Fuerteventura en Música (FEM) Returns with a Stellar Lineup
The highly anticipated festival, Fuerteventura en Música (FEM), is back, bringing its vibrant energy to El Cotillo on July 5 and 6. The festival starts at 8:30 PM each evening and promises an array of mesmerizing performances that reflect both local and global music trends. This year, headlining the event is the renowned Spanish metal band, Mägo de Oz.
A Diverse Musical Lineup
On the first night, attendees will be treated to the infectious rhythms of the London Afrobeat Collective, along with the local talents of Los Vecinos del Callejón, Non Trubada, Jarrillo en Lata, and Chocolate Sexy. The night will be spiced up by showman and DJ Meneo, ensuring that audiences are captivated from start to finish.
The excitement continues on Saturday as Mägo de Oz takes to the stage, following performances by artists including Natty Jean, Ghetto Kumbé, Kyekyeku & Ghanalogue Highlife, Sirinoque Folk, and DJ Benas, also known as Mr. Tropical. Each act brings unique sounds to the festival, embodying a mix of genres such as reggae, folk, and rock.
Organizers Bringing Back a Beloved Tradition
The Cabildo—the local governing body—serves as the driving force behind FEM. After a year-long hiatus due to regulatory changes concerning public contracts, the festival’s return is celebrated as a significant cultural event for Fuerteventura. Worth noting is the festival’s budget of €250,000, reflecting the commitment to reviving this summer highlight.
During a recent press conference, various local dignitaries, including the acting president of the Cabildo, Marcial Morales, shared their enthusiasm about bringing back this cultural gem. Morales emphasized the quality of the lineup and the venue, assuring that attendees can expect a world-class experience.
Expressing Cultural Pride
The acting mayor of La Oliva, Isaí Blanco, expressed pride in the festival’s return, recognizing it as a cultural touchstone in the Canary Islands. The sentiment was echoed by Juan Jiménez, the acting cultural counselor, who expressed hopes for the festival’s long-lasting impact on the region’s cultural landscape. “The lineup beautifully blends local talent with artists from Spain’s mainland,” he noted, highlighting the festival’s diverse inclusivity.
A Musical Journey
Cultural director Carmelo Ramos outlined the festival’s scope, stating that this year’s offerings will feature a rich palette of musical genres, including world music, electronic beats, and rock. He assured attendees that the festival’s production quality would meet the high standards expected from such a beloved event.
The vibrant and colorful program of the FEM 2019 promises to showcase a variety of sounds that will resonate across the beautiful sandy shores of Fuerteventura. With innovative stage designs and cutting-edge sound equipment, the festival aims to enliven the senses of all attendees.
A Celebration of Diversity
FEM is not just about individual performances; it celebrates a wide array of genres that reflect the multicultural spirit of the island. From folk metal to reggae, afrobeat to rumba flamenca, the festival seeks to create an inclusive space where music lovers can revel in diverse sounds. This year’s lineup caters to a broad audience, cementing the festival’s reputation as a major facet of Fuerteventura’s cultural identity.
Mägo de Oz: A Highlight of the Lineup
Undoubtedly, the main attraction of this edition is Mägo de Oz, one of Spain’s most popular rock bands. They will perform on the island for the first time, coinciding with their promotional tour for their latest album, Ira Dei, released on March 8, 2019. This performance marks a significant milestone for both the band and the festival, igniting excitement among fans who have long awaited this moment.
Through its combination of local culture, international appeal, and a spirited atmosphere, FEM promises to be a celebration of music that resonates deeply within the hearts of its attendees. The festival reinforces the importance of community and cultural exchange, making it a cherished event on the summer calendar of the Canary Islands.
