Orishas

Orishas was founded in 1999 in Havana, Cuba. The group, originally named “Amenaza,” quickly gained popularity among Cuban youth. In 1999, the members, Yotuel Romero and Ruzzo Medina, moved to Paris, France, where they joined Roldán González and Flaco-Pro, forming Orishas. Their debut album, “A lo Cubano,” released in May 1999, marked a significant moment in Latin music, blending traditional Cuban sounds with hip-hop beats. This unique style established them as pioneers in the Latin urban genre. The group’s relocation to Europe and subsequent record deal provided resources for professional recordings, which was uncommon for Cuban rap groups at the time.

Over the next decade, Orishas achieved international recognition, particularly in Europe (France, Italy, Spain, and Portugal) and Latin America. They embarked on a two-year tour across Europe and the United States shortly after their debut album’s release. In December 2000, they returned to Cuba to perform two concerts, drawing large crowds of young Cubans. Their work, characterized by its fusion of hip-hop with Cuban rhythms like salsa and rumba, also incorporated social and political commentary in songs such as “El Kilo,” “Mujer,” and “Reina de la Calle.” In 2007, they collaborated with Puerto Rican group Calle 13 on the song “Pa’l Norte,” which earned a Latin Grammy for Best Urban Song.

After a hiatus, Orishas reunited in 2016 and released their fifth studio album, “Gourmet,” in 2018, which was nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album. The group performed a triumphant concert in Havana in 2018, which was later featured in an HBO Latino concert documentary. Despite members living in different European cities, Orishas continued to create music that maintained their legacy of blending cultural heritage with contemporary sounds. Roldán González has maintained a focus on traditional Cuban music, distinguishing Orishas from stereotypical hip-hop themes and promoting respectful lyrics.