The first day of Mexico City's Tecate Emblema festival on Friday (May 17) featured a sonically broad and mostly female-driven lineup, bringing everything from electro-pop to hip-hop to Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez's Curve 4 . As the icing on the cake at the festival, British star Sam Smith celebrated ahead of their upcoming birthdays.
On Friday the festival drew 59,000 attendees, according to promoter Ocesa, which received performances from Måneskin, Marshmello, Belanova, Noah Cyrus, Paty Cantú, Esteman, Matisse, RIIZE, Monsieur Periné, Elena Rose, Nicole Zignago, Alex Ponce and Here. , they all brought the best of their repertoire to the three stands set up at the former F1 venue in the Mexican capital.
Among the surprises this year at Tecate Emblema was the presence of Oscar-winning Mexican director Alfonso Cuaron, who accompanied by the stars of his award-winning film Roma (2018) and notable local rockers, attended the debut of Bu Cuaron's daughter on the Mexican stage. The Italian-Mexican singer and songwriter captivated locals and strangers alike with her indie pop set.
The program continues on Saturday (May 18) with Brazilian star Anitta, who kicks off her Baile Funk Experience world tour at Tecate Emblema. Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado were also expected to return to the Latin American country, as well as appearances by DJs Calvin Harris, Miranda!, Nicki Nicole, Aitana, Lali and Empress Of.
Below, check out five of our favorite moments from Day 1 of the 24th edition of Tecate Emblema.
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Sam Smith's love affair with Mexico
Two days before his 32nd birthday (May 19), Smith celebrated with Mexican fans with an energetic show crowned by one of their favorite actresses on the first day of Tecate Emblema. Even the rain that covered the capital of Mexico could not stop the wonderful party in which the singer stars and which coincided with the International Day Against Homophobia.
“My birthday is in two days and this is our last show, so I'm asking you to sing as loud as you can,” Smith said amid cheers from a loyal and loving crowd. Before the festival, Smith already predicted it was going to be a special night by posting a photo on social media it shows a fan holding a sign that read: “Sam, Mexico is your home.”
A champion of causes in favor of sexual diversity, the artist had a set consisting of new and old hits such as “How Do You Sleep?”, “I'm Not the Only One”, “Stay With Me”, “Like I Can', 'Diamonds', 'Good Thing', 'Dancing With a Stranger', 'Gloria' and 'Latch', their famous cover of Disclosure, one of the most anticipated songs of the night.
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Bu Cuarón's big debut
Bu Cuaron made her debut in the hometown of her father, famed director Alfonso Cuarón, who – to the surprise of those in attendance – was in the front row of a packed Shein stage to enjoy the young Italian-Mexican singer-songwriter/producer's performance . .
But the five-time Oscar winner wasn't alone. he was accompanied by the actors from his award-winning film Roma (2018), Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira. Also present were brothers Joselo and Quique Rangel (Café Tacvba), producer/musician Camilo Lara (Mexican Sound Institute) and actor/singer Diego Boneta.
Joined on stage by her brother Olmo on guitar, Bu presented her debut EP Drop When you drop deada dynamic set of electronic indie pop combined with hip-hop and acoustic styles released on April 10. During the show, songs such as “Viceversa”, “Paris” and her first single, “Come For Me” were played.
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The Beauty of Monsieur Periné
Another female act who stood out during Day 1 was Colombian band Monsieur Periné and singer Catalina García, who captivated the audience with swing, pop, salsa and even a little jazz, in songs like “Volverte a Ver” . Mundo Paralelo, “Mi Libertad” and “Nuestra Canción”.
Monsieur Periné also commemorated the International Day Against Homophobia and took the opportunity to spread a message of female empowerment. “I want to see all the women, the women who don't stay silent, the strong women,” Garcia shouted, drawing a round of applause.
Her talent, beauty and charisma stole the hearts of the festival audience.
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Måneskin's rock
Italian band Måneskin was one of the headliners at the festival on Friday. Although they've sold out shows on their previous visits to Mexico City, the Tecate Emblema crowd wasn't exactly the rockiest. The group gave it their all on stage, delivering an energetic set aimed at enthralling those unfamiliar with their music.
Lead singer Damiano David moved back and forth trying to energize the crowd while his bandmates gave a masterclass of powerful guitar riffs during songs such as “Gasoline”, “Zitti E Buoni”, “Kool Kids” and their own their version of “Beggin'” from The Four Seasons.
The audience vibe may not have been what Måneskin expected, but the group proved why they are one of today's most beloved acts among classic and heavy metal rock fans.
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Hearts Dance With Belanova's Return
Reunited after a six-year hiatus, Mexican electro-pop trio Belanova – taking to the stage at a second festival in Mexico, after Vive Latino – was one of the most famous songs on the bill, getting thousands dancing to the beat of hits like ” Aún Te Vas', 'Baila Mi Corazón', 'Me Pregunto', 'Cada Que' and the most anticipated of the night, 'Rosa Pastel'.
The surrounding area of the stage where Denisse Guerrero (vocals), Édgar Huerta (keyboards) and Richie Arreola (bass) played was packed with fans new and old singing every song at the top of their lungs, creating a warm and exciting atmosphere for the club.
Dressed in a long cape with large ruffles, singer Paty Cantú — who also performed as part of Friday's lineup — joined Guerrero on “Tus Ojos,” which further fired up the crowd's spirit, which transformed part of the meadow of Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. on a big track.
from our partners at https://www.billboard.com/lists/tecate-emblema-2024-festival-mexico-day-1-best-moments-recap/