La Misa Negra is a vibrant seven-piece band known for their unique blend of heavyweight cumbia and high-energy Afro-Latin music. Based in Oakland, California, the group was founded by composer, guitarist, and accordionist Marco Polo Santiago in 2011. With a line-up that includes horns, violin, percussion, and woodwinds alongside Marco's musical direction, La Misa Negra delivers a contemporary sound deeply rooted in vintage Colombian cumbia. Their performances are a nod to the zarzuela, a form of Spanish musical theatre, which adds a sense of drama and a theatrical edge to their stage presence.

The band has carved out a distinct niche in the Latin music scene with their infectious rhythms and raucous live shows that compel audiences to dance with abandon. With a powerful blend of traditional Latin elements and a modern groove, they appeal to both nostalgic listeners and new fans discovering cumbia for the first time. Songs like "Acosadora" and "Dueña de Mi" showcase their ability to create music that feels timeless yet contemporary. Their eponymous track "La Misa Negra," as well as "Misa de Medianoche," encapsulates their spirit: a darkly festive celebration that is as compelling as it is unique. With these recent releases, La Misa Negra continues to affirm their status as torchbearers of the cumbia genre, infusing it with new life and a punk energy that is unmistakably their own.

Genres

Latin Afrobeat

Latinx Alternative

Latest Release

Veni Pa' Ca (Remix)

La Misa Negra

Single - Released April 12, 2024