Makiza
| Company type | Music group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Hip hop music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Defunct | 2006 |
Area served | Chile, Latin America |
| Products | Albums: Vida Salvaje, Aerolíneas Makiza, Casino Royal |
Makiza was a Chilean hip hop ensemble established in 1997, distinguished by its politically motivated lyrics that challenged the military regime. Prior to their dissolution in 2006, Makiza emerged as one of the most prominent hip hop groups in Chile.
History
In 1999, Makiza launched Aerolineas Makiza under the Sony Music Entertainment label, which had developed an interest in Chilean rap following the success of Tiro de Gracia. This album included upgraded versions of songs from Vida Salvaje along with two new tracks, notably the popular "La Rosa de los Vientos." The release established Makiza as a leading force within Latin America's hip-hop scene, drawing inspiration from New York’s underground movement and the Native Tongues collective. Their lyrical content consciously steered clear of conventional rap subjects such as "machismo" and violence, thereby attracting a wider audience.
In 2000, Makiza produced a rendition of Los Tres' "Somos tontos, no pesados." Later that year, the group entered a hiatus as members focused on individual ventures ahead of a contemplated regional tour. During this period, lead singer Tijoux declared her exit from both hip-hop and music entirely.
By 2001, Tijoux collaborated with the well-known band Barrio Santo, contributing to "La persecución" and "La bienvenida," before relocating back to France until 2004. She recorded her debut solo piece, "Santiago Penando Estas," for the tribute compilation Después Vivir un Siglo, honoring Violeta Parra, which enjoyed acclaim in both Chile and France.
Upon her return to Chile in 2003, Tijoux partnered with funk group Aluzinati, performed "Lo Que Tu Me Das" alongside Mexican singer Julieta Venegas for the soundtrack of the film Subterra, and appeared on Mexican hip-hop collective Control Machete's final album Uno, Dos: Bandera.
In 2004, Makiza regrouped to support a remastered edition release of Vida Salvaje. The active members Tijoux and Seo2 revived the band and began creating new material. Their third studio release, Casino Royale (2005), was issued through the independent label Bizarre Records, featuring production contributions from Cenzi, Erasmo de la Parra, Dj Raff, Dj Who, and guest rapper Sonido Ácido. Concurrently, Tijoux lent her voice to the character "Nea" in the animated series Pulentos.
The collective ultimately disbanded permanently in 2006 due to conflicting perspectives regarding their musical style and production approach.
Discography
- Vida Salvaje (Independent, 2012)
- Aerolíneas Makiza (Sony, 2010)
- Vida Salvaje (Remasterizado) (2006)
- Casino Royal (Bizarro, 2004)