mejor chicos!!!! Nunca me cansaré de escucharlos! ❤❤❤

[@JosephAlanMeador]

What a lovely set. When the second song kicks in the mix is so sweet. Thanks Tiny Desk, glad to discover them!

[@medusatruths1066]

I'm Afro Latina and I'm in love rn✨ thank u tiny desk 💕💕

[@Solastar]

I love listening to this band just makes me wanna groove . Had to add it to my “Dance and loose yourself “ playlist on youtube

[@Em-mp4hf]

Love the name of your play list

[@Solastar]

@@Em-mp4hf Thank youzzzzz ☺ ☺

[@Solastar]

@@nightlay2799 Graciasss ☺ ☺

[@celesteaida8375]

Sois un gran equipo. Felicidades!!!!,

[@reedc2654]

yesss I love bomba estereo!!!!! I'm so happy they made it to play a tiny desk! two things I love in one place!

[@chimeinify]

I like it, it has its own character and style, Thank you Tiny Desk.

[@NickAdelman]

met these guys when they were on nacional records... good guys all around and they've got a nice solid groove... nice to see them on here

[@secuencia18]

GRUPASO!!! I saw them at Electric Paradise 2017 and they totally killed it! Great lyrics and rhythm

[@tortellinimeanie]

this band usually makes such great dance music, its rly cool to see them in a setting/sound like this.

[@Slato]

totally agree

[@stefaniepmcastro5399]

Laaaaaaaaaa amooooooo colombiana lindaaa, deli musica! ♥

[@siendofranciscojavier]

Ella no es cantante, es CANTORA q es muy diferente.

[@aakilsharif1963]

Tiny desk should invite Portishead...

[@OHHGRIMMIE]

yes!

[@mekfiodf]

Fuck yeah!

[@msergio0293]

Are they still making new music nowadays?

[@keYiis]

It would be an awesome comeback!

[@AlfonsoMonroyIV]

It will be awesome, maybe just Beth GIbbons, She's realeasing new album soon...

[@rlorinternet2745]

LOVE THIS. LOVE TINY DESK. Thank you for keeping it diverse and beautiful.

[@adrianaloya8396]

Damn . . . the way the music flows out of the guitar . . . that second song has me in love!

[@Darkneo7]

awesome, not surprised, this band it's really cool live

[@anyivivianapinedagavilan365]

Que gran orgullo que sean colombianos

[@sleepnomore6065]

I saw them up close at a live venue, they were so much fun, even dancing at the side of the stage will the opening act was on! So much positive energy! Btw, love these 2 songs and so cool how differently they can play them without changing any notes. I would buy an album of this!

[@Protectourbioshpere]

I have no idea what she is saying, and I love it! What a great sound.

[@CherryJane19]

Derek Henrie 1st song: Soy yo (It's me) says: You don't know me, I'm relaxed. When people judge you you just say : It's me! 2nd song: Somos dos (we are two). We are two... when your body is connected to your heart, we are two, I want to be with you forever, we are two.

[@Ricardo-ns5hl]

Me caí, me paré, caminé, me subí I fell, I stood up, I walked, I got Up Me fui contra la corriente y también me perdí I went against the current and I also got lost Fracasé, me encontré, lo viví y aprendí I failed, I found myself, I lived it and I learned Cuando te pegas fuerte más profundo es el beat The harder you hit yourself, the harder the beat Sigo bailando y escribiendo mis letras Im still dancing and writting my lyrics Sigo cantando con las puertas abiertas Im still singing with my doors open Atravesando todas estas tierras Traversing all these lands Y no hay que viajar tanto pa' encontrar la respuesta You dont have to travel that much to find the answer Y no te preocupes si no te aprueban Dont worry if they dont aprove you Cuando te critiquen, tú solo di When they criticize you, you just say Soy yo Im me Soy yo Im me Soy yo (soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy) Im me Soy yo (yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo) Im me Sigo caminando y sigo riendo I keep walking, I keep Laughing Hago lo que quiero y muero en el intento I do whatever I want and I die in the attempt A nadie le importa lo que estoy haciendo Nobody cares what Im doing Lo único que importa es lo que está por dentro Only thing that matters its what inside A mí me gusta estar en la arena I like being on the sand Bañarme en el mar sin razón, sin problema Bathing in the sea without reason, without problems Estar sentada sin hacer nada Sitting doing nothing Mirando de lejos y estar relajada Looking from afar and being relaxed Then prechorus and chorus goes again

[@eliamiel]

wow!!!!! que increíble concierto!

[@laviejataperaproduc.3890]

Una hermosa locura!!!!saludos desde argentina!!!

[@jimminycricket3384]

love this. keep coming back for more.

[@tonyxgreen]

Recien conozco esta banda, gra a NRP, interesante, después escuchare mas de ellos.

[@carolwork7323]

Amo muito Bomba estéreo ✨

[@camilacarvajalriquelme3109]

Eeehhh!!! Esperé mucho que fueran a este estudio!!

[@mrsweedwalker]

I’m back here again... love this band!

