Annual Festival

Esperanza Community Housing Corporation Presents “La Vida Es Un Festival!“ An Afro-Latine Festival at the Mercado La Paloma celebrating the communities rich and diverse culture in Los Angeles that promotes black and brown solidarity, and fosters wellness, education, and entertainment from the local and international diaspora.  

This festival aims to create an annual platform for communities and allies to come together, recognize and celebrate shared heritage and culture from the Caribbean to Central America and wherever the diaspora is found in the world.   

Through various forms of performance, workshops, and wellness activities, this festival seeks to provide a space where artists, activists, and educators can share their talents, experiences, and knowledge of culture with the Los Angeles community.

Pre-Event Kick Off:

Join us for the Mercado Art Exhibtion: In Conjunction with La Vida Es Un Festival!

FANIA RECORDS ALBUM COVER ART INSTALLATION

Visual works by: @peraltaprjct & @peace_project “Cuba”

Vinyl DJ sets by @sonidodelvalle Record Store DJ’s @_boobsboo_ & @renesrelics with special guest DJ: @azul213

As we approach our annual Afro-Latine Summer Festival, we hope you'll join us in welcoming talented Afro-Latine artists and creatives to the Mercado!⁠ RSVP at the link above.

Theme: Resistance!

Highlighting how dance, movement, and drum rhythms have served as powerful tools of resilience, protection, and perseverance... embodying the dreams and practices of our ancestors.

A Tribute to Lázaro Galarraga

One of the great percussion masters, Galarraga is a native of Havana, Cuba, and a founding member of the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. A world-renowned teacher, performing artist, choreographer and writer of Afro-Cuban music, culture and folklore. He became the musical director for the Caribbean Crew and for the Percussion Artists Workshop (PAWS) Afro-Cuban Folklore ensemble in Los Angeles.

Sitarason  In the Ancient language of Sanskrit, the word "sitara" means star, also describing something bright, fresh and new.  SitaraSon brings a bright new concept to the Cuban style of Son Music.  This Los Angeles Based group plays a variety of Cuban Dance music with influences from Afro-Cuban Folklore.  They are also known to improvise entire songs on stage and occasionally play other popular styles.  SitaraSon is very fortunate to feature Legendary Singer/drummer Lázaro Galarraga.  He began touring the world as a young man singing, dancing and drumming for the distinguished group Conjunto Folkorico Nacional de Cuba.  He has received multiple Grammy's and performed at the 1996 Atlantic City Olympics, The Latin Grammy's and at the White House.  He is a true treasure in his community and continues to share and create music with his group SitaraSon.

Hosted by:

JOELII

Joelii is a Dominican American Latin rapper and songwriter known for his versatile flows, aggressive rhymes, seductive melodies and the ability to perform bilingually in Spanish and English.

Joelii is recognized for his writing and development for the ever-expanding female Latina rapper Jenn Morel and her repertoire of records which have surpassed 80 million streams, including platinum certified hit single Pónteme, and notable sync placements with Samsung, Ubisoft, EA Sports, and Zumba.

Joelii has performed as a supporting act on Jenn Morel tours across the globe. Joelii has earned notable support in the DJ community with releases alongside Play N Skillz, JSTJR, ETC ETC, DJ City, and Salvi. Catch Joelii as our host at La Vida Es Un Festival!

Featured Performers

Kati Hernandez and KimBambula Cuban Dance Ensemble

Kati Hernandez  is a Cuban choreographer, educator, producer, and dancer that provides a pioneering online and in-person Cuban dance, music, and art program.

Kati’s contagious uplifting energy and finessed style of teaching leads the way to a comprehensive Cuban dance and music journey suitable for a variety of skill levels. Her signature nationwide acclaimed program "Orisha Dance Therapy" is a language of expression through movements and rhythms of the rich Afro-Cuban Dance diaspora. It combines the magic and flavor of Cuban Rumba and the graceful dance and sound of traditional Cuban Son with the funky sound of Timba and groovy Cuban salsa.

Watch her engaging performance at La Vida Es Un Festival!

Founded by director Kati Hernandez, Kimbambula Cuban Dance & Music Ensemble is a Los Angeles-based dance and music company that preserves and promotes Cuban culture blending authentic traditions and forms with modern-day themes and representations. They aim to showcase the richness of Cuban culture through the intertwined relationship of dance and music, and uphold Afro-Cuban heritage. Their repertoire combines Cuban rumba, Oricha dances, Afro-Cuban jazz, Cuban Son, and Cuban Salsa.

