Concert Review: Residente Is A Man of Resistance At MSG
Never in the history of my life can I say I questioned the architectural stability of Madison Square Garden, but then, Residente performed, and I sincerely doubted whether the Hulu Theater could outlast the night. To say, “Ese concierto estaba ENCENDIO!” would be understatement. Yet, it should be of no surprise that the fiery singer lit up the stage.
Residente has become a Che Guevara of music; with fans looking to him to both dance and think. In some ways, this makes him the most blessed burdened man. Blessed because people see and seek him for his mind, but burdened because to think so much of the world means you have to constantly re-strengthen your big heart. This was a theme of both Residente’s songs and speech. As he said, “I am not a man of war. I am a man of resistance.” This quote exemplified the show, his heart, and the reasoning behind his most recent work; a self-titled, solo album that he mentioned was hard to get on the radio because it was “too real.”
Residente – Desencuentro (Official Video) ft. Soko
He was right! Residente, the album, did not get as much radio play as it deserved, and I truly believe, after seeing him perform tracks like “Apocalíptico,” “Dagombas en Tamale,””Guerra,” and “Hijos del Cañaveral,” that the world is worst for it. These are the most rhythmic and intelligently inspired songs of our time; moving people to not just love, but be bold and defend it. He explained the stories behind such lyrical wisdoms, which made him feel like an artist for the people, not the industry. You could tell this by the amount of national flags that were thrown unto his stage by people who felt compelled to offer them to him like “thank you” gifts. After all, Residente is a man/ rapper that sings to the harmonious unity of Latinoamérica.
Guerra – Residente (Video Oficial)
Physically, Residente approaches the stage and his verses like a boxer; consistently dodging, ducking, and clenching his fists like he is music’s Muhammad Ali, and he is certainly as witty and as controversial as the figure. His boxer type energy ricocheted throughout the crowd as he asked them to jump into hugs. For the first time ever in a concert, a mosh pit formed of hugging, not punching, but it carried the same, venting energy. Moreover, that moment embodied who Residente is spiritually: a strong man/ artist that defends love like its soldier. While we think of a peaceful person as someone whom is almost catatonically calm, from “Calma Pueblo” to “No Hay Nadie Como Tu,” Residente showed peace is a force to be reckoned with! For More Information On Residente Click Here.
Residente – Dagombas en Tamale (Audio)
