A member of the all-female band "Wha Wha Buga" from Donostia, Spain, explains how the group started and gives her perspective on women in the music business.

People often say that Símon Bolívar, aka El Libertador, is to the people of Venezuela what George Washington is to the people of the United States. This is not entirely inaccurate, but this 19th century general and native son of Caracas retains a rock star / savior status that might equally be compared with Bob Marley’s place in the hearts of Jamaicans (and tender souled frat boys).

Manu Chao is French, but he has Spanish roots. He sings in six or seven different languages, from Spanish to English to Arabic, and his music has even more diverse influences. “Clandestino,” the title track from Manu’s first album, deals with the issue of immigration: “I wrote it about the border between Europe and those coming from poorer nations. Look around – maybe thirty percent of the people in this street are clandestino (illegal).”

This politically charged tune, rife with language that will get you sent to the principal’s office on at least three continents, won the Latin Grammy award for best video in 2003. Note that native speakers instantly recognize that much of the Spanish is sung in an exaggerated “gringo” accent, so you may not want to imitate it!!

Molotov brings us another inspired video that doubles as a lesson in modern Mexico: PAN, PRI, PRD, and el bono sexenal! By the way, do you know why Rudy Giuliani’s image appears so often in Molotov videos?