Irka Mateo is a Dominican singer-songwriter and composer. She spent time in Spain, France and Canada until she moved back to the Dominican Republic.
For many years, Irka has been researching the roots of Dominican music. She traveled for ten years (1997-2007) in the rural areas of the Dominican Republic documenting more than thirteen genres of folk musical traditions — unknown in the wider Dominican culture and beyond and creating a Dominican folk music archive. During this time she introduced the accordion into the Dominican/Latin alternative scene, brought to light the ‘Comarca,’ a wholly unknown genre outside of the countryside, and was the first woman to play traditional percussion in urban settings.
From 1985 to 1996 she was one of the pioneers of the Dominican alternative music with Irka &Tadeu and Irka con Bohuti, renowned groups and essential reference of Dominican alternative music.
Currently, she composes “Mestizo Music,” accordion and guitar-led songs inspired by the indigenous/ Afro/ European folk traditions of her native country, as well as the wider Caribbean and Latin America.
In 2017, Irka Mateo y la Tirindanga released an independently produced album titled “Vamo a Goza.” Irka Mateo produced, composed and arranged the album.
“Vamo a Goza” included a wide range of musicians on accordion, guitars, percussion, brass and backing vocals.
Discography:
Anacaona (1999)
Vamo a Goza (Irka Mateo Music, 2017)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.