Morir Soñando: A Comedy movement taking over

Laughter has always been a powerful form of healing and now, it’s also a vehicle for visibility. In Los Angeles, a Dominican led comedy show event is making waves not only in the entertainment scene but in the hearts of Afro Latinos who have long felt overlooked by mainstream media. Spearheaded by Glorelys Mora and Sasha Merci, this comedy movement is providing a space for Dominican and Afro Latino voices to shine, and be unapologetically themselves.

The recent comedy showcase was a resounding success, packing the house with laughter, pride, and powerful storytelling. Featuring an all star lineup of comedians with Afro Latino roots, the event was more than just a night of jokes, it was a cultural celebration. From sharp commentary on identity and life to hilarious takes on family traditions, the audience saw themselves reflected on stage in a way that rarely happens in Hollywood.

Many people expressed their appreciated for events like such with one audience member saying “We NEED platforms like these in this industry. We’ve witnessed how Hollywood and the comedy world operate, and it’s time for afro latino comedy to shine!”

Their mission echoes the legacy of Def Jam Comedy, a platform that launched some of the biggest Black comedy icons of the ’90s. This Dominican comedy movement similarly aims to elevate talent that has traditionally been left out of the spotlight, not for lack of skill, but for lack of opportunity.

Eliana Reyes, a producer at Latination Media and someone who spearheads the Afro Latino pillar called Latination Roots, reflected on the event’s impact:

“It means the world, because Dominican culture and Caribbean Latino culture is very specific—as is our comedy. When I see groups that are making space for visibility for those nuanced experiences, it feels like I am seen and heard. And because so many Latinos and Dominicans fall into the category of Black and Latino, sometimes it feels like we are not accepted by either. So it feels great to be accepted by our own community.”

This comedy club isn’t just bringing laughs, it’s building a movement. One that says our stories matter, our culture deserves the mic, and our people will no longer wait for permission to shine. These comedians are bringing the laughs not just to LA but the world!

Some of the comedians that were featured included.