Colombia with pizzazz in West Footscray

The sultry sounds of Colombian music are stirring the blood out west this month.

West Footscray singer Iaki Vallejo is presenting her show Bolero at Nuevo Latino Los Rodriguez each Saturday night.

“I’m going to play a range of music, based on the music of Colombia but bringing in other styles as well,” Vallejo said.

She grew up with Afro-Latino music as a central part of life. It spilled out of every home and on to the streets of her Colombian neighbourhood.

Her father loved tango, her mother bolero and her brother loved ballads and salsa.

Her own music combines elements of each of these, along with influences picked up living in Spain and Italy. Now calling West Footscray home, Iaki has been working on recording a new album with renowned percussionist David Jones.

“I’m including some of my own songs in the album, along with traditional Afro-Colombian melodies,” she said.

Iaki Vallejo will perform at Nuevo Latino Los Rodriguez from 8pm on February 14, 21 and 28. Details are at www.facebook.com/nuevolatinolosrodriguez.