Norte Zur: Fusion of Flamenco and Rap Taking Charts By Storm

Fusing flamenco, rap and hip-hop with guitar, percussion and voice, Marbella group Zur make music with a message. Fiona Dolan reports.

Born and breed Marbellís, Zuri and Angel have known each other since early childhood. Growing up in neighbouring “barrios”, their friendship flourished through their common interest and love of music. Following different styles of music the two have met in the middle with a fusion of flamenco, rap and hip hop with a merger of well suited instruments; guitar, percussion and voice.

“It’s all music,” commented Zuri, “there are always purists and other people who are not going to like it but they don’t have to, it doesn’t bother us if our music is not for everyone.”

Composer and percussionist, Angel, casually chats about his song writing, explaining that with the fusion of old and contemporary musical tendencies, the group aim to make a difference. Promoting freedom of speech and expression they sing about social and political issues around the world, base their ideas on the integration of cultures, styles and beliefs and in doing so, are proud to have the backing of Amnesty International.

“Rap is street music,” explains Angel, “it allows you to speak your mind. I write about what I feel when I feel it.”

Both Zuri and Angel have been on the Marbella music scene for many years. After playing in separate groups, they finally decided to work together on a common project and are now enjoying their new found success with “Zur”. “It’s all happened so quickly” says Zuri “I can’t quite believe it when I see our Cd in the shops”.

Angel laughingly jokes about their future “fame”, although the group acknowledge that this would indeed provide a platform from which to get their message across. They both agree that it would be a fantastic opportunity to positively influence younger generations and voice the thoughts and beliefs of many.

Having just completed their first tour of Southern Spain and with a Cd already in the shops, Zur have big plans for the next couple of years. Hoping to be able to reach other Hispanic speaking countries in the not so distant future, Angel eagerly took the opportunity to express his desire to travel and see the world.

Marbella close to their hearts, however, they vowed that they have no plans to leave.
“Everyone who becomes famous leaves, we are quite happy where we are,” says Zuri. “We are not interested in living in Madrid. Being on the road is fun but tiring, it’s nice to come back to Marbella, it’s home.”