 Nakeiltha Campbell and Puentes de Poder

Nakeiltha Campbell  is an extraordinary multicultural percussionist, teaching artist, and producer whose work promotes empowerment through African Diaspora music and culture. Born in Colon, Panama, and raised in Los Angeles, California, Nakeiltha uses drumming to express her unique Afro-Caribbean Latine lineage.

Introduced to drumming through the Mandinka and Afro-Cuban traditions in Los Angeles, Nakeiltha is rooted in a diverse repertoire to create her unique sound and extend a legacy of women drummers

Featured Performer/Rapper

Jenn Morel

Jenn Morel is a Dominican Latin rapper and social media influencer known for aggressive rhymes and viral videos. Having started as a dancer and comedy influencer she is most widely recognized today for her hit record ‘Ponteme’ which started as a short freestyle video posted on her Instagram content series #FlowFriday. ‘Ponteme’ became a platinum-selling record and blossomed into an international phenomenon.

Listen to Jenn Morel’s impressive flow at La Vida Es Un Festival!


Featured Performer/Violinist

Dayren Santamaria

Dayren Santamaria was fated to be an entertainer. Born in Matanzas, Cuba, to a professional musician father and an actress mother, she opted for a musical life and chose to study violin at age 8. Her passion for music has taken her on a journey around the world and across musical styles.

Most recently, she formed her band Dayren Santamaria & Made in Cuba in 2015 with some of the best musicians in Los Angeles. Get a glimpse of her musical talent at our annual festival!

DJ Lineup

Francesca Harding

Francesca Harding has been working in the music industry as a radio host, DJ on KCRW and most recently as a music supervisor for over a decade. From DJing internationally to working in the sync and licensing world, Francesca has provided the musical backdrop for a variety of projects alongside the best and brightest in the business.

Azul 213

Azul 213 developed International acclaim through his soulful uptempo DJ sets. Musically his performances reflect his varied upbringing and experiences, they run the gamut from Afro-Latine dance tracks to hip-house club beats, and electrotonic edits.

Azul is still a prominent figure on the LA music scene being involved in some of LA's most successful club events over the last 20 years as a DJ & Host. One honorable mention would be the infamous international Do Over party in its 19th season, who in 2022 were named Redbull's Culture Clash LA Champions!

Thurston

Representing the Beat Junkie Institute of Sound. Thurston has been making his way through the LA music scene with open format, and sharp trick mixing. Always gravitating back to the favorites of House, Funk & Disco, Thurston’s sets are full of high energy, while consistently packing out dance floors at every gig. Having a father who was an integral part of Los Angeles radio + turntablism, Thurston has been around DJs his entire life. Now being in the game for 10+ years, He is carving a lane as one of the best party rockers in the city.


Educational Demonstration:

Awo Falokun Fasegun  x  Mestre Amen Santo

Awo Falokun Fasegun also known as Sifu Earl White, affectionately called Baba by his family and Omos, has been involved in the study of African Spirituality for over 30 years, and Martial Arts for over 40 years. Sifu Fasegun holds an 8th Degree Black Belt. He was initiated as a Babalawo and a Priest of Ogun in the village of Ode Remo, Nigeria.

One of Baba’s main focuses has been exploring the martial/protection aspects found in various areas of Ifa & African Culture, e.g. the Oriki, Odu, Oogun, Ijala, music, and dance. Currently he provides spiritual counsel to the Ifa community of Los Angeles, CA through his Spiritual House, Ile Orunmila Afedefeyoand he runs the Ijo Ija Martial Arts Academy. He has developed his own expression of martial arts, called Ijo Ija, which blends the Chinese, Filipino, and African Martial Arts & Warrior Dances.

A native of Salvador Bahia, Mestre Amen Santo is a recognized Mestre de Capoeira, master drummer, and is the Artistic Director of the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center. He began his artistic career under the guidance of Mestre Waldemar and Mestre Avila in Liberdade, Bahia, Brazil. He was mentored as a performer by Negão de Doni (percussion) and Emilia Biancardi (dance) and toured internationally as a member of Brazil’s historic premiere folk ensemble Viva Bahia.

