All Songs Considered

Alt.Latino: Music as protest in Venezuela

January 8, 2026

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  • Venezuelan music has historically reflected the nation's political turmoil, evolving from mainstream songs addressing inequality in the 90s to overtly frustrated rap during the 2010s censorship era. 
  • The recent seizure of President Nicolás Maduro by U.S. forces in late 2025 immediately turned the recently released Rha-w-y-ana song "Donde es el After" into an unexpected, literal soundtrack for the event. 
  • The current political crisis has sparked intense debate among Latin American artists regarding the role of U.S. intervention and whether the lived experience of Venezuelans should dictate the conversation. 

Segments

Introduction to Venezuelan Crisis
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(00:00:26)
  • Key Takeaway: The episode addresses the immediate political turmoil following the U.S. seizure of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, who were charged with narcoterrorism.
  • Summary: The hosts introduce the episode’s focus on Venezuelan protest music, contextualized by the recent military action where U.S. troops seized President Nicolás Maduro and Celia Flores. This event highlights the deeply conflicting sentiments among Venezuelans regarding the removal of the leader. The segment sets up a review of music from past political turmoil to understand the current backdrop.
1990s Music and Chavez Rise
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(00:02:15)
  • Key Takeaway: The 1990s pop song “Por estas Calles” by Jordano reflected societal problems like inequality, laying groundwork for Hugo Chavez’s appeal as an alternative.
  • Summary: An excerpt from a 2024 episode begins by tracing Venezuelan protest music back to Hugo Chavez’s rise following his 1992 coup attempt. The song “Por estas Calles” is analyzed for its frank depiction of social inequality, which helped pave the way for Chavez’s political narrative. Chavez won the 1998 election by promising a new Venezuela free of poverty.
Mid-2000s Optimism and Unity
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(00:05:55)
  • Key Takeaway: During the mid-2000s clashes and attempted coup, music like Garros Bautes’ “Yomeque Lo” focused on optimistic, non-partisan unity and the desire to stay and fight for the country.
  • Summary: Following the 2002 coup attempt and subsequent clashes, the music shifted toward optimism, exemplified by Garros Bautes’ “Yomeque Lo.” This song, featuring salsa bass and folkloric elements, expressed a desire for a brighter future without explicitly supporting or opposing the government. This reflected a communal reaching for joy amidst chaos, even as inklings of emigration began to surface.
Censorship and Underground Rap
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(00:08:46)
  • Key Takeaway: Government consolidation under Chavez led to extreme censorship, forcing protest music underground where artists like Gancerbero used social media to openly address police violence and corruption.
  • Summary: As Chavez consolidated power, mainstream protest music decreased due to government crackdowns, including the revocation of 34 radio station licenses in 2009. The rise of social media allowed underground artists like rapper Gancerbero to gain influence by frankly discussing police violence and corruption in gritty hip-hop. Gancerbero became a symbol of rebellion across Latin America before his death in 2015, which was later ruled a murder.
Maduro Era Turmoil and Migration
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(00:15:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Under Nicolás Maduro, economic collapse and violent protests led to mass migration, reflected in solemn music like Vetsaida Machado’s “Sentimiento,” which mourned the death of the Venezuelan people.
  • Summary: After Hugo Chavez’s death in 2013, Nicolás Maduro’s presidency brought economic collapse, shortages, and violent clashes, leading to mass migration starting around 2017. The death of 18-year-old orchestra member Armando Carnisales Carrillo sparked public outrage, including from conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Music like “Sentimiento” captured the despair and mourning for the nation itself as the diaspora grew.
Diaspora Voices and Political Alignment
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(00:18:02)
  • Key Takeaway: Pop star Danny Ocean became a close musical ally to opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, releasing the EP “Venequia” with overt calls for a transition of power before the 2024 elections.
  • Summary: As the diaspora grew, artists like Danny Ocean began creating music with double meanings about the pain of leaving, culminating in his EP “Venequia” which supported Machado’s movement. Later, Rha-w-y-ana released “Veneca,” a song reclaiming the slur used against migrants, which led to the government canceling their tour due to their opposition support.
Immediate Aftermath of Maduro’s Seizure
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(00:23:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Rha-w-y-ana’s New Year’s song, which wished for the government to leave, instantly took on a literal, viral meaning after the U.S. seized Maduro within 48 hours of its release.
  • Summary: The U.S. seizure of Maduro and Flores occurred just 48 hours after Rha-w-y-ana released their album, making their song’s explicit anti-government sentiment immediately literal and viral across social media. Reactions were mixed: Venezuelan artists like Danny Ocean celebrated publicly, while others debated who had the right to speak on the intervention. The immediate aftermath is characterized by raw emotion, uncertainty, and fear regarding future U.S. actions in the region.