The undergraduates behind this research project, Julia Jacobs and Andrea Perney, are SPN 311 students that are working towards earning a minor in Spanish. This research project is focused on cultural rap groups in Latin America, and their relationships to discrimination and representation. For the research, the two undergraduates combed through many Spanish lyrics and texts from several different music groups, including Inmortal Kultura, Nación Rap, and Santa Mala. After much consideration, the undergraduates decided to direct their research to Inmortal Kultura. This group focuses their music on the discrimination faced by the Indigenous Kichwas, also known as Runas, and also places an emphasis on overcoming societal issues and having pride for one’s culture. In the presentation, the presenters include a brief introduction to themselves and their studies, and the group that they will be presenting an analysis on. The undergraduates then translate two sets of lyrics from two different songs written by the group, and explain their meaning and significance in today’s world. They then take these ideas further by highlighting direct issues that the Kichwas are facing in society today, what those issues mean for them, and why it’s so important that Inmortal Kultura is bringing these issues to light. They conclude with a reminder that this is only a brief introduction to the depth of these ideas, and that it’s important for viewers to continue research on their own, as the presenters will be doing as well.
Authors: Julia Jacobs and Andrea Perney
Advisor: Caroline Shipley, Spanish & Portuguese
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