Morning Becomes Eclectic playlist: Apr. 3, 2024

Hot on the heels of releasing an intensely awaited debut album — Malegría — psych-cumbia project Reyna Tropical’s founding member Fabi Reyna is bringing it to KCRW’s Annenberg Performance Studio. Formed in 2016 as “an organic, unhurried exchange between Fabi Reyna and Nectali “Sumohair” Diaz,” the project morphed into a solo project following Diaz’s untimely death in 2022. As a duo, Reyna Tropical received accolades from NPR’s Alt Latino, toured with Colombian electro-groovers Bomba Estéreo, and engaged in their own globe-trotting “tropical journey” to deepen and inform their signature sound.

More:5 Songs to Hear This Week: Reyna Tropical, Mamalarky, BODEGA

Still reeling from the tragic loss of this primary creative collaboration, Reyna has taken the time and all of the considerations necessary to share her 20 track LP at last. Even the title, Malegría, was taken from a 1998 Manu Chao song of the same name, essentially translating to “bittersweet.” It’s a fitting description for the moment in which Reyna finds herself as much of the album’s material was conceived in physical collaboration with Diaz, while everything from the musical arrangements to the album title required her to consult with Diaz in more metaphysical ways.

Scrub to 02:05:14 for the full show where Reyna (guitar, vocals) and Nay Mapalo (bass, synths, drums beats) are ready and waiting to get your blood pumping and your feels flowing through Malegría cuts: “Cartagena,” “Movimiento,” “Suavecito,” Conocerla,” “Ya Va Pasar,” and “Dolor.” And listen out for the extra special dedication to Sumohair ahead of “Dolor,” as Reyna reflects on the fact that she’s fulfilling one of his biggest dreams for their partnership — performing Live From KCRW.