Maputxe

Fermin Muguruza's song 'Maputxe' is a powerful tribute to the Mapuche people, an indigenous group from South America, primarily residing in Chile and Argentina. The lyrics, sung in Basque, reflect a deep connection to the land and a strong sense of identity and resilience. The repeated phrase 'Maputxeak erran zuen' (The Mapuche said) emphasizes the enduring presence and wisdom of the Mapuche people, who have existed for a long time ('Duela asko garela gu') and continue to assert their cultural and territorial rights.

The song is rich with imagery and metaphors that highlight the Mapuche's relationship with nature. References to 'artoaren burua' (the head of the corn) and 'arantzik gabeko lurra' (land without thorns) symbolize a desire for sustenance and a harmonious existence with the earth. The mention of 'Hamar korrikalari' (ten runners) and 'Hamar suge, gazte-uhandre' (ten snakes, young women) could be interpreted as a celebration of the Mapuche's strength and vitality, as well as their connection to the natural world.

Muguruza also touches on the cultural and linguistic preservation of the Mapuche people. The line 'Behar dugu hiztegia, Mapudungu-euskara' (We need a dictionary, Mapudungun-Basque) underscores the importance of language as a tool for maintaining cultural identity. The song's closing lines, 'Mapu=Lurra, Jendea=Txe, Lurraren jendea=Maputxe, Burujabe' (Mapu=Land, People=Txe, People of the land=Mapuche, Sovereign), encapsulate the essence of the Mapuche's struggle for autonomy and recognition. Through 'Maputxe,' Muguruza not only honors the Mapuche people but also draws parallels to his own Basque heritage, highlighting the universal quest for self-determination and cultural preservation.