Who are the AfroLatino nominees for this year’s Latin Grammy?

Afro-Latino artists are shining at the 2024 Latin Grammys, bringing unique sounds and rhythms from across Latin America to one of the most important nights in Latin music, set for November 14th at Miami’s Kaseya Center. Some of the nominees come from Cuba, Brazil, and beyond,  reimagining Latin sounds with Afro-Latino influence.

Cimafunk

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Cimafunk, whose real name is Erik Alejandro Rodríguez, has been a powerful voice in Afro-Cuban music, especially with his 2024 Grammy-nominated song “Catalina” in the category Record of the Year, a collaboration with Monsieur Periné.

The name “Cimafunk” is a nod to “cimarrones” – enslaved Africans in Cuba who sought freedom. Through his music, he brings together Afro-Cuban rhythms and global funk influences, merging traditional sounds with a fresh twist. His latest album, Pa’ Tu Cuerpa, continues to explore these connections with African, Caribbean, and American funk, balancing between fun party beats and soulful melodies.

Cimafunk’s journey from medical school in Cuba to the international stage is an exciting one. He’s taken his infectious grooves everywhere from Coachella in California to global festivals, creating music that speaks to his roots while inviting listeners into a distinct, high-energy experience.

Xande de Pilares

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Representing Brazil, Xande de Pilares has been nominated for Album of the Year for Xande Canta Caetano. Known widely for his time with Grupo Revelação, Xande honors his roots in samba, pagode, and Brazilian folk styles. On this album, he covers some of Brazil’s most beloved songs by the legendary Caetano Veloso, putting his own samba and soul touch on each track. This work is a bit of a journey through Brazilian music history, with Xande reinterpreting classics while bringing them up to date for a new generation of listeners.

Xande’s story is as impressive as his voice; he’s gone from working in cleaning services to making music that’s won him acclaim across Brazil and beyond. From small neighborhood gigs to massive concert halls, his journey speaks to resilience and a deep commitment to Brazilian culture.

Daymé Arocena

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Another standout is Cuban singer and songwriter Daymé Arocena, nominated for Song of the Year with her track “A fuego lento.” Known for her blend of jazz and Cuban rhythms, Daymé has had to overcome significant challenges in her career, especially as an Afro-Latina artist navigating the industry.

Her move from Cuba to Puerto Rico was driven by her passion for artistic freedom, and this new chapter has allowed her to bring fresh creativity to her music. “A fuego lento,” a song she wrote in her teens but only recently released, captures her own life journey in its lyrics and rhythm.

Daymé’s music defies easy classification – it’s jazz, but it’s also deeply Latin, reflecting her own life and heritage. This nomination feels like a celebration of her talent and determination to create on her own terms, making her a voice definitely worth listening to.

OS Garotin

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OS Garotin, a trio from Brazil made up of Anchieta, Leo Guima, and Cupertino, has earned a nomination for Best New Artist. With a unique mix of Brazilian music, R&B, samba, and soul, OS Garotin brings a fresh take on popular genres, influenced by legends like Cartola and Jorge Ben Jor.

Each member of the group also has a solo career, but together they’ve created an exciting blend of sounds that’s been catching the ear of some big names in Latin music, including Caetano Veloso. Their debut EP, Os Garotin Sesion, dropped in August 2023 and features five songs where each member gets to shine on a solo track.

OS Garotin’s style draws on both tradition and experimentation, making them one of the exciting new groups redefining Brazilian music in the digital age.

DARUMAS

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This multinational trio – made up of Argentina’s Aldana Aguirre, Cuban-American Ceci León, and Haitian Vedala Vilmond – is also nominated for Best New Artist. DARUMAS is all about fusion, blending pop, funk, and R&B into a style that’s both nostalgic and new. With each member bringing a unique musical background, DARUMAS manages to combine their experiences into a sound that feels fresh and original.

Their story is one of different cultures coming together in Miami’s music scene, and their live performances showcase a unique chemistry that reflects their distinct cultural roots. The music they’re creating promises to bring something different to the Latin music landscape, a blend of Afro-Latin sounds and modern pop that feels timeless and innovative all at once.