This is my last blog entry before leaving Mexico. Many things come to my mind about the relationship between our two countries: but probably the one that connects us the most is, and will always be, music.
British music is incredibly popular in Mexico. To give you an idea, there is a Mexican radio station called ‘Universal’ that plays two hours of Beatles music – every day - from Monday to Friday.
There is also a special “British Hour” every Saturday on “Toño Esquinca y la Muchedumbre”, one of Mexico’s most popular radio shows. The Embassy has an excellent relationship with the DJ and we frequently take part to promote our work and activities – recently, I had the chance of participating (and choosing some songs by the Kinks, David Bowie and the Smiths)!
Last year we arranged a concert by the popular band “Jenny and the Mexicats” during the “Festival of Cultures” in Mexico City. As the name suggests, Jenny is British, while the rest of her band is Mexican. Before the concert, the band took a ride on a GREAT branded double decker bus with our former Ambassador Judith Macgregor. While this year’s “Festival of Cultures” included a private concert by the Mexican jazz band Troker, who then travelled to perform at Glastonbury.
This October, as part of our next GREAT Week, we will host a music trade mission, in collaboration with industry experts. This will allow companies to meet potential partners and key industry stakeholders, as well as attending the Corona Capital Music Festival.
Corona Capital is Mexico’s leading arts and music festival, offering a combination of world-class international artists and a prime location in the heart of Mexico City. Many British bands - including Massive Attack, The Kooks, Kasabian, and Metronomy, among others - will play at the Festival this year. We think this will be a great way to promote British music. And in UKTI Mexico we will draw on the resources of our own resident rock star, Francisco Ponce (who plays locally with three bands, and once opened for AC/DC!).
Music has been one of the highlights of my time in Mexico – there is certainly more to the local scene than “Going Loco Down In Acapulco”! And it offers an excellent stage for UK-Mexico co-operation.
Check out the doing business in Mexico guide and contact the UKTI Team for more help and guidance.