Fiesta

Album: Amanecer (2015)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Bomba Estéreo is an electronica fusion Colombian band founded in the capital, Bogotá, in 2005 by Simón Mejía. Their name translates into English as "stereo bomb." Mejis told The Austin Times it is a Colombian term for "a really cool, awesome, bad ass party."
  • This song was inspired by the Barranquilla's carnival, Colombia's most important folklore celebration, and one of the biggest carnivals in world. Bomba Estéreo's Liliana Saumet told Billboard magazine: "The lyrics seem simple and it is about a party, but it's not just any party. It's a celebration of a culture. It's about connecting with your homeland, and I think that's something that anyone can relate to, in any part of the world. The way I'm singing is very traditional of those kinds of celebrations in that part of Colombia, and then the bass comes in."

    Simón Mejía added: "It's a schizophrenic track. It's like you're in one party, and then all of sudden, you get thrown into this other party. It's two worlds told through one story."
  • A remix of this single features Will Smith rapping in English and Spanish over Bomba's original arrangement. It is the first time the rapper/actor has appeared on a record for over ten years. He explained what attracted him to the track: "I was in Colombia, in Ibagué, with Marc Anthony, and he was listening to 'Fuego' [another Bomba track]," Smith recalled. "And I said, 'That song is crazy!' And almost completely unrelated, my manager Miguel is friends with people in [Sony Music Latin, Bomba's label], and he showed me this song, 'Fiesta.' And I said, 'That is crazy, I need to be on that.'"
  • The song's music video was directed by Carlos Perez and is set in a dystopian warehouse. We see Will Smith take part in an epic carnival rave, which is presided over by Li Saumet, the frontwoman of Bomba Estereo.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining Victims

Jay, Peaches, Spinderella and other Darrining VictimsSong Writing

Just like Darrin was replaced on Bewitched, groups have swapped out original members, hoping we wouldn't notice.

Danny Kortchmar

Danny KortchmarSongwriter Interviews

Danny played guitar on Sweet Baby James, Tapestry, and Running On Empty. He also co-wrote many hit songs, including "Dirty Laundry," "Sunset Grill" and "Tender Is The Night."

Adam Duritz of Counting Crows

Adam Duritz of Counting CrowsSongwriter Interviews

"Mr. Jones" took on new meaning when the song about a misguided view of fame made Adam famous.

David Paich of Toto

David Paich of TotoSongwriter Interviews

Toto's keyboard player explains the true meaning of "Africa" and talks about working on the Thriller album.

Judas Priest

Judas PriestSongwriter Interviews

Rob Halford, Richie Faulkner and Glenn Tipton talk twin guitar harmonies and explain how they create songs in Judas Priest.