LADAMA is an all-female musical group that harnesses the musical flavors of their respective countries, seamlessly creating a unique blend of enthralling sound. These sisters in song and spirit blend Spanish, English and Portugese languages with elements of cumbia, maracatu, onda nueva, pop, soul and R&B. Their music transports us to a future where the world communicates across continents and cultures through sound and story.
Their self-titled album reached No. 1 on both iTunes and Amazon’s Latin music charts. Their second album, Oye Mujer, was released in 2020 and was called “irresistible and universal” by critics. LADAMA has performed at TED, the Monterey Jazz Festival, ESPN’s “The Latino Experience” and NPR’s “Tiny Desk.”
In keeping with our 10x10 Arts Series, we sat down with member of the band, Mafer Bandola, ahead of LADAMA’s performance at Walton Arts Center at 7 pm on Thursday, March 30.
1. What can audiences expect when they come to see the performance?
“They can expect a sonic experience where the future is a world that communicates across continents and cultures, with sound and story. The audience can expect to see the joy and freedom in the musicality of four women from four countries on one stage, engaging in a Pan-Latinx whole.”
2. What do you hope audiences leave with after they see you perform?
“We hope they can leave the venue thinking about how diversity is essential to create new visual and sonic narratives and how representation matters on stages.”
3. What do you wish you could tell your younger self about being an artist?
“Much of what you are going to experience has yet to exist. You will create it. Therefore, you will feel alone, but don't worry. You will also develop other meanings for community and belonging. Focus on finding spaces that make you feel safe to create. Remember to listen to your instincts and body, modify what doesn't let you grow, and try as many times as possible to improve your art, even if it involves walking through different disciplines.”
4. What is your favorite part of each performance?
“When we look at each other many times during the performance and recognize how much we enjoy playing live shows together.”
5. How did you come up with your group name?
“We created it based on the initials of our names, LAra, DAniela and MAfer: LADAMA, but we also realized that our band name means “The Lady” in Spanish. Later, we asked Sara if she wanted her initials to be on the band name, but she was okay not adding it. We were really excited about the name and still are!”
6. Do you have any pre-show rituals or warm-ups? If so, what are they?
“Each of us has a different way of preparing ourselves before shows; mine is to canalize my energy for the performance, which is about bringing the focus on the present, breathing, stretching my fingers, arms, legs, and the rest of my body."
7. Pick 5 words to best describe your work.
“Transformative, energizing, polyrhythms, alma (soul), and vida (life).”
8. What is the best advice that you have been given?
"It's okay to ask for help."
9. What songs, artists or genres of music are you currently listening to?
“I have created a playlist of what I have been listening to (click HERE for the link). I have been revisiting my roots through my oral traditions and reimagining Latinx futures with the new voices of other BIPOC artists.”
10. What unique or memorable experiences have you had while traveling worldwide to share your music?
“One time we went to a remote place in Europe, and a Venezuelan person in the audience told us they felt they traveled back and visited their happiest memories during our performance. They said, ‘I travel back to my country after 11 years, far from my people, thanks to your music.’ It was memorable to understand the power we have in our hands with the music we play.”
Experience the collaborative future of music with LADAMA. Tickets are only $10 and are available now.