Ana Tijoux’s parents fled Chile during Pinochet’s regime. This political legacy has left a clear mark on the Chilean rapper and singer’s lyrics. The acclaimed rap icon ignites a combat readiness and a zest for life with her melodic and socially engaged hip-hop.

“Ms. Tijoux is South America’s answer to Lauryn Hill: equally skillful at singing and rapping and determined to empower everyone, not just herself,” The New York Times has written about Ana Tijoux. The Chilean rap heroine has been active in the Latin American hip-hop scene since the late ‘90s. And for almost as long, she has been known for her lyrics about feminism, freedom, and social justice. Get your warrior get on: Ana Tijoux is fighting spirit and catchy melodies fused into one.

The esteemed rapper and singer was born in France to exiled parents who had fled Pinochet’s dictatorship. The political imprint is evident in her melodic hip-hop, infused with soul, funk, and jazz influences. She puts words to gender-based violence and violations of women’s rights, but her activist lyrics are just as full of vitality, hope, and solidarity. As Ana Tijoux herself has stated: “We are living in a bizarre moment. And there is nothing more political than defending life and defending humanity.” Her long-awaited fifth album ‘VIDA’ was released last year — ten years after its predecessor. Here, she sings: “Si se viene el fin del mundo / Bailemos desnudos juntos”– if the world is ending, then let’s dance naked together. Hopefully, we’ll still be here in June. But in the meantime, we can’t wait to dance together to her music.