SPOTLIGHTS
Sannii Crespina-flores
Philadelphia’s own poet, writer, and filmmaker representing from the pen to the production desk.
Bobby Oroza
This Ecuadorian-Finnish breakout artist with the 60's throwback sound talks one-on-one with AFROTAINO's Rahsaan Lucas about everything from growing up within a refugee enclave, partying all night in Cuba, and being embraced by the Chicano lowrider soul culture.
Daphne Rubin-Vega
In this in-depth spotlight by AFROTAINO's Rahsaan Lucas with the Tony-nominated theatre & television star, we learn about Rubin-Vega's determination & drive that punched through the walls of the dance music industry, Broadway theatre executive bubbles, and even Netflix. With her powerful voice and attractive glow - and her unforgettable roles in RENT, Anna in the Tropics, & In The Heights - this fearless Afro-Panamanian proudly puts her culture on top - ALWAYS. .
Angel Avilés
The iconic film star & best-selling author shares all with AFROTAINO's Rahsaan Lucas - Touching on EVERYTHING from her earlier NYC-to-Hollywood days to current day, her inspirations & family, 'Mi Vida Loca', Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantino, an armful of life plot twists, anxieties, & motivations, and how she exalted to her highest form as motivational figure for thousands of Latinxs in the U.S.
Christmas Con Calma
The Afro-Puerto Rican indie soul singer spreads some holiday cheer with the AFROTAINO Universe. Her new duet with Boricua music icon Nydia Caro breathes new life to a Christmas classic.
Rockers Galore
This band of Haitian/Cuban/Puerto Rican rockers mash-up di dancehall with their big, brassy, and bass-heavy sound. In this spotlight, the founding members talk about their favorite performances, their love for The Clash, and how they celebrate diaspora life by incorporating genres like Kompa, Reggae, and Heavy Metal.
Vergi Rodriguez
The Los Angeles-based Dominicana once toured the globe dancing alongside Prince, Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Jay-Z, and Don Omar. Now working in TV & film, on-screen and off-screen, Rodriguez sits with AFROTAINO partner Rahsaan Lucas to share her Master Class-level lessons on How to Follow Your Dreams in Entertainment.
Xenia Rubinos
The classically-trained artist lays down the word on her musical process, her love affair with boleros, performance art, and music that gets her dancing out of dark moods.
Afrosideral
When a Cuban producer/MC honors the ceremonies of the Orishas with electronic beats, the whole world dances. Learn more about Afrosideral and his Yoruban inspirations.
Betsy Casañas
Casañas' work seeks to highlight communities and their stories through powerful visual narratives.
Jasmin Rodriguez
The Nuyorican vixen wears many job hats as a stylist, designer, and writer, but her latest venture as a business owner might be her boldest move to date. In a rare interview, she talks with AFROTAINO's Rahsaan Lucas about the journey from following a dream to taking the fashion biz by storm with her own label.
Flaco Navaja
The evolution of this sonero continues on. After Def Poetry Jam, several Hollywood films, and a one-man autobiographical theatre show, the Nuyorican stage & film star gives the world a song to sing.
Santana Caress Benitez
The Afro-Caribbean starlet continues to break the stereotypical mold of 'celebrity'. From 'Chopped' to Spike Lee to Black Boricua empowerment, Benitez breaks it down with AFROTAINO's Rahsaan Lucas.
Aida Rodriguez
In this exclusive interview, the bilingual comedy queen talks with AFROTAINO partner Rahsaan Lucas about her upbringing, ex-modeling career, and how her community inspires her to be more than just a 'funny girl'.
Andres 'Drukas' Fonseca
A Colombian transplanted in NYC, known for holding down the diasporic rhythms of KUYE & Bulla en el Barrio, talks with AFROTAINO's Rahsaan Lucas about how collaborations keep his creative pulse alive.
Presente Media
Rooting their practice in community-focused journalism and documentary filmmaking through collaborative storytelling.
Hector 'Coco' Barez
The Puerto Rican percussionist/musical director gathers the sounds of his culture to move the global community of the diaspora. We learn more about his trajectory & inspirations, as told to AFROTAINO partner, Rahsaan Lucas.
Gladys Pizarro
How a Nuyorican girl pioneered an industry by putting the NYC House sound & its DJs & musicmakers on wax - leading a dance music empire and conquering the globe, one turntable at a time.