Dayme Arocena: We Black singers have to do spectacularly well to be given a space'

"Dayme Arocena, 33, is Cuban. And Black. And these two traits have shaped her life and artistic career. She says that she was born a musician: she didn't become one. This is because her ancestors shaped her destiny. I'm an heir to music and dance, she affirms. The heritage of African culture is very present in her creations, which are difficult to pigeonhole: the songs that have been released by this 33-year-old artist draw from all genres."

"She began with jazz, but the evolution of her work has led her toward pop. And she's also influenced by Latin American music, cha-cha-cha, salsa, bolero as well as Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and the classical composers she learned about during the strict Russian-style classical education she received in Cuba. Her latest album, Alkemi (2024) recorded and produced in Puerto Rico with Calle 13's Eduardo Cabra also draws on R&B, bossa nova, funk and neo-soul."

"Arocena was born in Havana. She left Cuba six years ago, unaware that she wouldn't be able to return. Political persecution and the fear of imprisonment for her opposition to the Cuban regime keep her away from her beloved homeland. Given her captivating voice and imposing, energetic presence, renowned NPR music critic Felix Contreras once described her as a cross between Aretha Franklin and Celia Cruz a comparison that both haunts and honors her."

Dayme Arocena is a 33-year-old Cuban and Black singer who traces her musical identity to Afro-Cuban ancestral heritage and dance. She trained in strict Russian-style classical education in Cuba and absorbed composers like Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninoff. Her music spans jazz, pop, Latin genres, cha-cha-cha, salsa, bolero, R&B, bossa nova, funk and neo-soul. Her 2024 album Alkemi was recorded and produced in Puerto Rico with Eduardo Cabra. Arocena left Cuba six years ago and remains unable to return due to political persecution and fear of imprisonment for her opposition to the regime. She performed at the 38th Annual Hispanic Heritage Awards and embraced Celia Cruz's repertoire after leaving Cuba.

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