The first day of the Tecate Emblema festival in Mexico City on Friday (May 17) featured a lineup that was sonically broad and led mainly by women, bringing everything from electro-pop to hip-hop to the Curve 4 of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. As the icing on the cake at the fest, British star Sam Smith celebrated ahead of their upcoming birthday.
On Friday the festival gathered 59,000 attendees, according to promoter Ocesa, who took in shows from Måneskin, Marshmello, Belanova, Noah Cyrus, Paty Cantú, Esteman, Matisse, RIIZE, Monsieur Periné, Elena Rose, Nicole Zignago, Alex Ponce and Ácido Pantera, all of whom brought the best of their repertoire to the three stages set up at the former F1 venue in the Mexican capital.
Among the surprises this year at Tecate Emblema was the presence of the Mexican Oscar-winning filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, who, accompanied by the stars of his award-winning film Roma (2018) and notable local rockers, attended the Mexican stage debut of his daughter Bu Cuaron. The Italo-Mexican singer-songwriter captivated both locals and strangers with her indie pop set.
The program continues on Saturday (May 18) with Brazilian star Anitta, who is kicking off her world tour Baile Funk Experience at Tecate Emblema. Also highly anticipated was the return of Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado to the Latin American country, as well as performances by DJ Calvin Harris, Miranda!, Nicki Nicole, Aitana, Lali and Empress Of.
Below, see five of our favorite moments from Day 1 of the 24th edition of Tecate Emblema.
Sam Smith’s Love Affair With Mexico
Two days before his 32nd birthday (May 19), Smith celebrated with Mexican fans with an energetic show that crowned them one of the favorite acts during the first day of Tecate Emblema. Not even the rain that covered the Mexican capital could stop the great party in which the singer starred, and which coincided with the International Day Against Homophobia.
“My birthday is in two days and this is the latest show we have given, so I ask you to sing as loud as you can,” Smith said amid the cheers of a loyal and loving audience. Before the festival, Smith had already anticipated that it would be a special night by posting on a photo on social media showing a fan holding a sign that read: “Sam, Mexico is your home.”
A defender of causes in favor of sexual diversity, the artist had a set consisting of new and old hits, including “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 Disclosure cover, one of the most anticipated songs of the night.
Bu Cuarón’s Big Debut
Bu Cuaron made her debut performance in the native country of her father, renowned filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, who — to the surprise of attendees — was in the front row of a packed Shein Tent to enjoy the young Italo-Mexican singer-songwriter/producer’s performance.
But the five-time Oscar winner was not alone; he was accompanied by the actresses from his award-winning film Roma (2018), Yalitza Aparicio and Marina de Tavira. Also in attendance were brothers Joselo and Quique Rangel (Café Tacvba), producer/musician Camilo Lara (Mexican Institute of Sound) and actor/singer Diego Boneta.
Joined onstage by her brother Olmo on guitar, Bu presented her debut EP Drop by When You Drop Dead, a dynamic set of electronic indie pop fused with hip-hop and acoustic styles that she released on April 10. During the show, songs like “Viceversa,” “Paris” and her first single, “Come For Me,” were played.
The Beauty of Monsieur Periné
Another female-led act who stood out during Day 1 was Colombian band Monsieur Periné and vocalist Catalina García, who seduced the audience with rhythms of swing, pop, salsa and even a bit of jazz, in songs like “Volverte a Ver,” “Mundo Paralelo,” “Mi Libertad” and “Nuestra Canción.”
Monsieur Periné also honored the International Day Against Homophobia, and took the opportunity to deliver a message of female empowerment. “I want to see all the women, the women who do not stay silent, the strong women,” García shouted, unleashing an ovation.
Her talent, beauty and charisma stole the hearts of the festival audience.
Måneskin’s Rock
Italian band Måneskin was one of the headliners at the festival on Friday. Though they’ve sold out shows on previous visits to Mexico City, the Tecate Emblema crowd was not exactly the most rock-inclined. The group gave their all on stage, delivering an energetic set aimed at captivating those unfamiliar with their music.
Vocalist Damiano David moved back and forth trying to energize the crowd, while his bandmates gave a masterclass with powerful guitar riffs during songs like “Gasoline,” “Zitti E Buoni,” “Kool Kids” and their own version of “Beggin’” by The Four Seasons.
The audience’s air might not have been what Måneskin expected, but the group demonstrated why they are one of today’s most beloved acts among classic and heavy metal rock enthusiasts.
Hearts Dance With Belanova’s Return
Reunited after a six-year hiatus, the Mexican electro-pop trio Belanova — taking the stage at a second festival in Mexico, after Vive Latino — was one of the most celebrated acts on the bill, making thousands dance to the rhythm of hits like “Aún Te Vas,” “Baila Mi Corazón,” “Me Pregunto,” “Cada Que” and the most anticipated of the night, “Rosa Pastel.”
The surroundings of the stage where Denisse Guerrero (vocals), Édgar Huerta (keyboards) and Richie Arreola (bass) performed were completely packed with fans new and old chanting each song at the top of their lungs, creating a warm and exciting atmosphere for the group.
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 roused the spirit of the audience, who transformed part of the grassland of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez into a large dance floor.
