In addition to being one of the fastest-selling and pioneering rock bands in Latin America, Jaguares invest much more of their efforts toward humanitarianism.
Whether it’s raising awareness towards the mass-murders and disappearances of women along the border or aiding the indigenous people of southeastern Mexico, Jaguares frontman Saul Hernandez, Alfonso Andre and guitarist Cesar “Vampiro” Lopez are on a mission to give a voice to the voiceless.
With nine albums under their belt and fresh off of their latest album Crónicas de un Laberinto (“Chronicles of a Labyrinth), Jaguares have taken on a new endeavor, in perhaps one of the biggest crisis of the world today.
Instant Karma: The Campaign to Save Darfur, the new global “Make Some Noise” project from Amnesty International, seeks to mobilize millions around what is being called the urgent catastrophe in Darfur, Sudan. The project calls attention to the urgent situation in Darfur where between 200,000 and 400,000 have died, 2.5 million have been displaced from their homes, and 4.5 million people in Darfur and hundreds of thousands in the neighboring countries of Chad and Central African Republic are at risk of starvation, disease, and further attacks, according to the project’s official Web site.
Some of the world’s biggest artists participated in recording the music of John Lennon. More than 50 musical artists, including U2, Christina Aguilera, Lenny Kravitz, Green Day, Ben Harper, and Aerosmith, have joined this international effort that combines Lennon’s music, technology, and human rights activism. Jaguares, the only Latin group participating, performs, “Gimme Some Truth,” on the album.
Proceeds from the entire campaign go directly to support Amnesty International’s work in Darfur and other human rights crises worldwide. The album, Instant Karma is in stores now.
Jaguares will perform that song and more of their catalog when they return to the Rio Grande Valley once more Wednesday at Graham Central Station in Pharr.
“It seems that the future exists on one solid hope: believing in an unknown path that will show us that there is a better life…stability in all sense of the word and the hope of achieving a utopia and peace,” said Saul Hernandez in an op-ed piece submitted to the Mexico City newspaper, El Universal regarding the situation in Darfur. “Unfortunately, the present shows us another reality at this time.”
With each Jaguares album, Hernández puts political commentary and social consciousness at the forefront of the band’s musical vision, according to the Make Some Noise Web site, spearheaded by Amnesty International. “I used to play music in the streets,” said Hernández.
“We grew up in social circumstances that taught us inequality in Mexico is very serious. I am not a politician and will never be one but I try to take advantage of the spaces I am given and speak with the people. You have to do something. If it’s not in public, at least do it in your house, in your life. Change what you know isn’t right, however you can.”
---------
Jaguares
WHEN: 8 p.m. Wednesday
WHERE: Graham Central Station, 500 N. Jackson Road, Pharr
COST: $30, general admission
FOR MORE INFO:(956) 283-9500
———
Miriam Ramirez covers features and entertainment for The Monitor. You can reach her at (956) 683-4468.
