Igni Tawanka

The development of contemporary Nicaraguan music is inseparable from the Sandinista revolution that triumphed in July 1979. Groups, that before the revolution performed either apolitical music or music of protest against the Somoza regime, found themselves faced with the challenge and opportunity of creating a new culture out of the old.

One of the groups that has risen to that task is Igni Tawanka. Founded at the University of Managua in 1978, the group spent its first year performing protest music, playing almost exclusively acoustic instruments that could be moved easily and quickly in case they had to escape from authorities. Since then the group has developed as part of the new Nicaragua.

After the revolution, artists were called upon to develop a national cultural identity. In Nicaragua there are many influences to draw from. From the 'salsa' style music found on Nicaragua's east coast to the European based music of Western Nicaragua, to the music of the indigenous Moskito people - Igni Tawanka has integrated all this into their music.

The group can move from hot, jazzy instrumental tunes to political songs about the current campaigns of the Nicaraguan government to defend the revolution and improve the living standards there. And Igni Tawanka is very much a part of the Latin American New Song Movement; a force which has created new voices by the fusion of traditional musical forms with jazz and popular music.

Coming from a country that is constantly lied about by the most powerful press, radio and television networks in the world, makes Igni Tawanka's presence here an excellent opportunity for them to speak to us about what is happening in their country.

The group is comprised of Melvin Ramon Vasquez Zeladon, Francisco Sedar Cisneros Rocha, Gilberto Ramon Flores Gonzales, Julio Mario Vasquez Gutierrez, Alvaro Ernesto Juancarlos Montenegro and Marvin Martin Rodriquez Gonzales.