AS the vibrant petals of Jacaranda bloom across Harare this October, the Thorn Park Polo Grounds will pulse with colour, rhythm and irresistible energy especially on October 4 when the Madrid-based sextet Candeleros performs.
The group comprises six core members namely Alexander Fernández (synths/guitar), Andrés Ramírez (minor percussion), Fernando Ochoa (guitar), Julio Alcocer (congas, djembe), Sergio Graterol (electronic drums) and Urko Larrañaga (bass).
Candeleros’ most recent LP, Buku o Muerte (2025), signals a mature, refined yet still wildly unpredictable sound, one that audiences in Harare are about to witness first-hand.
Its on-stage chemistry stems from deep respect for its roots and a shared vision of pushing musical boundaries.
Special guest Kalusa, a standout Mozambican musician, adds yet another rhythmic layer to the groups' evolving sonic identity.
Presented by the embassy of Spain, the performance promises to be one of the most electrifying highlights of the Jacaranda Music Festival 2025, running from October 3 to 5.
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Since its inception, the Jacaranda Music Festival has grown into one of Zimbabwe’s premier cultural gatherings, known for its rich blend of international artistry and local talent.
The 2025 edition continues this legacy, showcasing more than 30 acts over three days from jazz legends to cutting-edge world music innovators.
The scenic Thorn Park Polo Grounds will host this year’s expanded programming, with daily performances starting at 2pm.
Tickets are available at Café Nush (Avondale, Village Walk, Highlands Park) and Techtools Gadget Garage in Avondale.
Walter Wanyanya, founder and artistic director for the Jacaranda Music Festival, said they discovered Candeleros through Jacaranda Music Festival cultural networks.
“We Have always believed Jacaranda should be a space for cultural exchange, not just entertainment,” he said.
“Through partnerships and conversations with international cultural bodies, we managed to secure them. It’s a big win for us and for the audience to see a group of their calibre perform in Harare.
“Fans can expect high-energy, authentic Latin sounds. Their music is rooted in tradition but very contemporary in feel.
“They will fit perfectly because Jacaranda is about being a melting pot of sounds Afrobeat, amapiano, rhumba, Latin all sharing the same stage. It’s a musical conversation across cultures.”
What makes Candeleros captivating isn’t just its fusion of old and new songs, but how it weaves trance-like rituals into every performance.
Anchored by rhythms like sangueos, quitiplas and culo e’ puya, they layer in drum machines, synthesisers, and hypnotic guitar melodies that stir both the soul and the dance floor.
Their compositions are sonic journeys through folklore, urban life, resistance and celebration.
Each performance becomes a sensory exploration of memory and movement.
Candeleros’ studio and live recordings include Candeleros EP (2017) which introduced its signature blend of cumbia, champeta, and urban electronics.
Sabe qué pasa? (2018) and En Vivo (Sala Juglar) (2016), El Bululú (2023) deepened their dive into folkloric Caribbean textures.
Candeleros offer a unique blend of music and is increasingly becoming a testimony to the fact that people always prefer seeing artists performing on machines.
Candeleros restore rhythm as a communal force, including using groove as a language, percussion as philosophy and trance as liberation.
Its set at Jacaranda is poised to do more than entertain, it will also ignite, transform and unite.