by Craig Harris

With its sizzling mix of ska, rock, hip-hop, and traditional Latin music, Café Tacuba is one of Mexico's hottest bands. One of the "50 Future Latin American Leaders" according to Time magazine, the group continues to share its exciting dance music with audiences throughout Central and South America. Signed by Warner Music, in 1992, Café Tacuba has consistently exceeded the label's expectations. Their self-titled debut album sold more than 40,000 copies and was certified double gold in Mexico. The band's music was introduced to an international audience after the band was featured on a multi-artist compilation En Sessions at West 54th Street. Recorded at a New York nightclub, the album was called "the equivalent of the Beatles' White Album for the rock en español movement" by the New York Times. Café Tacuba continued its success with the funk-inspired Re in 1994, and Reves/Yosoy, which received a Best Rock Album of the Year award at the first Latin Grammy award ceremonies in 1999. The Tiempo Transcurrido collection followed two years later, but the band remained inactive as the members explored solo projects and took time away from the group. Refreshed by 2002, they stepped back into the studio and recorded the Vale Callampa EP.

Café Tacuba was formed in the northern suburbs of Mexico City by design students Ruben "Nru" Albarran, guitarist Joselo Rangel and his bassist brother Enrique "Quique" Rangel, and keyboardist Emanuel DeReal.