From the neighborhood to the Movistar Arena: Nanpa Básico celebrated 20 years of career with 62 songs and a "yes" on stage.

For one night, the Movistar Arena in Bogotá became a neighborhood, with a stadium, graffiti, and a van reminiscent of the 1980s. There, amid lights and applause, Nanpa Básico burst onto the scene to celebrate their career alongside their audience, local and international artists, and a wedding proposal on stage.

Francisco Rosero, better known as Nanpa Básico, one of the most important names in rap and hip hop in Colombia in recent decades, celebrated his 20 years of career with a concert on the Bogotá stage - exorcising the energies of the recent violent episode there - on August 9th, a date that sold out tickets and was the first of two consecutive presentations in the capital, the city that saw him grow as an artist.

Inside and outside the indoor stadium, the attendees were dressed in all sorts of outfits, as diverse as the repertoire they were about to hear: a sea of styles from the most urban, with baggy trousers that graze the floor, oversized t-shirts, flat caps, braids of all shapes, bucket hats and shiny sneakers, to the most bohemian and alternative, reminiscent of a hipster era when chunky boots, square-framed glasses, dresses with geometric patterns, ties and even heels matched one of Nanpa Básico's most iconic accessories: the elegant hat, which many of their fans also wore.

The ratio of men to women was almost perfect, and the black headbands with red and white letters that read “Nanpa Basic” stood out equally on their heads.

Around 8 p.m., the audience's excitement filled the air. People stood up and chanted, "Nanpa, Nanpa!"

In the neighborhood, there were utility poles from which, like so many streets in Colombia, hung the typical shoes abandoned after a game. The cement-colored, graffiti-covered stands stretched from side to side. Among them, one stood out: "Made with rap."

Three artists opened the night: MC Kno, representative of local hip hop from Manizales, was the first to warm up the atmosphere with classic boom-pop beats, a rap style with powerful rhythms and dry beats reminiscent of the golden age of hip hop. He was followed by Maca y Jero, a pop duo from Bogotá known for their acoustic tracks and the contrast between her sweet voice and the forcefulness of his.

The opening act was closed by Kei Linch, who with his powerful presence, raw lyrics, and melancholic trap music put the audience in a reflective mood. In the middle of his opening act, he invited Totoy el Frío from Barranquilla onto the stage to perform "Nitiwey."

“I wanna see you shake that ass to the 808,” said Kei Lynch, alluding to the chest-thumping, floor-shaking bass beat characteristic of rap and trap. The audience complied.

"Let the warmth of the cold be felt!" the artist shouted before saying goodbye with 'In Another Life,' a song about loves that transcend death, eternal loves.

Around 9 p.m., a short film was shown on the screens: a family who must leave their land to try their luck in the city, embarking on the journey in a 1980s Chevrolet CK pickup truck. This wasn't just a stage prop, as this model was a popular means of transportation in rural areas and characterized everyday life and hard work in the country for decades.

“This is a tribute to all those who left their homes chasing a dream,” the screen read. Suddenly, that same truck burst onto the stage. “Bars and killer flow, criao on the street of the Latin Quarter,” sang a raspy, almost guttural voice, and thus the Nanpa Básico concert erupted. On the steps that formed the stage, there was a full band: drums, snare drums, guitar, piano, trumpet, saxophone, trombone, and even the characteristic salsa bell. To one side, a choir of voices added sparkle to the music.

"How are we, Bogotá? Can you hear us up there? Representing all the neighborhoods of the world!" were the words with which the singer greeted the capital's residents, while wearing a yellow suit with pearls bordering the map of Colombia on the back.

Nanpa performed "Como Tú Todas" and "Pero No Soy Yo," both from his 2022 album "Hecho Mierda." Thanks to the band, these songs didn't sound like classic rap but had rock undertones, which got the audience jumping and bobbing their heads to the drum beat.

The singer, born in Paisa, recalled that it was Bogotá that "gave him life" musically. "I'm celebrating 20 years of making music," he said, and dedicated the Movistar Arena to his family, especially his four children.

Paying tribute to her long musical career, the concert's set list was extensive, tracing her life as an artist. She performed songs ranging from "Prototipo" (2014), one of her first major hits, to songs from her most recent album, "Duelo" (2024). It was more than three hours of nonstop music, with 62 songs that kept the audience on their feet and screaming at the top of their lungs.

Nanpa Básico shared the stage with seven special guests who made the concert a gathering and celebration of urban music.

The night began with Maisak, with whom they presented a new song at the concert. Next up was Alka, one of Colombia's most prominent urban producers, who has collaborated with artists such as Feid and Lee Eye. In honor of his early years in the music scene, he performed alongside Sinfonía Latina, his first rap group.

DFZM, known for his participation in the song "+57," also took the stage, along with Karol G, Maluma, and several other Colombian artists. Together, they announced a new song.

Amidst the euphoria, there was a respite, a moment that stopped the sound and changed the atmosphere of the Movistar Arena. During one of the songs Nanpa Básico sang solo, a couple came up on stage. The concertgoer reached into his pocket, took out the ring, and knelt down, while she placed her hands over her face. The entire audience, amid shouts, applause, and even tears, waited for her, who was also teary-eyed, to say yes.

“Sometimes we lose the most beautiful thing in life, which is the profound,” said the artist before beginning “Love Me Like This,” with a special dedication to those who are engaged.

Other prominent figures in the urban genre were also present: Gera MX, who sang his international hit "Botella tras Botella," which the audience sang with the same passion as any anthem of heartbreak. Next up, Hamilton, one of Colombia's promising Afrobeat artists, played several of his own songs and brought a little swing to the stage with his hip movements.

Finally, and to close out the list of collaborations, Beéle appeared to sing "Hasta Aquí Llegué" with Nanpa Básico, one of the moments when the crowd sang along the most to their songs. In unison, they sang "de amor na na na na na na nadie se muere" (of love, na na na na na na no one dies), with their hands raised and their eyes closed.

The concert ended with "Sin ti estoy bien," leaving the audience's energy at its highest point. "Bogotá, are you satisfied now, or not yet?" asked Nanpa Básico before receiving applause that lasted several minutes. With their voices hoarse from singing at the top of their lungs, the audience left the Movistar Arena happy.

CAROL TATIANA GOMEZ SUAREZ

EL TIEMPO SCHOOL OF MULTIMEDIA JOURNALISM