[@dianamarcelatorressantos7313]

Los Amo me encantan... Colombia presente con Bomba Stereo

[@Escorpionkills]

What a pleasent surprise! No me imaginaba a Bomba en este canal jajajajaj

[@natymartin1455]

Me caí, me paré, caminé, me subí Me fui contra la corriente y también me perdí Fracasé, me encontré, lo viví y aprendí Cuando te pegas fuerte más profundo es el beat Sigo bailando y escribiendo mis letras Sigo cantando con las puertas abiertas Atravesando todas estas tierras Y no hay que viajar tanto pa' encontrar la respuesta Y no te preocupes si no te aprueban Cuando te critiquen, tú solo di Soy yo Soy yo Soy yo (soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy) Soy yo (yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo) Sigo caminando y sigo riendo Hago lo que quiero y muero en el intento A nadie le importa lo que estoy haciendo Lo único que importa es lo que está por dentro A mí me gusta estar en la arena Bañarme en el mar sin razón, sin problema Estar sentada sin hacer nada Mirando de lejos y estar relajada Y no te preocupes si no te aprueban Cuando te critiquen, tú solo di Soy yo Soy yo Soy yo (soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy) Soy yo (yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo) Soy así, soy así, soy así (Relaja) Y tú ni me conoces a mí (Bien relaja) Soy así, soy así, soy así (Relaja) Y tú ni me conoces a mí (Bien relaja) You know what I mean? You know what I mean? Sí, papá Y no te preocupes si no te aprueban Cuando te critiquen, tú solo di Soy yo Soy yo Soy yo (soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy, soy) Soy yo (yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo, yo) En la cama Relajá Con mi encanto Con pijama, soy yo Así soy yo

[@ericwilliams1880]

Thank you.

[@rnoensi]

bomba have proven themselves as a formidable force on record and as live performers, record after record after record. not often you hear a band that's so steeped in (and so proud of) its country's rich musical historical while creating future sounds, AND ACTUALLY sounds really good. viva bomba estereo y colombia!

[@michaelweil5192]

I LOOVVVEE Bomba Estereo ....her voice is full of feeling...chimes with beauty and sincerity!

[@statichz]

Somos Dos just threw me back! From the start... I loved the original, but seeing this performance was amazing!

[@matildelagoamor7509]

Nathalia Lafourcade PLEASE! Year by year she is getting better and better. Ist a real evolution of music.

[@alonsomelgar5046]

Ya esta en su pagina oficial solo es cuestión de esperar que lo suban al canal de KZbin ;)

[@hastingse9484]

They just uploaded it yesterday! It's amazing.

[@alonsomelgar5046]

Dalyz Aguilar yes she is amaizing!!

[@frankanderson7017]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/gICnkoyged6dr7M

[@jasonavina8135]

looking back, you were absolutely right that was my favorite tiny desk ever.

[@henrycodm896]

I don't know any word of these lyrics, but am completely digging this musically.💗💗

[@IllyanaVlogging]

this group is so wonderful 💕💕💕💕

[@Goosetavula]

Wow I thought this was great, did not expect people to hate. Their second number is my favorite.

[@marianaaldanacorredor4411]

The song is called "somos dos"

[@fetusfirstofhisname]

Gustav u have good taste in manga

[@laguir95]

Q chingona voz y tipo de musica. Siempre me encanta oir nuevos tipos d musica y este es un excelente ejemplo. Q chingones😎👍 saludos d Texas

[@goddessblu3570]

I love you bomba!!! You give me hope. Thank you for your beutiful music.

[@tatjanahaschemi111]

Just wonderful, memorizing ...love, love, love

[@tatjanahaschemi111]

Meant ...mezmorizing

[@johng.6174]

I still remember when I saw them at lalapoloza for the first time

[@anoonuoha]

I'm surprised at the discontent. The band performed well and if you're familiar with their music, you'll definitely appreciate this performance.

[@theesweetscience2500]

Tony- Atkinson are u serious ? Open Yer mind bro. Also this is tiny desk, surprised to hear a wtf is this sh*t by anyone whom ends up here realistically

[@theesweetscience2500]

Tony- Atkinson it's called "another language" bro. Why so angry? Just move forward if you're hating it. Or maybe go look up their past shows. This one is a bit different than the others. To me, it's top notch. But it is what it is. I don't think bomba estereo set out to inspire angre haha.

[@theesweetscience2500]

Tony- Atkinson p.s. Maybe I don't understand what YOU'RE saying haha, and we speak the same language. Kinda ;) but anyway, we all have our opinions . It's just the angry side I don't get hahaha .

[@maud375]

Well, I understand what she's saying. Learn Spanish, or if you don't like the music, move along. No need to be an ass about it. Nobody fucking cares that you're a music student. The arrogance is real with you.

[@MargaritaVioleta]

voice was on point ... to them we say "Son ellos"!

[@196Arcangel]

Colombia in the house!!! I love this thank you tiny desk! 💛💛💙💙❤️❤️

[@mcvillaseca]

Loved this!!!! Me encanta la musica con ritmo Latino. No me importa de donde son. La musica es super rica! Dale!

[@TheMindofBruce]

I don't understand who can thumbs down Bomba Estereo. You people are crazy.

