Reappropriation of Managua, Nicaragua is a Beautiful Town

“Managua, Nicaragua is a beautiful town” is an incredibly catchy and popular song written from an American perspective that was released in 1946 but still lives in the minds of Nicaraguans today. I find it problematic not only because its lyrics quickly become racist and condescending (“And they work from twelve o clock to one, minus an hour for siesta”), but also because it is a cultural product of the close relationship between the United States and the Somoza dictatorship (1936-1979).

The intent of this project was to problematize this song, respond to its lyrics, and engrain in it the true relationship between the United States and Nicaragua. Managua, Nicaragua might not be a beautiful town, in the context of the U.S.’ support for Somoza or for the contras. Again, my intention was not to provide a historical account, or a personal narrative of my experience with this history. But to confront the sonic pleasantness of Freddy Martin’s orchestra and their catchy lyrics, with the sonic harshness of war and the remoteness of political speeches. Any thoughts are more than welcome.

Source material: “Managua, Nicaragua is a beautiful town”, Written by Irving Fields and Albert Gamse. Recorded by Guy Lobardo and His Royal Canadians (1946). Other sounds from documentary XXV-19 Revolucion Sandinista, Esta Semana