Right from the start, the band has shown their protest nature which lead the band to reflect social issues in their lyrics. Most of their songs look at immigration, social inequality and the conflict of interests that look down on human being. In 2002 the band began to play in Barcelona: the streets, the bars, the tube and the suburban trains were their first stages. The band was first noticed internationally through their contribution SIN PAPELES on the sampler LA COLIFATA, which represents the mestizo scene of Barcelona.
They dedicated their debut TRIPPI TOWN (2003) to the Plaza del Trippi (George Orwell Square), the place where they met. The album is a product of many different musical influences: a journey through reggae, ragga, punk-latin and argentinian folklore. A subsequent tour followed through Europe (France, Belgium, Italy, Spain). Lots of shows and lots of friends from all over the world… a great influence for their second album: ALERTA BIHOTZA!!! (2005)
It is a multicultural album that takes the listener to the reggae-punk energy the band irradiates in their live shows. For the production, the band enlisted Gambeat, Radio Bemba's bassist, who is the responsible both for the harder sound and for the elaboration of their extreme energetic live show. The album also counts on some special guests appearances: Fermin Muguruza (Kortatu, Negu Gorriak), Yacine (Cheb Balowski, Nour), Dede Trake (Cannabistro), Gambeat (Radio Bemba, French Lovers, Piratas Urbanos) and Lina (Azaiza).
More than 2 years and 300 gigs... A tour through Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France, Holland and Argentina... Now, CHE SUDAKA comes back with MIRANDO EL MUNDO AL REVÉS (2007), a new acoustic cd which is released together with a dvd including a documentary about the band, an interview and some other extra files. The album features some special friends appearances: Amparo Sánchez (Amparanoïa), Un Kuartito and Karamelo Santo (both bands from Argentina).
As when they played in the streets of Barcelona, their positive energy and the willingness to give it all to the audience are the most remarkable attributes of CHE SUDAKA.
Silence raval
Che Sudaka Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Silence raval
Silence, silence
Calle hospital
Silence, silence
Silence raval, (raval)
Silence, silenceEn la ciudad, (ciudad)
Oh
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Silence, silence
En tu ciudad
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Silence, silence
Europa
Mucha maquinita
Poco corazón
Mucha maquinita
De la construcción
Mucha maquinita
Poco corazón
Mucha maquinitaDiscriminación
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Nobody move
Nobody, girl, girl
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Nobody move
Nobody, girl, girl
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Nobody move
Nobody, girl, girl
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Nos robaron la calle
Nos tenemos que expresar
Nos robaron el alma
Nos tenemos que callar
Nos robaron la fiesta
Y toda la confianza
Y toda la justicia
Y la cultura popular
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Silence, silence
Silence raval
Thank you, Budapest
Che Sudaka's "Silence Raval" is a poignant song that reflects the struggles of urban life, particularly in the context of gentrification and social marginalization faced by communities in cities like Barcelona. The repetitive mantra of "Silence, silence" serves as a haunting refrain that echoes the pervasive sense of oppression and quietude imposed by societal structures. The mention of “Calle hospital” and “en la ciudad” grounds the song in a specific urban environment, particularly the Raval neighborhood, known for its multicultural yet vulnerable population. This silence suggests not just a lack of noise, but an absence of agency and voice, highlighting how marginalized communities often find themselves voiceless in a rapidly changing landscape.
The lyrics delve deeper into the contrasting themes of technological advancement versus human connection. The repeated phrase "Mucha maquinita, poco corazón" translates to "lots of machines, little heart," capturing a critique of the modern world that prioritizes automation and mechanization at the expense of genuine human emotions and community ties. The reference to construction further emphasizes the idea of building not only physical structures but also a societal framework where humanity is often overlooked. As the city becomes more commercialized and mechanized, it inevitably leads to a dilution of the cultural and emotional fabric that once characterized these neighborhoods. This engenders feelings of isolation and an alienation that the communities experience amid progress that feels imposed rather than inclusive.
The verses that speak of being robbed — "Nos robaron la calle" (They took the street) and "Nos robaron el alma" (They took the soul) — encapsulate the profound loss that residents feel in the wake of gentrification. This process often strips communities of their heritage and traditions, leaving them not only without space to gather and celebrate but also without the cultural confidence to express themselves. The lines that mention losing justice and popular culture emphasize a broader systemic issue: as neighborhoods undergo transformation, the rights and cultural significance of the locals are often compromises, resulting in a struggle for recognition and respect. The outcry is against a backdrop where people are systematically silenced, pushing against the narrative that once glorified these vibrant urban centers.
