Their first album, Rumba Argelina, was recorded in 1993 and became a success in Europe when it was released in 1996, and again, when it was re-issued (through association with Nonesuch Records) in America in 1997. The critical and financial success of that disc made it possible to put together a full-fledged touring band which played in 17 European countries, as well as in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Palestine, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Canada and the United States".
After 14 years of intense musical activity, the band announced they would take an indefinite break; their farewell concert was performed in Barcelona on 11 November 2006.
On 9 March 2012, singer Benjamin Escoriza died at the age of 58.
Fiebre
Radio Tarifa Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
¿Dónde vas?
Mira voy a casa mi primo
A comerme unas lentejas
Con chorizo
¿Y luego que?
Si quieres venir te vienes
Si no no te vengas
El Talegas
Allí no sé lo que será
Tampoco lo que vendrá
Vamos, vamos, vámonos.
In Radio Tarifa's song "Fiebre," the lyrics are simple but loaded with cultural significance. In the opening lines, the singer is conversing with a fellow named "Compare" and is asking where he is headed. "Compare" responds by saying that he is going home to "mi primo" (my cousin) to eat "unas lentejas con chorizo" (lentil soup with chorizo). After the invitation to join him is extended, it is revealed that "el Talegas" is where they are headed, and the singer expresses uncertainty about what might happen there. Nonetheless, they urge each other to move forward and push onward.
The beauty of these lyrics is rooted in the cultural significance of a few different elements. Firstly, the use of the word "Compare" is a nod to the Afro-Cuban style of music that Radio Tarifa is known for fusing with Andalusian traditions. This term was adopted by Cuban musicians and refers to a close friend or a co-conspirator. Additionally, the reference to "lentejas con chorizo" is a nod to the Spanish culinary tradition, which is relatively humble but entirely honest. Lastly, the mention of "el Talegas" is most likely a reference to a specific tavern or bar where the singer and his friends might be going to continue their night.
Overall, "Fiebre" is a song that speaks to the beauty of simple pleasures and the joys of spending time with close friends and loved ones. It also carries a hint of uncertainty, as the singer is not quite sure what might happen when they all finally arrive at "el Talegas."
Line by Line Meaning
Oye 'Compare'
Hey, friend
¿Dónde vas?
Where are you going?
Mira voy a casa mi primo
I'm going to my cousin's house
A comerme unas lentejas
To eat some lentils
Con chorizo
With chorizo sausage
¿Y luego que?
And then what?
Si quieres venir te vienes
If you want to come, come along
Si no no te vengas
If not, don't bother coming
Yo voy a casa mi primo
I'm going to my cousin's house
El Talegas
His name is Talegas
Allí no sé lo que será
I don't know what will happen there
Tampoco lo que vendrá
Nor what will come
Vamos, vamos, vámonos.
Let's go, let's go, let's get going.
Contributed by Charlie T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.