In 1989, he founded the Brasil Brasil Cultural Center which serves as the home base for a professional touring ensemble (the Ballet Folclòrico do Brasil) and the internationally renowned longest-standing capoeira school in Southern California, Capoeira Batuque. Santo has used dance and music as a platform to promote intercultural interchange, Latin American diversity, and the African diaspora. He has also been honored in the Martial Arts Hall of Fame and as a pioneer by the World Sokeship Council.

The Marketplace

Curated by Runway Boutique

Fatima Dodson, founder of "Runway Boutique"

Curator of The Marketplace

"Headwraps in the park" activation will be a featured activation at La Vida Es Un Festival. “Headwraps in the park” LA hopes to create an environment that fosters creativity, celebrates individuality, and encourages community.


Sonido Del Valle has been the only record store in the historic Boyle Heights neighborhood in California for almost half a decade, boasting to have the Largest Latin Selection in Los Angeles! 

High-Fidelity - In West Adams Los Angeles, High-Fidelity Record Store Serves The Historic Jazz Community and Hip Hop heads. 

House of Sueno - We are Sueño, a husband and wife dynamic duo from Los Angeles California. We decided to align with higher callings and dreamed the highest dream. Co-Create,  respect the cycles of life and offer healing tools to all of our brothers and sisters on Earth now.

 @nitzbynat - Accessories

 @waistbeadsbyayodele - Interactive booth

 @ahintofmoss - Seamoss

 @nena_organics - Body Care

Learn about last year’s event programming:

Festival Program 2023

  • Music is often one of the dominant carriers of culture within Afro-Latin populations. Our lineup will include:

    Los Rakas

    Juliet Mendoza

    Kati Hernandez and Kimbambula

    Nakeiltha Campbell and “Puentes de Poder”

    Cee Brown

    Lillani “Dizam” Moran

    Sutiweyu “Broso” Sandoval

    Read performer profiles below.

  • Kati Hernandez: A native of Cuba, Kati grew up surrounded by the sounds of the drum and the Afro-Cuban tradition. She shares her passion for dance studies as a dancer and educator who brings the fullness of her heritage to every showcase.

    Skira Martinez: is a multidisciplinary artist whose work ranges from functional art and body adornment to wall and installation pieces. In combination with more traditional mediums, Skira uses found objects, thrift store and yard sale treasures, or unwanted items intended for the trash to create unique assemblage and mixed media pieces.

    “REMIX” Mixed Media Art Workshop: Adult/teen participants will take apart a bicycle light and rearrange (remix) it to create a feline friend.

    Child participants will create a robot using stickers. Once completed, the paper will be mounted on a light piece of wood.

    Artworks will be exhibited during the event in an onsite pop-up gallery titled ‘The People's Gallery’. Participants will pick up their art when they are ready to leave the event.

    There will also be art activities and a sandbox for the children of the participants. Before and after the ‘Remix’ workshop visitors to Skira’s canopy will be able to create art using a variety of art supplies that will be available and set up in a ‘self-serve art buffet’.

    Fatima Dodson: After growing up in fashion, Fatima wanted to create a space of her own to bring women together through a thick, connecting thread: fashion.

    Runway Boutique L.A. is a blend of afrocentric, care-free, Brooklyn bohemian fashion-forward goodness. Not only is it a reflection of Fatima’s own personal style, but an amalgamation of the influences she was touched by growing up.

    “Head Wraps in the Park” Activation: hopes to create an environment that fosters creativity, celebrates individuality, and encourages community. This workshop will assist women, children, and other folks with the helpful techniques to wrap their hair.

    L.A. Grit Media: as community archivists, they have paid homage to South LA filmmakers through their annual South Central Film Festival, and shared community stories through the South Central Archive Website.

    “Stories from South Central” Archival Telephone Booth: This activation will provide an opportunity for participants to step into the telephone booth and share their story based on a given prompt.

  • The festival will provide educational opportunities through workshops, panel discussions, and presentations that address issues of Afro-Latinx identity, history, and culture.

    It will also offer opportunities for dialogue and conversation around black and brown solidarity and social justice issues.

    Community organizations will also be providing information about their services:

    Afro Unidad

    Esperanza Community Health Tent

    South Central Run Club

    Afro-Latino Education and Arts Collective

    Afro-Latin Conneccion de UCLA

    Plant Plug LA

    STAND Los Angeles

    LA Commons

  • The festival will provide opportunities for participants to engage in wellness practices such as yoga, meditation, and other self-care activities.

