Biography
The Cuban rap collective Orishas originated in Paris, France before its members dispersed throughout Europe. Their lyrics have addressed themes such as immigration, identity, racism, and Afro-Cuban religion. Following the release of their debut full-length A Lo Cubano in 2000, which received widespread international praise, the ensemble spent the ensuing years developing a distinctive blend of Latin rhythms and melodies alongside hip-hop elements. After achieving popularity across Europe and receiving a positive reception upon returning to their homeland, they issued four studio albums in total along with the 2007 compilation Antidiotico, which earned a Latin Grammy nomination, before calling it quits in 2009. Several years afterward, they reconvened to produce recordings on Cuban soil for the initial occasion. This effort resulted in the 2018 release Gourmet, featuring an array of fellow artists spanning multiple generations.
Originally formed by Roldán (born Roldán González Rivero), Ruzzo (Hiram Riverí Medina), Yotuel (Yotuel Omar Romero Manzanares), and Flaco-Pro (Liván Nuñez Alemán) during the late '90s in Paris, France, the group counted Ruzzo and Yotuel among the former participants of the influential Amenaza. Partnering with producer Nicolas Nocchi (aka Niko Noki), Orishas launched their career via A Lo Cubano (2000), a pioneering Latin rap effort merging Afro-Cuban rhythms, hip-hop beats, melodic singing, and socially conscious raps that garnered acclaim worldwide. This album initiated an enduring partnership with Universal Latino. It also facilitated their return to Cuba for two successful shows drawing reportedly tens of thousands of attendees.
Following Flaco-Pro's exit, which left them as a trio, Orishas honed their sound on the follow-up Emigrante (2002). This effort leaned more toward melody compared to the first album, disappointing some supporters who preferred the rap-focused approach. Their third album, El Kilo (2005), further polished their consistent style while expanding their reach, especially throughout Europe, where it appeared on charts in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. The subsequent triple-disc CD/DVD compilation Antidiotico (2007) received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Urban Music Album. Cosita Buena (2008) came next as their fourth album, showcasing continued musical development.
After extensive touring that brought them to various festivals across Latin America and Europe, the members entered a period of inactivity, each residing in separate European cities while engaging in solo songwriting, production, and arrangement work. Activity picked up again in 2016 through live performances and studio sessions, highlighted by the single "Cuba Isla Bella," cut in Cuba alongside Gente de Zona, Leoni Torres, and Descemer Bueno, plus additional contributors. Several more singles paved the way for the fifth album Gourmet (2018). Released via Sony, this project maintained the collaborative spirit, enlisting Jacob Forever, Franco de Vita, Silvestre Dangond, Beatriz Luengo, and Madcon among its guests.
Originally formed by Roldán (born Roldán González Rivero), Ruzzo (Hiram Riverí Medina), Yotuel (Yotuel Omar Romero Manzanares), and Flaco-Pro (Liván Nuñez Alemán) during the late '90s in Paris, France, the group counted Ruzzo and Yotuel among the former participants of the influential Amenaza. Partnering with producer Nicolas Nocchi (aka Niko Noki), Orishas launched their career via A Lo Cubano (2000), a pioneering Latin rap effort merging Afro-Cuban rhythms, hip-hop beats, melodic singing, and socially conscious raps that garnered acclaim worldwide. This album initiated an enduring partnership with Universal Latino. It also facilitated their return to Cuba for two successful shows drawing reportedly tens of thousands of attendees.
Following Flaco-Pro's exit, which left them as a trio, Orishas honed their sound on the follow-up Emigrante (2002). This effort leaned more toward melody compared to the first album, disappointing some supporters who preferred the rap-focused approach. Their third album, El Kilo (2005), further polished their consistent style while expanding their reach, especially throughout Europe, where it appeared on charts in France, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and Portugal. The subsequent triple-disc CD/DVD compilation Antidiotico (2007) received a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Urban Music Album. Cosita Buena (2008) came next as their fourth album, showcasing continued musical development.
After extensive touring that brought them to various festivals across Latin America and Europe, the members entered a period of inactivity, each residing in separate European cities while engaging in solo songwriting, production, and arrangement work. Activity picked up again in 2016 through live performances and studio sessions, highlighted by the single "Cuba Isla Bella," cut in Cuba alongside Gente de Zona, Leoni Torres, and Descemer Bueno, plus additional contributors. Several more singles paved the way for the fifth album Gourmet (2018). Released via Sony, this project maintained the collaborative spirit, enlisting Jacob Forever, Franco de Vita, Silvestre Dangond, Beatriz Luengo, and Madcon among its guests.
Albums
Singles
