Embarking on their first US tour, Mexican anti-boy band AQUIHAYAQUIHAY introduced Los Angeles fans to their unique style of R&B/hip-hop, providing yet another example of what Mexican artists have to offer the US music industry.
Since their start in 2016, AQUIHAYAQUIHAY had yet to step out on a US tour until given a chance this year to play in major cities, including Chicago, New York, Houston, and finally, Los Angeles.
The band played their first-ever show to LA fans at the historic Roxy Theatre on the Sunset Strip just a day before they were set to play the Viva! Pomona Festival in Pomona, CA. Many fans at the Roxy were also planning to join the band for their performance the following day, wondering when they’d have the chance to see the Mexico-based group again.
After talking to fans, some had even traveled from Mexico just like the group to support them and have a chance to hear their songs played. It’s clear they not only have a strong fanbase in Latina America but in the US as well, given the number of people present signing their songs word-for-word.
Fans were granted a perfectly intimate experience at the Roxy Theatre, gifting them a chance to hear the band play a full-hour set, including hits like ‘Tiempo Perfecto,’ ‘Tanto,’ and ‘Karma’ that launched the group to success. Many Latin fans filled the room, singing along to the group’s songs in their native language. This made for an immediate special connection with the crowd, knowing they had been waiting for the day the group would travel from Mexico and perform in the States.
Making the show even more personal, AQUIHAYAQUIHAY invited fans to join them onstage and dance to one of the last songs on the set list, ‘B-Day,’ celebrating life with their fans and any recent birthdays. Throughout the performance, the group interacted with the crowd by grabbing phones to record, taking photos with fans mid-set, hopping into the crowd to sing, and even chatting with attendees close to the stage.
They perform their shows in a way all fans would hope their favorite artist does, singing every word, giving off high energy, and making sure to interact with everyone in the crowd as often as possible.
The night was indeed a success for the group, an indicator that they have the potential to grow their fanbase internationally and return to the US for a second tour. The band had signed with their international label Dim Mak En Fuego in 2020, an underground Latin label produced by Steve Aoki, but had just had the chance to tour through their backing.
Fans are hoping the group will be able to return to the US soon, and if not, I’m sure they will be willing to travel to Mexico to see them play as some did in Los Angeles that night.
Highwire Magazine 