While pushing the boundaries of modern metal, Mawiza are deeply connected to their native roots.
The Chilean band have performed with the underground’s biggest and heaviest influences – including Merycful Fate, Mastodon, Slipknot and Gojira – but they hail from the ancestral territory of Wallmapu, which belongs to the Mapuche Nation. By proudly embracing ancestral instruments, traditional chanting and the Mapuzungun language, the band’s fierce bent on groove metal bridges contemporary and ancient culture.
This year, Mawiza are releasing their third album and first since signing with Season of Mist, which RollingStone named one of the 15 Latin Albums that they can’t wait to hear. As they prepare to make their most spirited statement yet, today, the band’s vocalist is delivering a speech at TEDx Pucón, a local event that’s celebrating how nature inspires, nourishes and transforms local leaders in Chile. Awka will speak to how music can be a bridge between culture, territories and memories.
Watch Awka’s speech at TEDx Pucón
Friday, April 4 @ 1:30 pm Eastern Time
https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/58778
After his speech, Awka will join his bandmates for a special acoustic performance, which will include new versions of songs from Mawiza’s Pulsar Award-winning album Kollong.
Praise for Mawiza
“…a roar of Mapuche pride out of Chile’s metal scene” – RollingStone
“the band uses their music to channel strength and keep history alive” – Decibel
“a new and fresh sound of modern metal, but reimagined as if it had been born in the heart of the wallmapu, mixing and creating sounds typical of their culture” – The Resistance
“a heavy proposal merged with elements of Mapuche culture, preserving and making visible its roots, traditions and its struggles, resulting in a unique style” – Futuro
