Betsayda Machado is a Venezuelan singer born in El Clavo, Barlovento, a community of rich Afro-Venezuelan traditions. Barlovento’s inhabitants are descendants of African workers who once tilled the cocoa fields, exploited by local land owners. Nicknamed ‘The Black Voice of Barlovento’, Betsayda has become the carrier of a long tradition of nearly extinguished genres of black music in Venezuela, and is now seen as an icon of Afro-Venezuelan music.
La Parranda El Clavo is the local percussion and voice ensemble in El Clavo, population: 1500. For nearly 30 years they have been playing together at local festivities, funerals, new year celebrations and get-togethers. La Parranda El Clavo got the attention of director and producer Juan Souki during a trip to El Clavo with Betsayda. Together, they recorded a series of albums and organized the first parranda tour that showcases Barlovento’s vibrant musical traditions. In addition to being a thrilling addition to the festival, the tour takes them on a trip of discovery to Africa.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of El Clavo as Betsayda visits her hometown, HERE. And here’s Betsayda performing the beautiful, Nostalgia Andina.