Santa Fe Klan Proves Mexican Hip-Hop Has a Place at Coachella
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Mexican hip-hop is on the rise — and if Santa Fe Klan’s Coachella run is any indication, it’s time we pay attention.
Those present for Peso Pluma‘s Friday night set got acquainted with Santa Fe Klan when the two MCs banded together for a fiery duet of their 2024 track with Argentine MC Duki, titled “No Son Klle.” Sporting baggy Louis Vuitton streetwear and his signature bandana on his forehead, Santa Fe Klan paid respects to West Coast hip-hop by C-walking across the Coachella stage as he and Peso swapped verses.
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Santa Fe Klan returned to the main stage Saturday afternoon for his own history-making performance. The sun beamed down on him and his band as they wove effortlessly between hip-hop and cumbia, a fusion that sets the 24-year-old rapper apart from the pack. Santa Fe introduced himself to the crowd with an accordion in hand, nimbly playing a solo as he opened the set with “Cuidando el Territorio,” his track with Calibre 50 and Beto Sierra. In a conversation with Rolling Stone, he said waving the Mexican flag high was what excited him the most; that, and being able to wave at his family from the main stage.
“I want to leave the crowd with a Mexican party so that they leave my set wanting more Mexico,” Santa shared the day before his set. “Lots of green, white, and red confetti will be flying.”
Backed by a talented crew of breakdancers, he dropped cutting bars about his barrio in a performance of his early hit, “Silencio en el Callejón,” and performed tracks such as “Todo Va Estar Bien” and “Luna y Mar.” He also brought out Colombian star Nanpa Básico to perform their hit “Te Iré a Buscar,” then welcomed fellow Mexican MC Tornillo for their joint track, “Un Día Todo Se Termina.” He wrapped his 45-minute set with “Grandes Ligas” and “Por Mi México,” as confetti in the colors of the Mexican flag rained down on the crowd.
With appearances by Carin León, Kevin Kaarl, Son Rompe Pera and Girl Ultra, Mexico’s vast musical range is well-represented at this year’s edition of Coachella. Santa Fe Klan caught up with Rolling Stone before his performance to discuss his upcoming music and tour.
How are you feeling?
Chido, carnal. Feeling [like] a million [bucks]. It’s great to have my brother Tornillo here to represent the crew. El Nanpa Básico too. I’m happy to have all my family with me. And I’m so happy to represent México here in the U.S. I don’t have any worries, nor am I thinking about things that distract me. I am calm, comfortable and very happy that this is happening.
Representing Mexico has been such a big part of your journey.
I want la raza to feel seen, and the Mexican flags to be seen. We are going always to represent México for our whole life.
How was the conversation with Tornillo and Nanpa to have them here. What was the plan?
Tornillo [came] because he is part of the 473 Crew, so we see each other very often. I sent a message to Nanpa on Instagram, like, “Hey brother, I’m inviting you to Coachella! ¿Jalas [are you in]?” I always liked Nanpa’s songs, so it feels great having him here with me.
Someone told me you’re going to drop a song with Rich the Kid coming soon too.
Yes, brother. We wanted to sing that song here in Coachella but he was busy. The song is on my new album. We are going to drop it in like three months it brings a lot of features, and some solo songs, but we are working also on a different project that I want to add instruments to my rap songs and play them myself. We’re finishing it now.
Wow, what types of instruments?
Saxophone, clarinet, accordion, piano, harmonica, trumpet. That’s the idea: rapping [verses], then in the chorus play the instrument myself. Since I was a child I have played the piano. If I hear a song, I can play it on an instrument. I’m learning how to play the saxophone and the clarinet, but we are recording the song while I practice playing the solos. That’s the idea. I am not very confident to play this new album live, but maybe in a couple of months I will be ready.
What was it like performing with Peso Pluma?
I really like the song “No Son Klle.” I also like Peso a lot since we showed him the song. He liked it! It [was] our first time singing it, so I’m very happy for people to see us together on stage.
Who are you most excited to see?
We want to see Lil Uzi. I’m learning English too. [I] want to record some English songs, do my business and become a friend of the rappers to echarnos un gallo. (Translation: Smoke a blunt.) We came to see everyone, brother. There are a lot of people that I don’t know but I know they are chingones because they made it there. I always like to see how different people work and I like to learn.
What other news would you like to share?
We have a U.S. tour coming, I’m going to drop an album. I have a cumbia album coming up, then another one with regional Mexican [music]: mariachi, banda, and norteñas. We have a little bit of everything. I want my own TV show as well, for everyone to see how my life is in reality — and how my life was in the past.
What can you say have been the biggest things you’ve learned?
A lot of things: respect, humility, loyalty, betrayals. [How] to identify the people who’ll betray you. A lot of things about this business. I’ve matured a lot and I’m smarter.
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