Bill Text: SC H5108 | 2011-2012 | 119th General Assembly | Introduced
Bill Title: Chocquibtown of Colombia, South America
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 75-47)
Status: (Passed) 2012-03-29 - Introduced and adopted [H5108 Detail]
Download: South_Carolina-2011-H5108-Introduced.html
A HOUSE RESOLUTION
TO RECOGNIZE CHOCQUIBTOWN OF COLOMBIA, SOUTH AMERICA, CONGRATULATE THE GROUP ON ITS SUCCESSFUL PERFORMING CAREER, AND WISH THESE MUSICIANS WELL AS THEY COMPLETE THEIR STAY IN COLUMBIA UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE BENEDICT COLLEGE OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS.
Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that ChocQuibTown is visiting the Palmetto State, where they are studying in the Benedict College Intensive English Language Program and serving as artists in residence under the auspices of the Benedict College Office of International Programs; and
Whereas, hailing from South America, the group is an Afro-Colombian hip-hop band formed in the Chocó region on Colombia's Pacific coast. In their music, group members fuse hip-hop, electronica, and funk with traditional Afro-Colombian rhythms; and
Whereas, to American ears, the sound is unquestionably hip-hop. But the group prefers to call its music Afro-Colombian, and a close listen reveals that hip-hop elements only provide a framework on which to exhibit local styles; and
Whereas, ChocQuibTown, birthed in 2000, features three emcees, Gloria "Goyo" Martínez; her brother, Miguel "Slow" Martínez; and Carlos "Tostao" Valencia, along with several other musicians; and
Whereas, the group's independently released debut album, Somos Pacífico (2006), won them critical acclaim. The album was subsequently remastered in London and re-released in 2007 on the Polen label. In 2008, as acclaim for the band continued to mount, including a pair of Premios Shock nominations, ChocQuibTown released El Bombo, a three-track EP. In 2009, a banner year for ChocQuibTown, the group performed its U.S. debut concert at SXSW and toured abroad extensively; and
Whereas, in that same year, after receiving a Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist, ChocQuibTown released its U.S. debut album, Oro. In a review of the new album, the Washington Post had this to say: "The biggest thrills at SXSW came from an emerging Colombian trio who can sing, rap, and trigger dance-floor delirium like the Fugees reincarnate. They're called ChocQuibTown, and their new album is a gritty-gorgeous tropical swirl of Latin hip-hop"; and
Whereas, in 2010, ChocQuibTown became the first band from its area to receive a Latin Grammy (Best Alternative Song); and
Whereas, trusting that the band's stay in the Palmetto State has been an enjoyable one, the House of Representatives takes great pleasure in wishing the members of ChocQuibTown well as they return to Colombia and continue their performing career. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize ChocQuibTown of Colombia, South America, congratulate the group on its successful performing career, and wish these musicians well as they complete their stay in Columbia under the auspices of the Benedict College Office of International Programs.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be provided to ChocQuibTown.
