Nafta

Nafta, an Argentine band formed in Buenos Aires in 2016, has carved a distinct niche in the local music scene by blending neo-soul, R&B, funk, and hip-hop into a cohesive and emotionally resonant sound. Fronted by vocalist, guitarist, and composer Matías “Magamo” García Molinari, the group also features vocalists Abril Olivera and An Espil, keyboardist Simón Grunblatt, bassist Brian Vainberg, and drummer Tomás Sánchez—all of whom have roots in the funk-rap collective Militantes del Clímax. Their self-titled debut album, Nafta, released in October 2019, introduced tracks like “Potra”, “La carta”, and “Vení mirá”, earning a nomination for Best Conceptual Album at the Premios Gardel. In 2020, they followed up with the acoustic EP Vivo en el sillón, and in 2021, they performed two sold-out shows at Teatro Gran Rex. The band continued to gain momentum in 2022, appearing at major festivals such as Cosquín Rock and Lollapalooza Argentina. Their second studio album, Nafta II, released in July 2023, showcased a more expansive sound with orchestral arrangements and featured singles like “Duele”, “Quiero verte”, and “Andate”. This album was accompanied by a short film directed by Pablo Rojzman and was celebrated with a landmark performance at Luna Park in November 2023. In May 2025, Nafta II won the Gardel Award for Best Alternative Pop Album, solidifying the band's status as a leading force in Argentina's independent music scene.