To say PJ Sin Suela had a fantastic 2017 is an understatement. To continue with the same hype, he decided to kick off 2018 by releasing a single that demands your body’s attention. After a few days of promo through all of his social media platforms, Sin Suela declared himself the Saint of the Party and blessed his listeners with “San Dunga”, a tune highly influenced by classic Latin sounds and an appeal which might reach party-goers of all ages.
(cover art for the single by Alberto Fernz)
Starting off with a guitar influenced by Chicano rock and music from Western films, “San Dunga” enters into its catchy chorus as the classic Latin sounds immediately take over the beat leading PJ Sin Suela to start off his Calle 13 influenced first verse. The chorus then comes back and Sin Suela sings another slang filled verse until he comes back to the chorus once more and lets the song drift away to the smooth sounds of “Ladadiladida” and a beautiful trumpet.
(another piece of art for the single by Alberto Fernz)
Sin Suela’s latest party joint demonstrates the growth of the artist as he continues to expand on his sound. While in the past his music was more oriented towards hip hop, “San Dunga” shows he can delve into other soundscapes and adapt while maintaining his own identity. Not only does the tune demonstrate his ability to experiment with more Latin influenced sounds, the track’s title alone demonstrates an homage to the culture. By declaring himself as the party going “San Dunga” (Saint of the Party), Sin Suela makes reference to the many saints found in the Latin American culture. Meanwhile, in the song’s chorus Sin Suela also creates a Puerto Rican style piropo (pick-up line) creating a little homage to the language used in Puerto Rico’s jangueo en las calles (late-night street hangout).
(still from the music video to “San Dunga” as found on YouTube)
The video for “San Dunga”, directed by Cesar Berrios, adds to the experience of the song. The Filmes Zapateros director manages to capture the vibe PJ Sin Suela was trying to create with his latest single. Led by Sin Suela and his hype man Rafita, the video of “San Dunga” features an eclectic collection of dancers and performers participating in a party where all forms of dance, but primordially perreo, take over. Moreover, the Berrios directed visual also has a bit of a story. While the viewer might primordially focus on the party, there is also a tale where the Puerto Rican rapper/singer is being immortalized as the Saint of the Party in the form of a wooden figure which features his unforgettable hair. This short story is again a homage to the many ways in which saints are paid tribute by the Latin American culture.
(still from the “San Dunga” video featuring the wooden PJ Sin Suela figure)
With his latest single, PJ Sin Suela continues to show growth, his love for his roots, and his energetic spirit. “San Dunga” is further evidence of the variety of sounds that Sin Suela’s debut, Vital might bring. If this latest single and “Lo Que Nadie Queria Que Fuera” prove anything, is that the Puerto Rican rapper/singer is ready to take over. He seems firm in his decision to pursue a career in the arts, and it seems like 2018 might just be another great year for him.
Listen to “San Dunga” and watch the video here: