THE MUSIC OF THE MBYÁ GUARANÍ Part I: Luthiers of the Forest

Multimedia story and video.
Once a nomadic forest people, the Mbyá Guaraní of northern Argentina were forced to settle onto Jesuit “reductions” during the 17’th century to escape the slave trade. There they were introduced not only to Christianity, but to Western music and instruments from the Baroque period. As gifted craftspeople and musicians, the Guaraní quickly learned how to play and build their own instruments. When the Jesuits were eventually expelled from the continent, the Guaraní returned to the forest with their new instruments, songs and culture in tow.
Cacique Geniolito Busking

A video clip of Cacique Geniolito (Guarani Chief Lorenzo Benito) and his companion busking at a restaurant in San Ignacio, Misiones, Argentina.
Yacaré Manso – Live Shows and Favourite Videos

A few favourite live videos of Yacaré Manso playing in Buenos Aires.
Yacaré Manso – Roots

Argentine musician Raul Martinez, aka Nikoberqui, aka Yacaré Manso, speaking about the origin of “Yacaré Manso” or “Gentle Crocodile” and the fight to save the Esteros de Iberá (Iberá wetlands) in northern Argentina.
Keruchu’i Jochuka’i

An initial video of music by the Mbyá Guarani of Misiones province in northern Argentina.
Initial Project to Support the Music of the Mbyá Guarani

An introductory video on the music of the Mbyá Guarani indigenous living in Misiones province in northern Argentina.
Rainforest Warriors

I’m pleased to announce that some of my photos (not the cover) from Suriname will be included in a new book by Richard Price – Rainforest Warriors: Human Rights on Trial. This is an important book on an important subject – the fight by Suriname’s Saramaka maroons for the rights to their own piece of […]
Fuego Y Tambor

Fuego y Tambor (Fire and Drum) is a 13-minute documentary video that explores the role of Candombe drumming as an agent of revolution and social unification in the small South American country of Uruguay.
The US/Mexico border and dental tourism

In light of the recent controversy surrounding senate bill 1070, Arizona’s new immigration law, I thought it would be interesting to share a few words and photos related to the US/Mexico border story on dental tourism that I did a few years ago for the Toronto Star. Every night at the border between Andrade, California (map) and Los […]
Still under renovation, but making progress!
The site is still under renovation, but things are slowly coming along. Check out the new Nikoberqui project page, as well as Yemanjá, Goddess of the Sea in both English and Español. The published page has also been redone. I will be trying to make as much of the site as possible bilingual; it will […]
“The Devil and the Mountain” in Orion Magazine

Orion Magazine May/June 2010 Feature story and photos Visit the “Devil and the Mountain” project page here to check out a video feature of this story.
Potosí Photo Outtakes

Here are a some photo “outtakes” from The Mountain That Eats Men in an alternate style.
“Sun, Sand and Root Canal” – Toronto Star

The Toronto Star 12/08/07: “Sun, Sand…and Root Canal” Dental Tourism in Mexico Feature travel story and photos View the full photo gallery below.
Site Under Renovation…
I’m currently renovating the website…please bear with me for a bit… Jason
Yemanja

Listen to audio below
[audio:http://www.jasonrothe.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/YemanjaSong1.mp3|titles=YemanjaSong1|loop=yes|autostart=no]Yemanjá is one of the most revered Orishas, or deities in the Yoruba spiritual order that since ancient times has been adored by millions of Africans…
Peña Electrica and Zizek

Zizek Club and Peña Electrica at the Konex cultural center in Buenos Aires, March 12, 2010. Performances included Gustavo Santoalalla, Terraplen, Semilla, El G, Tremor, Doña Maria, Chancha Via Circuita, Fauna, Villa Diamante and Peña Criolla.