5 Reasons to Listen to 'Niños del Bosque' by AKIRA
- Louise Clark
- Aug 11
- 2 min read
With Niños del Bosque (“Children of the Forest”), Argentina and Switzerland-based artist AKIRA has delivered a debut that feels like both a celebration and a call to arms. Rooted in Cumbia, Salsa, Bachata, and the wider Latin diaspora’s musical traditions, the record weaves lush psychedelic textures, cinematic guitar work, and deep, danceable grooves into something entirely new: Psychedelic Cumbia. Inspired by the mythic spirit of Princess Mononoke and grounded in stories of love, loss, and resistance, Niños del Bosque is an album that demands to be experienced—not just heard. Here’s why it should be your next listen.
1. It reinvents Cumbia for a new generation
AKIRA doesn’t just play with traditional rhythms—he bends and expands them, adding psychedelic guitar layers, dub-infused basslines, and cinematic atmospheres. It’s both familiar and groundbreaking.
2. A deep connection to Latin American heritage
Every track feels rooted in history—whether it’s the folkloric pulse of “Kumbia de los Pájaros” or the ancestral homage in “Abuele x Abueli.” The album carries the voices and spirits of generations.
3. Storytelling that’s spiritual and political
From the warrior pride of “Mononoke” to the social critique in “La Del Ladrón,” AKIRA uses his music to connect personal experience with broader struggles, weaving resistance and hope into the fabric of the songs.
4. A cinematic listening experience
The reverberated vocals, layered guitars, and dynamic percussion create a rich soundscape—like stepping into a vivid film where each track is a scene in a larger story.
5. Danceable, yet deeply reflective
Whether you’re moving to the irresistible groove of “La Faldita” or contemplating loss with “Cumbia Negra,” the album balances joy and introspection in a way few artists achieve.
