Beskrivning
Beskrivning
Unlike much of theliterature on Venezuela in the Chávez period, this book shifts focus away from’top down’ perspectives to examine how Venezuelan folksinger Alí Primera (1942-1985)became intertwined with Venezuelan politics, both during his lifetime andposthumously. Alí’s ‘Necessary Songs’ offered cultural resources that enabled Chávez to connect with pre-existingpatterns of grassroots activism in ways that resonated deeply with the poor andmarginalised masses. Official support for Alí’s legacy led the songs to beused in new ways in the Chávez period, as Venezuelans actively engaged withthem to redefine themselves in relation to the state and to reach newunderstandings of their place within a changed society. This book is essential reading notonly for those interested in popular music and politics, but for all thoseseeking to better understand how Chávez was able to successfully identifyhimself so profoundly with the Venezuelan masses, and they with him.
