Kortatu were a groundbreaking Basque ska-punk band active from 1984 to 1988, known for fusing the rebellious energy of punk with infectious ska rhythms and politically charged lyrics. Inspired by The Clash and part of the Rock Radikal Vasco movement, they tackled themes of state repression, cultural identity, and leftist activism, often with biting irony and raw intensity. Their early work leaned heavily on ska, while later albums embraced hardcore punk and hip hop influences, culminating in Kolpez Kolpe, sung entirely in Basque. Kortatu’s legacy lives on through their bold sound and their role in shaping politically conscious music in Spain’s post-Franco era.
