"Weed Day" or "Marijuana Appreciation Day" is traditionally observed on April 20. The popular counterculture holiday in North American became an official celebration during the '70s when a group of people from San Rafael, California, which called themselves the "Waldo's," went on a search for a cannabis crop they had heard about. Legend has it that the "Waldo's" decided to meet at the Louis Pasteur statue on the San Rafael High School campus at 4:20 p.m. They referred to their plan as "4:20 Louis," but they later simply called it "4:20."
The popular "420" phrase became a thing after Steven Hagar, editor of High Times magazine, introduced the "Waldo's" story to the national audience. Hager also attributed the early spread of the phrase to Grateful Dead followers, who were also linked to the city of San Rafael. With that said, we present to you eight Hispanic reggae groups or artists you should listen to, especially if celebrating 420 is up your ally. Did we leave anyone behind? Let us know in the comments below!
CULTURA PROFETICA (Puerto Rico)
Cultura Profética is a Puerto Rican reggae band formed in 1996 by members Willy Rodríguez, Boris Bilbraut, Eliut González, and Omar Silva. In their lyrics, the group targets socio-political and ecological issues including Latin American identity and environmental concerns, as well as interpersonal relationships and love.
LOS PERICOS (Argentina)
With hits such as "Pupilas Lejanas," "Runaway" and "Waiting For Your Love," Los Pericos are a huge deal in South America! The Argentine band formed in 1987 is also known for their authentic ska sounds.
MANU CHAO (Spain)
Manu Chao, founder of late '80s band Mano Negra, is a French-born musician of Spanish origin. He sings in French, Spanish, English, Italian, Arabic, Catalan, Galician, Portuguese and occasionally in other languages.
LOS CAFRES (Argentina)
Los Cafres is a reggae-roots band from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The bad was formed in 1987 and gained internacional success throughout the '90s with hits such as "Aire."
PHILLIP MONTALBAN (Nicaragua)
Phillip Montalban is an Afro-Nicaragua singer/songwriter from the coast of Nicaragua. Some of his most popular songs include: "Pachamama," "Selah" and "Reggae, sana mi nacion."
FIDEL NADAL (Argentina)
Fidel Nadal is an Afro-Argentine musician and artist born to an anthropologist mother and a film director father. His hit single "International Love" is part of the soundtrack of EA SPORTS FIFA games
GONDWANA (Chile)
Gondwana is a reggae group from La Pincoya, Santiago, Chile, who became well-known in Latin America through jams like "Sentimiento Original."
DREAD MAR I (Argentina)
Dread Mar I started his career in 2005 in Argentina. He has seven studio albums. He won Best Reggae Album at the 2013 Premios Gardel.
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