By Doris Carballo.| The royal murga Ironicos, winner of the Northern contest last year and which tonight performs at the Fairgrounds in the third phase of the capital, presents a novelty with respect to the rest of the groups and is the figure of the captain. It is known that for things to go well for a group, it is essential that its members have a good relationship with each other and that good vibes prevail. That is why in Irónico they decided to give that role to one of its members, in this case to Efraín Carballo, founder of the group back in 2004.
DIARIO DE AVISOS has spoken with this murguero to learn more about what his role within the murga consists of and what the objectives of Irónico are in this Carnival, in which they celebrate their 20th anniversary, both in the contest in the chicharrera capital and in that of the North, since they participate in both.
-How many years have you been in the murga?
“Ironicos turns 20 this Carnival. The founding of the murga was back in 2004 and I am one of its founders. When we started I was there four years in a row. The fourth we managed to win first prize in the North contest and then I decided to take a break. Despite the break, I always had the itch to get back on stage, so last year, when Irónico returned to the Carnival after stepping on stage for the last time in 2018, I returned and we won first prize. For this reason, this year we also perform in Santa Cruz.”
-What role do you have as captain in Ironicos?
“The figure of the captain within the murga is to be more than just a component, since my role is to try to ensure that my colleagues within the group get along and feel comfortable. Furthermore, if anyone has a problem, they can turn to me, because I am there to listen to them and try to help them in whatever way I can. Apart from that, I also try to transmit joy and motivation to everyone so that they are involved at all times, both in rehearsals and in performances.”
-How did this position arise, which a priori is not usually seen in other formations?
“The position was assigned to me by the director of Ironicos, Yared García. The story is curious, because I was his captain when we played soccer together in the youth category, so he wanted me to continue occupying that role but in the murga and to transmit all the energy and good vibes to the team, just like I did when We share a booth. So since we returned last year I have been the captain of Ironicos. “I am very happy about it.”
-How has the acceptance of the rest of the components been?
“My colleagues have not complained (laughing). I am a person who gets along with everyone and talks to everyone. From what they have told me, they are very happy that I am the captain. I always try to help them and solve their problems, so for now everyone is happy. I hope everything stays that way, because it seems like they are delighted. “We are a pineapple, like a family.”
-When was the last time that Ironicos performed in the capital? Was he present?
“The last participation in Santa Cruz was in 2016. I was not a member that year, but I did collaborate in the show that was done on stage. Now we are looking forward to performing in Santa Cruz eight years later.”
-How do you face this year? What’s your objective?
“First we will perform in Santa Cruz and then in the North contest. This year we are very eager and excited. Our main objective, as it has always been, is to have fun on stage, but it is clear that we are also going to compete and try to do the best we know how. “We have the same objective in both contests.”
-Have you thought about giving up the Northern contest, like other murgas have done, to only appear in the Santa Cruz contest?
“Our roots are in the Northern contest, but it is a shame that in order to be able to appear in Santa Cruz, which is the best murgas contest in the Canary Islands and in the world, we have to give up the one organized by the northerners. For us it is a pride to come to Santa Cruz this year as winners of the North contest last year, but as I told you it is a shame that without having filled the quota of murgas, which are 25 in Santa Cruz and this year only 20 signed up , even so do not let those from the North compete, they are all murgas from Tenerife. At the moment, this year we are competing in both and we are enjoying the moment.”
