ARACELI POMA (Perú)

Araceli Poma is one of the most representative artists of the new generation of Peruvian music. 

Poma embodies traditions instilled by the women artists from the peñas of Lima writing deeply personal music inspired by the masters of Peruvian black music. Poma pays homage to her indigenous Andean musical influences, writing lyrics and singing in Quechua – the native language of her grandparents. Poma aims to bring visibility to Quechua and its’ indigineous speakers, often victims of political conflicts and ethnic persecution. 

Her commitment to the union and integration of cultures is exemplified with her most recent project Afro-Andean Funk — a new  band with bassist/producer/composer Matt Geraghty that merges traditional Peruvian rhythms with modern musical styles such as Afro-pop, electronica, drum and bass, funk, cumbia and hard rock.

In September of this year, Afro-Andean Funk received a Latin Grammy nomination for their debut album ‘The Sacred Leaf’ released in the category Best Alternative Music Album. This prestigious honor places Afro-Andean Funk up alongside some of the biggest names in Latin music.  The 9 songs on ‘The Sacred Leaf’ composed by Araceli and Matt are inspired by shamanic rituals, indigenous culture, the coca leaf and the story of a group of indigenous Peruvian women who were forcibly sterilized in the 90’s.

The sum total of Afro-Andean Funk is a music that is not only deeply reflective of its roots and history, but is art that finds unity through a diversity of sounds, languages and stories. Araceli aims to make music to serve as a catalyst for demystifying cultural differences and building bridges between musical communities.  She believes that art and music play a vital role in challenging racism and fighting for marginalized peoples.

Araceli’s first Latin Grammy nomination was in 2020 for the album and documentary “The Warrior Women of Afro-Peruvian Music” produced by the American label, JUST PLAY, led by Geraghty. This production challenges racism, sexism and marginalization through the power of the music and culture of the African diaspora. It was recorded between Peru, New York and Chicago, with the participation of memorable guests such as Howard Levy and Gil Goldstein.  This was followed by their next musical documentary “Guerreras Puertorriqueñas” with a focus on women artists filmed in Puerto Rico in 2021.

In 2021 Araceli settled in New York City to begin the next chapter of her musical career and bring Peruvian roots music to greater international visibility.