Between South and North America, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, exists an isthmus made up of seven countries, Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize, also known as Central America. Escuchar al Istmo, Listen to the Isthmus, focuses on the diverse musical and cultural landscape of Central America. Through music, vinyl record collections and special guests, the show explores cultural context, nostalgia and experiences of the diaspora. Tune in to hear the past and present sounds of the many cultures of Central America.

Joining the show this month is guest Pau Xi Xofi from Quetzal Beats. In honor of International Women’s Day, this episode features an interview discussing Pau’s personal story and cultural work as well as a collection of hip hop songs from women artists of Central America and the diaspora.

Pauixxofi is an undisciplined artist who experiments with sound, vocalization, and visual-political art. They grew up in California’s Central Valley near the rivers of the mighty San Joaquín and where she began a practice of autonomous and collective art-making / worlding. You may find her written work in Latino Rebels, NACLA and Revista Istmo.