Bomba Estéreo is set to take the stage in Mexico City, amplifying their voice against the pressing issue of gender violence. The acclaimed Colombian duo will perform a free concert at the iconic Zócalo on November 30, coinciding with 25N— the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, globally acknowledged on November 25. This pivotal event was officially announced by the Ministry of Culture of Mexico City on social media platform X.
“This grand concert will be part of the 16 days of activism against gender violence, a campaign that kicks off on November 25, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women,” stated the secretariat in their message on Thursday, November 21.
The band, spearheaded by the dynamic vocalist Li Saumet, is poised to join an illustrious lineup of both Mexican and international acts that have graced the country’s most significant public square, which proudly ranks as the second largest square globally, only surpassed by Tiananmen Square in China.
The 16-day campaign for activism against gender violence serves as “a critical opportunity to renew commitments and call for concrete measures and accountability from decision makers,” according to UN Women. This initiative underscores a thriving global movement, urging communities to take a stand against violence towards women and girls.
UN Women elaborates that this movement emerged in anticipation of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025, a visionary blueprint aimed at achieving gender equality and advancing the rights of women and girls across the globe.
The presentation of Bomba Estéreo will also showcase the talented Mexican singer-songwriter Samantha Barrón as the opening act, further enriching the concert experience, as noted by the Ministry of Culture.
Bomba Estéreo, formed in Bogotá in 2005, started as an experimental endeavor led by musician and audio-visual artist Simón Mejía alongside Saumet. Their unique sound has established them as one of the leading forces within the alternative, Caribbean, and dance music scenes since their breakthrough hit “Fuego” in 2010.
Bomba’s 2022 collaboration with Bad Bunny, “Ojitos lindos,” achieved remarkable success, soaring to No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart and reaching No. 26 on the Billboard Hot 100. The duo’s impressive accolades include 10 Latin Grammy nominations and performances alongside renowned artists like Luis Fonsi and Will Smith.
Bomba Estéreo will return to Mexico following their successful appearance at the Hera HSBC Festival, dedicated exclusively to celebrating artists and bands led by female performers. This notable event took place on August 24 at Curva 4 of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, a renowned venue that plays host to Formula 1 in the country.
Below, you can find the announcement made by the Secretary of Culture of Mexico City regarding the highly anticipated concert of the duo at the Zócalo.
¡BOMBA ESTÉREO EN EL ZÓCALO!
El próximo 30 de noviembre a las 19 horas, el grupo colombiano Bomba Estéreo se presentará en el Zócalo.
Este gran concierto se realizará como parte de los 16 días de activismo contra la violencia de género, campaña que inicia el 25 de noviembre,… pic.twitter.com/ztwdhd6e5Z
— Secretaría de Cultura de la Ciudad de México (@CulturaCiudadMx) November 22, 2024
How has Bomba Estéreo’s journey since 2005 shaped their approach to activism and raising awareness about issues like gender violence?
**Interview with Li Saumet, lead vocalist of Bomba Estéreo**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Li! We’re excited to hear that Bomba Estéreo will be performing in Mexico City on November 30, coinciding with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. How does it feel to be part of such a significant event?
**Li Saumet:** Thank you for having me! It’s truly an honor to be part of this important event. Violence against women is a pressing issue that affects communities worldwide, and using our platform to raise awareness and advocate for change means a lot to us. We’re excited to perform and be part of the global movement to eliminate gender violence.
**Interviewer:** This concert is part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign initiated by UN Women. What do you hope the audience takes away from your performance?
**Li Saumet:** Our hope is that the audience feels empowered and connected to the cause. Music has a unique way of bringing people together, and we want to inspire everyone to take action against violence in whatever way they can. It’s crucial for us to renew the call for accountability and change during these 16 days of activism and beyond.
**Interviewer:** Can you tell us about the significance of performing at Zócalo, one of the largest public squares in the world, for this concert?
**Li Saumet:** Performing at Zócalo is incredibly meaningful. It’s not just a venue; it represents a space where voices can be heard and movements can grow. The history and energy of that place amplify our message. Sharing this stage with other talented artists, like Samantha Barrón, enriches the experience even more.
**Interviewer:** As you prepare for this concert, what sentiments guide you and the band in your performances?
**Li Saumet:** We are guided by passion and a sense of responsibility. Our music is our language, and we want it to convey messages of hope, resilience, and love. We aim to create an atmosphere where everyone feels safe and celebrated, promoting unity against violence.
**Interviewer:** Bomba Estéreo has made a significant impact in the music scene since your formation in 2005. How has your journey influenced your activism today?
**Li Saumet:** Our journey has taught us the power of connection—music connects us to different cultures and movements. As we’ve grown, so has our understanding of the world around us. We recognize the importance of using our voice to advocate for those who may not have one, especially regarding pressing issues like gender violence.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Li. We look forward to the concert and the powerful message it will carry!
**Li Saumet:** Thank you! We can’t wait to see everyone there and stand together for a vital cause. Let’s make some noise for change!