Spotlight On: LIDO PIMIENTA

ABOUT THIS WEEK’S SHERO IN THE SPOTLIGHT:

Lido Pimienta grew up in Colombia, but as a teenager fled the violence and turmoil of her home country and immigrated to Canada, where she is based to this day. As a born artist, and from a half-indigenous background, Lido suffered racism and bullying as a child, but was constantly finding ways to bring color and creativity to her world. By her early teens, Lido was fronting a metal band; when she immigrated to Canada, she found her community in the DIY and punk scene, while staying connected to her Colombian roots through music, and using art and music to speak out on socio-political issues. Eventually, Lido’s absolutely astounding voice and her sound evolved into a multi-layered hybrid of Afro-Latin and electronic music, and in 2017, her self-produced, self-released 2016 album La Papessa became the first Spanish language album to receive the coveted Polaris Prize for best Canadian album of the year, ahead of leonard cohen and feist. This was followed by Miss Colombia, Lido Pimienta’s critically hailed 2020 album, which was nominated both for a Latin Grammy and a 2021 Grammy Award. Already at work on her next album and numerous creative projects, Lido Pimienta’s art as activism, and her colorful joy, are as needed as ever.  

Our playlist includes new music from Billie Eilish and Joy Oladokun. Plus a striking and poignant new track called “Right On Time” from powerhouse Brandi Carlile off of her upcoming album set for release this October.