Afro-Andean Funk is a Peruvian-American band nominated for a Latin Grammy, led by singer Araceli Poma and producer/bassist Matt Geraghty. Their music breaks cultural barriers by creating a powerful sound that blends traditional Andean music and the Afro-Peruvian scene with funk, rock, and West African rhythms.
Formed in 2021, Afro-Andean Funk released their debut album, ‘The Sacred Leaf’ (2022), followed by the latest release, ‘Flower on Fire’ (2023). Both albums, featuring original compositions, address themes of social struggle, shamanic rituals, and cultural traditions. Their goal is to unite musical cultures and, most importantly, bring visibility to endangered indigenous languages, such as Quechua.
Vocalist Araceli Poma has become one of the most representative traditional artists of her generation in Peru. Her work has been defined by creating platforms for female artists to share their stories and struggles against racism and marginalization.
Bassist, composer, and producer Matt Geraghty met Poma in a recording studio in Lima, Peru, in 2019, while filming a documentary series featuring a talented group of women singers from the Afro-Peruvian and Criolla scene. Poma was selected as a featured singer on the album and subsequent documentary, “The Warrior Women of Afro-Peruvian Music,” which was nominated for a Latin Grammy.
Geraghty was impressed by her talent as an artist and her creative drive to bring traditional Peruvian music to the world. From that moment on, they began to join forces to break cultural barriers through music and achieve a new sound.
Afro-Andean Funk is based in New York City, where they have been invited to perform at prestigious concerts at the Lincoln Center and Bryant Park in front of thousands of fans.
The music of Afro-Andean Funk serves as a vehicle to keep this heritage alive and promote understanding and respect among all people.
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