Throughout the song, the persistent repetition of "Silence, silence, silence Raval" brings a rhythmic urgency to the message, as if the lyrics themselves are challenging listeners to confront the uncomfortable truths about urban displacement and the sometimes violent silence that accompanies it. The frenetic sound of "tiqui, tiqui" suggests a ticking clock or perhaps a countdown to a crisis, reinforcing the sense that time is running out for these communities to reclaim their spaces and voices. The closing mention of "Thank you, Budapest" could suggest a gesture of solidarity or shared struggles among diverse communities worldwide, reminding listeners that the battle against silence and marginalization is a global conversation, transcending geographical boundaries. Overall, "Silence Raval" emerges as a powerful anthem for activism and a call to action to reawaken the voices that have been stifled.
Line by Line Meaning
Silence, silence
A call to pause and recognize the pervasive quietness that envelops us.
Silence raval
The particular stillness of Raval, a community marked by both vibrancy and neglect.
Silence, silence
Reiterating the urgent need to perceive the silence that surrounds.
Calle hospital
A location that holds deeper implications of care and perhaps suffering within the community.
Silence, silence
The repetition serves to highlight the weight of unspoken truths.
Silence raval, (raval)
Emphasizing once more the profound quietude of Raval, inviting reflection.
Silence, silence
Another plea for awareness of the silence that prevails.
En la ciudad, (ciudad)
This silence is not isolated; it pervades the wider urban landscape.
Oh
An exclamation capturing a myriad of emotions, from sorrow to awakening.
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
A joyful and rhythmic chant that contrasts the themes of silence.
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
Echoes of resilience and vitality breaking through the silence.
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
Continued celebration of life and connection despite oppression.
Papa-papa-papa-parapa-papa
A rhythmic celebration that persists amidst the challenges.
Silence, silence
A returning focus to the stark absence of sound, a contrast to earlier celebration.
Silence raval
Reaffirming Raval's struggle with stillness and the challenges it faces.
Silence, silence
Reiterating the need to reflect on what is being silenced.
En tu ciudad
This silence extends into each listener’s own urban experience.
Silence, silence
An insistence on understanding the depth of this silence.
Silence raval
Returning once more to the particular circumstances of Raval.
Silence, silence
Highlighting the importance of recognizing this stillness.
Europa
Identifying a broader context of silence within Europe itself.
Mucha maquinita
A reference to machinery and technology overshadowing human connection.
Poco corazón
The absence of compassion or warmth in a mechanized world.
Mucha maquinita
Re-asserting the overwhelming presence of technology.
De la construcción
Highlighting a society driven by construction, perhaps at the risk of losing humanity.
Mucha maquinita
Reiteration of the dominance of machinery in our lives.
Poco corazón
Emphasizing again a lack of human empathy in a technological society.
Mucha maquinita
Continuing to point out the overwhelming presence of technology.
Discriminación
Acknowledging that this mechanization contributes to systemic discrimination.
Silence, silence
Returning focus to the theme of silence in the face of injustice.
Silence raval
Cementing the notion of Raval's silence amid its struggles.
Nobody move
A stark command that suggests helplessness under oppressive conditions.
Nobody, girl, girl
Addressing a female presence, capturing a feeling of urgency in silence.
Silence, silence
The cycle of silence continues, demanding attention.
Silence raval
Reaffirming the concept of stillness in Raval's streets.
Nobody move
A repeated demand for stillness, emphasizing vulnerability.
Nobody, girl, girl
Once again calling out to a feminine presence amidst the quietude.
Silence, silence
Reinforcing the theme of the pervasive silence around us.
Silence raval
Focusing back on Raval's specific silence.
Nos robaron la calle
The community feels stripped of their public spaces.
Nos tenemos que expresar
A call to action, urging people to find their voices and speak out.
Nos robaron el alma
The loss of spirit and cultural identity in the face of oppression.
Nos tenemos que callar
Irony in being forced into silence after losing so much.
Nos robaron la fiesta
Expressing how communal joy and celebration have been taken away.
Y toda la confianza
The erosion of trust within the community and between its people.
Y toda la justicia
Justice has been stripped away, leaving a void.
Y la cultura popular
The shared cultural expressions of the community have been suppressed.
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
An insistence on the lively beat of life, a call for renewal.
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
Repetition of the heartbeat of the city that yearns to be felt.
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
Continuing the rhythm that speaks against the silence.
Y tiqui, tiqui, barna en refre
Reiterating the vibrancy that persists despite the stillness.
Silence, silence
Bringing back attention to the theme of silence once more.
Silence raval
Returning to Raval’s poignant silence amid its adversity.
Silence, silence
Emphasizing the need to cling to the concept of silence.
Silence raval
Revisiting the silence endemic to this particular community.
Thank you, Budapest
A nod to an external city, perhaps acknowledging shared struggles and solidarity.
Writer(s): Marcos Alejandro Fernandez, Leonard Gabriel Fernandez, John Jairo Pineda Castro, Sergio Adrian Morales Cleves, Jacobo Marcelo Cohen Falah
Contributed by Maya W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.