Rawayana

Rawayana was formed in Caracas, Venezuela, in 2007 by Alberto “Beto” Montenegro and Antonio “Tony” Casas. They later incorporated guitarist Alejandro Abeijón and drummer Rodrigo Michelangeli. The band’s musical style, which they describe as “trippy pop,” integrates various genres including reggae, psychedelic, electronic, funk, and salsa. Their early career saw them gaining local recognition, performing in Caracas venues, and participating in the Festival Nuevas Bandas in 2010. This allowed them to share stages with other emerging and established artists in Venezuela. Their first promotional single, “Fuego Azul,” garnered attention on social media due to its video clip, which the band described as a “tribute to Venezuelan indie music.”

Over the years, Rawayana has achieved significant milestones, including the release of five studio albums where they continued to develop their distinctive sound. Their 2016 album, “Trippy Caribbean,” led to a nomination for Best New Artist at the 18th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The band expanded their international presence through tours across Latin America and the United States, further establishing their reputation as a dynamic live act. Their music has also addressed social and political themes, notably in their 2021 album “Cuando los Acéfalos Predominan,” which subtly commented on the crisis in Venezuela through its lyrical content and accompanying music videos.

A turning point in their career came with the release of “¿Quién trae las cornetas?” in 2023, promoted by a NPR Tiny Desk Concert, which broadened their appeal to non-Hispanic audiences. The band’s consistent artistic output and growing influence culminated in significant awards: in 2024, their song “Feriado” won Best Pop Song at the 25th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. Furthermore, in early 2025, their album “¿Quién Trae las Cornetas?” received a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album, solidifying their status on the global music scene. Rawayana has also engaged in notable collaborations, forming the supergroup ASTROPICAL with Bomba Estéreo and working with artists such as Danny Ocean, Natalia Lafourcade, and Fonseca.