Archives: Artists

The Chief Joseph Chatoyer Dance Group is inspired by Vincentian (Garifuna) William Brown, who is considered the first “black” playwright in the United States. He owned and operated the African […]

Inés Mangual-Cabassa is a cultural warrior committed to preserving and honoring the rich cultural legacy of African ancestry in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean, and the Americas. She is a drummer, […]

Julia Gutierrez is the youngest daughter of Los Pleneros de la 21 (LP21) founder, Juan Gutiérrez and was weaned as a child on bomba and plena. In 1989, she formed […]

Garifuna Women Abaimahani is led by Luz Soliz. They teach and perform at the Garifuna Heritage Arts Center which is currently housed in Dr. Charles Drew J.H.S. 219 at 3630 […]

Alex Kwabena Colón was born in Guatemala and has dedicated his career to language. Whether he is working to preserve the Garifuna language or connecting with an audience through the […]

Lucy Blanco’s family roots are in Santa Rosa de Agua, Honduras, Central America. Her parents migrated to the Bronx in 1964 where she was born. Her life was forever changed […]

Bodoma (“The Original Garifuna”), represents his culture with traditional drumming, singing & dance with a youthful group of Garifuna players. Bodoma evokes the spirit of the ancestors while creating a […]

Manuela Arciniegas is a drummer, songwriter, singer and dancer specializing in Afro-Dominican and Afro-Puerto Rican traditional music. She graduated from Harvard in 2001 and has been working in education, cultural […]

James Lovell was born in the village of Mango Creek, but grew up in Dan- griga Town, Belize. After high school, James joined the Belize Police Force Band, where he […]