YOTUEL

Yotuel Omar Romero Manzanares, better known simply as Yotuel, is a Cuban singer, rapper, songwriter, actor, and producer born on October 6, 1976, in Havana, Cuba, who has built an influential career as both a solo artist and founding member of the internationally acclaimed hip hop group Orishas. Growing up in Havana, Yotuel developed a passion for blending Afro-Cuban rhythms with the raw energy of rap, a fusion that would become his signature sound and place him at the forefront of Latin urban music. In 1999, alongside Roldán González and Ruzzo Medina, he co-founded Orishas, whose debut album A lo cubano immediately caught international attention for its innovative mix of traditional Cuban styles with hip hop beats. Their follow-up album Emigrante (2002) won a Latin Grammy and established the group as global ambassadors of Cuban hip hop, while projects like El Kilo and Cosita Buena further expanded their reach and influence. After years of touring and recording success, Yotuel also pursued a solo career that showcased his versatility, collaborating with major figures in reggaetón, pop, and Latin music, as well as working as a producer and mentor for new talent. His artistic expression extended into acting, with appearances in Spanish television series such as Un Paso Adelante, broadening his international recognition. In 2021, Yotuel made headlines as a central voice in the Cuban movement for freedom and democracy with the release of “Patria y Vida,” a protest anthem recorded with Gente de Zona, Descemer Bueno, and others, which not only earned the Latin Grammy for Song of the Year but also became a rallying cry for change across Cuba and the Cuban diaspora. Today, Yotuel continues to craft music that bridges cultures and genres, positioning himself as both a creative innovator and a cultural icon who uses art as a force for transformation.