Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

This week in episode 187 we sit down with Colombo-Croat photographer Andre Kanayet and discuss, life, Colombia and the role of a photographer in today's connected society.

As Kanayet has an exhibition of his photography beginning on June 1 and running for the whole month at the EK hotel (Calle 90 No. 11-13) it is appropriate that he is on Colombia Calling to talk about his passion.

In an flowing conversation which covers the story behind how his Croatian grandfather came to Colombia - it involves spies! - and why he moved in to photography and what the industry means today, we learn about what makes Kanayet tick and why he's a success in his field.

Tune in for an interesting and entertaining episode and be sure to check out his work on instagram @andrekanayet

Direct download: RCC_187.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:34am EDT

Being more of a grunge and punk aficionado, I cannot speak for the masses of Metal fans out there and their music, so this is why we have turned to freelance music journalist and filmmaker Alex De Moller in the UK today to tap into his ample knowledge on the subject, in particular the metal groups which sprung up in the mid 1980's in Medellin in rejection of the drug cartels, Pablo Escobar and the violence being lived in that city.

Earlier this year, Medellin mourned the loss of Elkin Ramírez Zapata, its first rock superstar. After losing his battle with brain cancer, Ramírez passed away on January 29th, 2017. His funeral brought Medellín to a standstill, and for the first time in its history, the city's Metropolitan Cathedral was packed with metalheads and punks—fans, friends and well-wishers who shed tears and sang together as his band Kraken performed their final concert.

Medellín today is a different picture. It's not perfect, but it's a far cry from the 1980s. Kraken's music still blares from the parches and bars frequented by the city's many metaleros and those who once threw stones now claim to revere the sound of "true" heavy metal.

So, think of the importance and the role that heavy metal played in Medellin during the city's darkest moments...

Direct download: RCC_186.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:46am EDT

In this week's show we get on the line to Sheffield, UK to talk with academic and football enthusiast Pete Watson. Currently pursuing his PhD, Watson comes to Colombia Calling with a vast knowledge of Colombia and football here and indeed his dissertation will explore how football has influenced public policy in this country.

We discuss three periods in Colombian history, pivotal for both the politics and indeed football, 1948-53, 1985-94 and the current day. Our conversation takes in the peace process between the Government of President Santos and the FARC guerrillas, the Bogotá bandits during Colombia's "El Dorado" footballing period, Hungarian footballers exiled in Santa Marta, mafia and cartel involvement in the beautiful game and much more.

Football is seen by Watson as a nationbuilding instrument for Colombia and his enthusiasm makes for a fantastic show.

Direct download: RCC_185.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:29am EDT

The future of peace in Colombia is far from assured. Three decades of atrocities have left trust a scarce good in the public realm; political negotiation will also neither unravel Colombia’s convoluted system of land ownership nor put an end to the drug trade. Critics of the government’s dealings with the FARC lambast the process as a surrender to international forces out to subvert Colombia’s sovereignty. 
 
So, we have the chance to sit down with Robert A. Karl, Assistant Professor of History at Princeton University and discuss some of the challenges on hand for Colombia and indeed talk about his new book "Forgotten Peace" and discuss some of the most important issues taking place in Colombia. 
Direct download: RCC_184.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:19am EDT

Author Tom Feiling joins us once again on Colombia Calling to talk about his new book entitled: "The Island that Disappeared. Old Providence and the Making of the Western World."

In a fascinating discussion we explore the history of the Colombian Caribbean island of Providencia, how the Puritans settled there in the 17th century, what the island has become and what the history means to today's island population.

Feiling is the author of two previous excellent books related to Colombia, including the Candy Machine about the cocaine trade and Short Walks from Bogotá, exploring a little of the contemporary history of this complex country.

Tune in to hear about the themes of Pirates and Puritans and how they affect both Britain and Providencia and a frank discussion of the island today. Then, buy the book on Amazon!

 

Direct download: RCC_183.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:56am EDT

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