Chile has a long-standing tradition of activist singer-songwriters who have led entire Latin American musical movements, beginning with the seminal work of assassinated poet-songwriter Victor Jara. In the 1970s Jara was one of the pioneers of the conscious music movement called “New Latin American Song.”

This week’s Global Notes highlights a variety of Chilean artists. Several are heading to Chicago this summer.

The pioneer roots rockers Los Jaivas have been active for more than three decades. An iconic group that is revered in their homeland, they rocked out at the 2012 edition of Lollapalooza Chile and will bring their distinctive Andean-rooted activist folk rock tunes to Lollapalooza 2012 in Chicago.

Grammy-nominated Ana Tijoux, the poetess rapper and daughter of exiled activists who grew up in France, has been a highly active participant in Chilean student protests. Tijoux plays at Millennium Park as part of the Downtown Sound series.

Chico Trujillo, a ten-member ensemble founded by ex-punk rockers, adds ska and reggae to their frantic, highly energetic cumbias. This band embodies Chile’s loose, wild and free post-dictatorship energy. Chico Trujillo also returns to Chicago as part of Downtown Sound.

Finally, Barcelona-based Chilean mix-master D.J. Raff’s smart beats go from the wild to the reflective. Along with a stellar line-up of alternative Latino artists from Latin America and Spain, DJ Raff will showcase at the 2012 edition of the Latin Alternative Music Conference in New York City this July.

Track List:

1. Ana Tijoux - Sacar La Voz
2. Los Jaivas - Arauco Tiene Una Pena
3. Chico Trujillo - El Gran Pecador
4. Dj Raff- Latino and Proud