MEET RAWAYANA
Rawayana is a Venezuelan band that has grown to be a sensation in Latin America in the last few years. Their unique sound is the product of a fusion of reggae, funk, soul, rock and Caribbean rhythms. It’s this mix of sounds that has allowed them to become what they are now.
Rawayana’s story in the music world kicked off in 2007. That’s when four buddies who shared a passion for the musical arts decided to join forces. Alberto “Beto” Montenegro, Antonio “Tony” Casas, Andrés “Fofo” Story, and Alejandro “Abeja” Abeijón started out by performing their tunes in small Caracas venues. They spent the next few years learning the ropes and cutting their teeth in the industry, slowly but surely making a name for themselves.
The band’s big break, however, didn’t come until 2010. That year, they were chosen to take part in the Festival Nuevas Bandas 2010. This event was a real game-changer for up-and-coming artists, serving as a launchpad for talented musicians who knew how to make the most of their chances. For Rawayana, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in their musical career.
Their musical journey took a major leap forward the following year with the release of their debut studio album, “Licencias Para Ser Libre” (Licenses to Be Free). This release opened their eyes to the vast audience eagerly awaiting their musical offerings. The album’s success was so significant that by the time they were working on their sophomore effort, established artists like Natalia Lafourcade and McKlopedia were lining up to collaborate with them.
2016 marked another milestone with the release of their third album. This project brought them one of the highest honors of their career: a Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. “Trippy Caribbean” catapulted them onto the international stage, paving the way for tours across North America and Europe. From this point on, Rawayana seemed to have the Midas touch – each new release effortlessly turned to gold in the music world.
Late summer 2023 saw Rawayana drop their fifth studio album, “¿Quién trae las cornetas?” (Who’s Bringing the Speakers?). This release didn’t just make a splash – it caused an earthquake in Venezuela’s music scene and rippled far beyond. The album’s impact was so significant that Rolling Stone ranked it 22nd on their list of 2023’s most influential Spanish-language albums.
Even before its official September 21 launch, tracks from the album were already dominating the party scene. Songs like “Dame un break” (Give Me a Break), “Bebé” (Baby), “Binikini,” and “Feriado” (Holiday) became instant favorites, transforming into must-play anthems for beach outings and festive gatherings. The album’s pre-release buzz was a testament to Rawayana’s growing influence and their ability to capture the spirit of celebration in their music.
Will you listen to them?