Gotopo
The Berlin-based Venezuelan artist Gotopo is making waves with her debut EP, "Sacúdete," set to release on May 16 under the prestigious Waxploitation Records label. A multi-talented singer, composer, producer, and performer, Gotopo draws inspiration from her South American heritage, blending folkloric stringed instruments with techno-inspired beats to explore her Afroindigenous legacy. Her music seeks to confront the historical erasure of her people due to colonialism, finding answers through ancestral futurism and weaving together the beautiful and painful stories of her ancestors. Born in Caracas, Venezuela, Gotopo received her musical training in Barquisimeto, renowned for its musical conservatory and the youth orchestra system, El Sistema, which produced Gustavo Dudamel.
Recently moving to Berlin, she has transitioned from street busking to participating in cutting-edge music events at the prestigious Humboldt Forum. Gotopo aims to blur the boundaries between classical and club music, academic and pop culture, merging the traditional with the contemporary. Her musical project began with the single "Malembe," exploring her Afroindigenous roots and spirituality. Fusing electro-beats with fuzzy guitars and synths, the song draws from an AfroVenezuelan hymn intended to provide spiritual farewells to enslaved relatives. Gotopo's upcoming album continues this exploration, reinventing folkloric music by infusing it with the vibrant electronic energy of Berlin's club scene.
The EP "Sacúdete" is a collaboration with producer Don Elektron (Ulises Lozano), a member of the Mexican electronica band Kinky, who has worked with various artists. Gotopo's unique blend of classical training, knowledge of traditional instruments like the cuatro and guitar, and her pursuit of ancestral memory through music make her stand out as a true innovator.
Her music has been well-received in Berlin, with performances at events like the X Jazz Festival and an opening act for Bomba Estereo. The city's innovation, creative energy, and support for women artists of color have been inspiring for Gotopo's artistic journey.
While she adapts to life in Berlin, she continues to learn the German language, as depicted in the award-winning mini-documentary, "Gotopo: The Sound of My Destiny." Embracing the gritty yet sexy atmosphere of Berlin, Gotopo is determined to push her artistic boundaries and explore new horizons in this vibrant city.
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