"La voz de la zafra" is an album by Mercedes Sosa, an iconic Argentine singer who is often regarded as the "voice of the voiceless ones". Released in 1962, "La voz de la zafra" is Sosa's second studio album. The title, which translates to "The Voice of the Harvest", showcases the strong influences of the folk music of Sosa's native Argentina, and Latin America more broadly.
The album consists of 12 tracks. Some of the noteworthy songs in the album are "Zamba de lozano", "Al jardín de la república", "Canción del derrumbe indio", and "Del cuaderno de la mujer". These are all traditional folk songs, interpreted with Sosa's unique emotive vocal style that conveys the sense of struggle and hope characteristic of folk music.
Mercedes Sosa was a prominent figure in the Nueva Canción movement which was characterized by its socio-political lyrics that speak of the struggles of the common people. Her dedication to sing 'the truth' got her into trouble with the military junta that was in power in Argentina during the late 1970s, but Sosa continued to use her voice as a weapon of protest.
"La voz de la zafra" is a manifestation of Sosa's commitment to the people, her culture, and her resistance against socio-political injustices; with her powerfully haunting voice, she immerses listeners into stories of the working class, their hopes, and their struggles. The album is a significant part of Sosa's discography, establishing her status in the music scene and setting the tone for a career marked by activism through music.