[@roverg2009]

Sorpresa!!! Yo que pensaba que Bomba Stereo era un grupo pachanguero. Los prejuzgué por "Fuego". Los Tiny Desk son como los MTV Unplugged: para tocar ahí tienes que ser músico de verdad.

[@el_astor]

Creo que tienes que ver la performance de Kepx de Bomba, es realmente bomba :D

[@luismorales9310]

que facil se sorprende usted

[@Davidedarto]

Jajajajajaa

[@margaritapagaza8288]

chi, el autotune funciona.. estaria chido que hicieran un covercito... de esa rola con una voz mas suave, aun asi nadie les quita su merito..

[@LorenaNicole]

Beautiful! Love the intentionality of the love and strength that permeates these lyrics. Also super cool modification on "Soy Yo" with the more minimal juxtaposition b/w the flute and keyboard

[@jimminycricket3384]

I've only recently discovered this band and have been watching/listening to a lot of their performances. Their lineup has changed a bit and I like some of the members that don't seem t be around anymore, BUT....this performance really hit the mark. Arriba!

[@aks0813]

Love this!! I agree with a below commenter: I'd love to see Jorge Drexler on here

[@GoCamm]

Dreams do come true :) Tiny desk listened

[@andresc.710]

[@jmj689]

Andres Cuenca was about to comment this

[@danielahurtado4866]

Colombia presente

[@carlosmario7608]

Right 🌴👌🏽🇨🇴🍋🦎🎧🎼👍🏼

[@camaroncitodelamor6424]

Bomba Estéreo les amo con el alma entera < 3

[@mazamulequedoido]

Sempre volto aqui, esse som é incrível...

[@marranacore]

Viva mi colombia para el mundo

[@ToastyFiend]

This was my first introduction to Bomba Estereo and I must say I like this version of Soy Yo much better than the album version. Still glad I found them though, great vibe and energy!

[@bigc8127]

Bomba Estereo is AWESOME!

[@305driveable]

Bomba Estereo! Colombian Raw talent! This was fantastic!!!

[@sindybeltran3485]

Aterciopelados es un grupo colombiano excelente .

[@jimminycricket3384]

Tambien Systema Solar!

[@jimenabrilla161]

No puedo creer que no hayan incluído "el alma y el cuerpo" :(

[@josehnis]

x2

[@Kurt_Oblisk]

x3

[@flori7246]

x4

[@RodrigoZeta]

x5

[@danielxx6308]

x6

[@empathicwarrior6390]

i loved this!!!

[@juliandavidrodriguez166]

La mejor presentacion de NPR....

[@cecilianavarro2623]

me encantan ellos, y me encanta la cartera de piña

[@marialeshirley3088]

Quiero esta versión de somos dos 💖

[@stratoviking1]

The guitar on the second song is a master piece!!! 🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@harlemsar]

Great and different, Thanks NPR.

[@j.d.r.5491]

I would love to see here Los Rolling Ruanas, also from Colombia!

[@m4tthi3u]

Remember your opinion is based almost entirely on the extensive collections of music you've heard during your life and the settings you heard them in. What you've learned to like or dislike, how much change you tolerate, is based on musical patterns that have been ingrained in your memory over the years. When listening to new music, or experiencing anything new really, it helps to try and forget our learned patterns and definitions of what is good or bad and try to listen, watch, experience with an open and free mind. Then perhaps you can see new beauty, courage, freedom and fun in the art you're taking in. 2 centavos peace :)

[@rossanalopez8325]

Esto debería estar en Spotify Bomba

[@amandaarana7996]

Aaaaaaaaaaah they did Somos Dos!! My life is complete now. Seriously, has there ever been a more romantic song?? Somos dos, somos dos, somos todo....

[@Tocu360]

Can you please stop hating? Like it or not, they are making real ass music from their heart and they have the right to be here

[@oscarpaiz79]

You guys should invite a Jorge Drexler...his music it's just so amazing..a great songwriter from Uruguay

[@hortaju]

YES!

[@smaivr4068]

I was about to comment the exact same thing! Guys, it will be amazing!!!!

[@karachay2514]

please no

[@oscarpaiz79]

Karachay why not?

[@carmenponce5227]

YESS! He would be great in this kind of setting.

[@danielsaenz1325]

Yo I love Bomba Estereos style. So unique and exceptional!

[@raulpprado6318]

Que buen rollazo teneis!! Sois LA BOMBA. Abrazo desde España!

[@loro7lenguas]

He escuchado este tiny concierto unas cuantas veces y cada vez me gusta más, una adicción positiva, podría decirse. Qué bien suenan! Qué cadencia, qué ritmo, qué armonías! Una maravilla! Abrazos desde Berlín:)

[@carloszapata3900]

Una de las peores voces de nuestra tierra, gran exponente, así y todo hay canciones que son increíbles. Yo intentaria en lo posible no hacer en vivos, es una banda de estudio, MAS NA´

[@starbabi77]

I love this group so much.....so dope

[@dandrefranklin5574]

Thank You, What A Dope Band!!!!!!!!!!