    We will also feature vendors offering natural and holistic health and wellness products.

    Marketplace Curated by Runway Boutique LA: A curated experience highlighting Small Businesses and Brands

    Vendors:

Featured Performing Artists

HEADLINERS:

Los Rakas ft. DJ Ethos

Panamanian Reggaeton duo

Comprised of cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun, pioneering Panamanians by way of the Bay Area on the frontier of a new Latin urban sound. Known for their fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae, and dancehall music; the Grammy-nominated duo represents the cutting edge of Pan-American flows.

Los Rakas will be supported by heavyweight, Dj Ethos! An established global talent with LA roots and eclectic party rocking skills to vibes unlimited shown by his practice as a member of the all-inclusive SUBSUELO, a Global Bass party celebrating music from around the world.

Juliet Mendoza

Afro-Central American DJ and Producer

Artist (Salvadoreña, Nicaraguense, Mexicana), LA native, dancer, DJ, and a true heart of the underground House music and dance culture.⁣ ⁣

Lillani “Dizam” Moran

Afro-Puerto Rican DJ/ Vibe Curator

is an Angeleno of Afro-Puerto Rican heritage currently based in Mexico. Her sonic stylings cross the gamut of dance music including various global styles that heavily incorporate electronic elements.

Kati Hernandez and Kimbambula

Cuban Dance and Music Ensemble

A native of Cuba, Kati grew up surrounded by the sounds of the drum and the Afro-Cuban tradition. She shares her passion for dance studies as a dancer and educator who brings the fullness of her heritage to every showcase.

Christopher “Cee” Brown

DJ and Producer

With an ever widening musical taste that includes R&B, Funk, 80’s, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Brazilian, Afrobeat, Soulful House and more, CEEBROWN is a seasoned DJ who continues to reinvent himself while igniting dance floors across the country and beyond.

Sutiweyu “Broso” Sandoval

Afro-Central American DJ

Known as “Broso”, he combines music from across the African Diaspora and fuses it with electronic flavors, hood elements, and his own Central American roots. The popularity of this innovative mix led to performances and residencies at clubs and parties across the globe.

Nakeiltha Campbell and Puentes de Poder

Afro-Panamanian Performance Ensemble

Nakeiltha “Nikki” Campbell is a multicultural percussionist, teaching artist, producer, and performer from Panama. Nikki uses drumming to express her Afro-Caribbean Panamanian lineage, extend a legacy of women drumming in the African diasporic traditions, and celebrate the intense study of rhythm.

Hosted By:

Joelii

Master of Ceremonies

Joelii is a Dominican Latin rapper and songwriter known for his versatile flows, aggressive rhymes, seductive melodies, and ability to perform bilingually in Spanish and English. Joelii as well has performed as a supporting act on Jenn Morel tours across the globe. He has earned notable support in the DJ community with releases alongside Play N Skillz, JSTJR, ETC ETC, DJ City and Salvi.

The Marketplace

Curated by Runway Boutique LA

Fatima Dodson

Founder of Runway Boutique LA

Runway Boutique LA started eighteen years ago with the dreams and aspirations of Fatima Dodson. After growing up in fashion, Fatima wanted to create a space of her own to bring women together through a thick, connecting thread: fashion.

Runway Boutique’s carefully-crafted curation of style is dedicated to creating a safe environment for women to express themselves through their own sense of style. When you walk into Fatima’s shop, you’re greeted with a joyfully overwhelming sense of care, a meticulous eye for detail, and a playful spirit when it comes to wardrobe.

RBLA’s goal is to be a source of inspiration for other women to create a brainchild of their own and watch it grow into a tangible and fashionable form of self-expression to make their mark on the world.

Featured Visual Artists

Skira Martinez

Azul Amaral

Thank you to our partners!


Annual Afro-Latinx Futurism Festival
Aug
26

Annual Afro-Latinx Futurism Festival

This festival aims to create a platform for Afro-Latinx communities and allies to come together and celebrate their shared heritage and culture. Through various forms of entertainment, education, and wellness activities, this festival seeks to provide a space where artists, activists, and educators can share their talents, experiences, and knowledge with others.

This event will be an 8-hour-long festival incorporating arts, dance, and music centered on Afro-Latinx culture. The format will focus on the intersection of this culture in entertainment, education and wellness.

View Event →