Quique Escamilla

Brief Biography

Born and raised in the tropical south of the state of Chiapas, this multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer and recording artist has been based in Toronto since 2007. Lately, he has become a favourite on various CBC radio shows, and in January, 2012, he released a self titled EP album, presented and recorded live by CBC Radio. Quique captivates his audience with diverse sounds based on traditional Mexican styles such as ranchera and huapango, and infused with reggae, ska, pop, jazz, cumbia, and bolero. His lyrics carry powerful messages inspired by various issues including human and civil rights, immigration reform, global conservation, anti-racism, discrimination, anti-oppression and Indigenous rights.

ARTIST WEBSITE: quiqueescamilla.com

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Quique Escamilla was born and raised to a family of six in the warm, tropical southern lands of the state of Chiapas, Mexico. Today Quique Escamilla is a multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter, producer and CBC recording artist based in the city of Toronto since 2007. In 2011 he was discovered by radio producers and has since become a favourite artist on popular Toronto CBC radio shows such as: Here and Now, Metro Morning, Fresh Air, Big City Small World, CBC Toronto Presents Series: Hot Music for a Cold Month and the annual Christmas fundraiser Sounds of the Season aired live from the Glenn Gould studio. In January 2012 he released his self titled EP album, presented and recorded live by CBC Radio. Throughout 25 years of performing in various places from small, intimate house concerts to larger scale shows at Toronto's Harbourfront, Quique has mastered the art and skill of captivating and engaging his audience as well as breaking down language barriers through his powerful voice, passionate delivery and diverse styles of music. His music represents and unifies traditional Mexican styles of music such as: ranchera and huapango infused with modern sounds of rock, reggae, ska, pop, jazz, cumbia, bolero and a variety of other Latin American rhythms. His lyrics carry powerful messages that are inspired by and support various social and political issues such as: human and civil rights, immigration reform, global conservation, anti-racism, discrimination, anti-oppression and Indigenous rights. Despite the distance from his homeland, Quique remains strongly attached to his Mexican roots. He is honoured to be in Canada to share with his audiences a flavour of Mexican culture and traditions through his music and live performances. "He's a unique talent who holds to the traditions of heavyweights like Bob Marley and Manu Chao!" -Garvia Bailey, CBC Radio