On December 7 and 8, the first edition of Radical Mestizo Festival was held at Mexico City’s Zocalo, with stellar performances by the likes of Orishas, Kumbia Queers, Alemán, Gogol Bordello, Femi Kuti and Saturday’s headliner Residente. The Boricua star, born René Pérez, took to Twitter to confirm his participation on the free event organized by Mexico’s Secretary of Culture back in August, where he confirmed it would be his last time on stage for the rest of 2019.
His return to Mexico City after his 2018 show at Palacio de los Deportes was witnessed by over 120,000 souls that packed up the city’s downtown main square. His set comprised mostly Calle 13 material, including some of their biggest hits like “Atrévete-te-te,” “Cumbia de los Aburridos” and “Latinoamérica,” where he invited his sister iLe on stage to perform with him. He also dropped selections from his eponymous debut album, such as “Guerra,” “Apocalíptico” and “Desencuentro.” “Bellacoso,” the Bad Bunny-assisted first single from his upcoming sophomore album, was also chanted by the multitude.
During his politically-charged stage banter, he referred to topics of race, migration and the independence of Puerto Rico. “Sometimes people don’t understand that [immigrants] have to move out because of human needs,” he said. “The US government doesn’t understand it; many people over there in the country do. But let’s not bore you talking about Trump, because he’s an idiot and we collectively know it. They haven’t realized we’re going to keep jumping over walls.”