Orishas

Orishas are a pioneering rap and hip-hop band who were formed in Havana, Cuba after initially performing under the name Amenaza. The band made their way to Paris in 1998 to sign a record deal with a European label and this proved pivotal in establishing the group as an internationally renowned hip-hop act. Most Cuban rap artists lack the exposure or resources to promote their work globally and Orishas' presence in Europe helped them penetrate lucrative hip-hop markets such as such as Spain, Italy, France and Portugal.

The three members of the band live in three different European cities - Milan, Madrid and Paris - and this has given a truly cosmopolitan flavour to their work. The band's debut album was 'A Lo Cubano' released in 2000 and this was promoted by a tour of Europe and the US which brought the band to the attention of international audiences. Later that year they returned to Cuba as musical celebrities and tens of thousands of Cuban hip-hop fans attended their concerts.

With five studio albums to their credit the band are one of Cuba's most successful musical exports and their use of traditional Cuban influences such as salsa and rap has ensured their music is popular among Cuban music enthusiasts as well as younger hip-hop fans.