Julieta Rada in Madrid: The Rhythms of Uruguayan Candombe Meet Contemporary Sounds
Madrid welcomes Julieta Rada, the Uruguayan singer and songwriter whose music brings together the country’s rich musical heritage and contemporary influences. She will perform at Café Berlín as part of the Jazz con Sabor a Club series, which explores jazz and its connections with other musical traditions.
At the heart of Rada’s musical identity is candombe, a distinctive Uruguayan rhythmic tradition deeply rooted in the country’s cultural heritage. Her work brings this foundation into conversation with pop, funk and soul, creating a sound that respects its origins while embracing a contemporary perspective. Rather than remaining within a single genre, her music draws on different influences to develop a personal and recognisable artistic voice.
The youngest daughter of Rubén Rada, one of the most influential figures in Uruguayan music, Julieta grew up surrounded by musicians. She began her professional career at the age of 16 and has since established herself as an artist in her own right. Her musical journey has included performances alongside artists such as Fito Páez, Jorge Drexler, Charly García, Snarky Puppy and Joss Stone.
Her discography includes four studio albums. Released in September 2024, Candombe pays tribute to classics of Uruguayan music and features guest appearances by artists including Fito Páez, Rubén Rada and Pedrito Martínez. Her achievements have also been recognised through three Latin Grammy Awards nominations and two Premios Gardel, Argentina’s prominent music awards.
For her Madrid performance, Rada will be joined by Mati Herrera on drums, Nino Restuccia on bass and Manu Contrera on keyboards, alongside additional guest musicians. The concert offers an opportunity to experience an artist who draws on Uruguay’s rhythmic traditions while exploring their relationship with contemporary music. Through her distinctive approach, candombe becomes part of a broader musical conversation that connects cultural heritage with the sounds of today.
