The Toughers present "Libre Como El Viento / Land Grab" on 7". Two sides, one attitude: ska, rocksteady and Afro-Caribbean groove from Bogotá. "Land Grab," written by Pablo Araoz, is a satirical takedown of colonization — sharp, danceable, unapologetic. Part of the Eclipse de Soul universe.
Produced by: Pablo Araoz “Mambe Kurewa” (Feel di Riddim)
Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by: Luis Bonilla at One2 studio (Cundijamaica, Colombia)
Music & Arrangements: Pablo Araoz / Camilo Toro Moratto
Executive Producer: Diana Hernandez “Boss Selektah” (Bosstellar Productions)
Studio Assistant: Andres de la Hoz “Bossteady TNT”
Eco Roots Custom Pedal: Arteria Pedals
Tape Transfer Engineer: Ian Mckenzie
Cover Art: Adriana Hernandez
Graphic Design: Juan Madero “Scratch”
Photographer: Glen Caltor
Logistics: Zayda Rozo
Chef & Vibes: Diego Valencia “Buju”
Special thanks to OG Rude Girl: Nancy Bedard
THE TOUGHERS Ska-Steady All- Stars:
“LinaPo” – Vocals
“Custodio” – Vocals
“Dany Fyah” – Vocals & Guitar
“Mambe Kurewa” – Bass Guitar & Vocals
“Bossteady TNT” – Toasting and Vocal Effects
Camilo Toro Moratto – Piano, Organ, Vocals
Juan Carlos “Dizzy” Tocua – Guitars & Vocals
Juan Camilo “Jazzy” Sanchez - Drums
Special Guests:
“Buju” – Vocals
Miguel Rodriguez - Percussion
The Toughers want freedom. Freedom from convention. Freedom from constraint. Freedom to express themselves and the full scope of their musical influences. The all-star collective of Colombian scene stalwarts are determined to take their unique brand of Colombi-ska and rocksteady from Bogota to Los Angeles and beyond.
The Toughers' debut album, Eclipse de Soul, was recorded in Mambe's isolated jungle studio and buoyed by the mysticism of that titular solar event. The result is an introspective, anything goes record with an international influence tha simultaneously connects listeners from far away under one celestial atmosphere. Split between soul-dub and ska-steady sides, Eclipse de Soul pulls reference from the likes of Ska Cubano and Natty Bo, Lee "Scratch" Perry and Chicano soul, as well as distinctly Colombian sounds of musica para planchar and coastal genres like son and merecumbé. Sound and mastering engineer Luis Bonilla – a London-based Colombian who has worked with many Jamaican artists as well as major international celebrities – is at the epicenter of Eclipse de Soul.
Drop your needle on the Spanish-language "Libre Como El Viento" (free like the wind) for a taste of Coxsone Dodd-era Skatalites, then tighten up skinhead style with "Bosstellar International" – an instrumental tribute to the boss women in the Toughers' orbit. The band speaks truth to power on "Land Grab," a Spanglish tune about colonization past and present, and on a Black and Indigenous empowerment anthem "Unity." The Toughers also soften up on the reflective, L.A.- influenced "El Segundo Boulevard" as well as Latin soul-flavored "I Got Love." Eclipse de Soul ends with The Toughers on the dub side of the moon – libre.
Back from the jungle and in the heart of the city, The Toughers enter a red, shadowy world all their own. Slackers vocalist/keyboardist Vic Ruggerio says The Toughers conjure a vibrant backstreet, where conga and guiro echo in the night. "The voices of women and men mingle, growl and coo with the bumping bass. Anything can happen here: reggae funk, ballad, dub. The moon is out and The Toughers are howlin'." – Jess Lipsky
EL DISCO ES CULTURA
The signature Toughers style in a sleek, feminine silhouette. This polo-style dress is a highlight of our Eclipse de Soul collaboration with Bogotá’s own Joe Hawkins. It features classic twin-tipped stripes on the collar and sleeves, bringing a mid-century "Rude Girl" aesthetic into the modern era.
Made from high-quality Colombian cotton with a touch of spandex, this dress provides a comfortable, form-fitting look that holds its shape.
Colors: Black with White stripes | Vinotinto with White stripes
Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
Origin: Made in Bogotá, Colombia by Joe Hawkins
Details: Two-button placket with contrasting trim
A sharp, subculture classic. Produced in collaboration with Joe Hawkins in Bogotá, these limited-edition polos are part of the Eclipse de Soul collection. Featuring the iconic twin-tipped contrasting stripes on the collar and sleeves, this shirt is designed for a stylish, striking look that transitions perfectly from the street to the dancefloor.
Crafted in Colombia from a premium cotton-spandex blend, it offers the perfect amount of stretch for comfort while maintaining a crisp, tailored fit.
Colors: Black with White stripes | Green with Yellow stripes
Material: 97% Cotton, 3% Spandex
Origin: Made in Bogotá, Colombia by Joe Hawkins
Fit: Classic tailored fit
We're The Toughers — a Colombian-born all-star band, uncovering dimensions of first-wave ska, rocksteady, and early reggae, weaving them with soul, dub, and the roots of the Caribbean and South America.
Under the direction of Pablo Araoz, “Mambe”, and joined by top musicians from genres as diverse as jazz, hardcore, salsa, funk, and reggae.
“There's a red shadowy world where The Toughers hang out. Conga and guiro echo down the backstreet bricks, the voices of woman and man mingle, growl and coo with the bumping bass... anything can happen here; reggae, funk, ballad, dub... the moon is out and the Toughers are howlin.” - Vic Ruggerio
