M.A.K.U. Soundsystem is New York based band around a number of Colombian expatriates led by guitarist Camilo Rodriguez. The name of the band Rodriguez took from the Nukak Maku, a Native American tribe from Colombia which only first made contact with the outside world in the nineteen eighties. The term "Maku" is derived from the Arawak word "ma-aku" meaning "those who do not speak", and is a pejorative denomination for a number of indigenous peoples in the Amazon basin. On the more than aptly titled 'Mezcla' (Spanish for "mix" or "mixture"), the eight piece band's third long player, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem serves a highly infectious mix of Afro-Colombian rhythms (bullerengue, mapalé...) with influences from soul, afrobeat and jazz. 'Mezcla' is an auditory rollercoaster mesmerizing the listener from the first notes of opener 'Agua' and, with bit of luck, leaving one in a rhythmic trance. 'Mezcla' may sound like the ideal party starter; in the lyrics of their songs, M.A.K.U. Soundsystem can be quite serious indeed. Opener 'Agua' tackles the growing inequality in the world and 'De Barrio' tells of the numerous Latin American migrants who try to enter the United States on a daily basis. Glitterbeat Records once again signs for one of the world music toppers of 2016!