Vivian Moinelle

Inspired by the Afro-Cuban traditions I grew up with, MAFEREFUN… blends my sonic heritage with broader African and diasporic sounds to create the spiritual session of my heart—an intimate space where we can experience collective radical joy and essential healing. It bridges my nostalgia for La Habana with my excitement for the future, all while staying grounded in the present to celebrate the stories of love, resilience, and spirituality that unite us all. MAFEREFUN… is my love letter to my ancestors, the Orishas, and to you. ~Vivian

“my music, my Cuba” is an ongoing series highlighting some of my favorite Cuban music tracks, each beautifully entwined with memories of mi patria. These pieces have truly impacted my life at different times, and while I might no longer resonate with some of the artists featured here —due to choices they have made that I do not support—, their music continues to be incredibly special to me.

Vivian Moinelle was born and raised in the heart of La Habana, Cuba, and describes herself as a "sonic storyteller"—a “sonic healer” who guides audiences on immersive journeys toward radical joy, healing, and connection. Rooted in her Afro-Cuban heritage, she blends African and diasporic sounds, all grounded in electronic textures, to weave stories of love, resilience, and spirituality. Whether she's behind the decks, crafting beats, curating compilations, or helping bring her friends' albums to life, Vivian is deeply committed to celebrating Afro-Cuban culture and its profound ties to Africa and the global diaspora. A classically trained musician, Vivian initially stepped away from the spotlight to focus on cultural curation. While she first encountered electronic music in Cuba, it was in Detroit—amid her experiences as a migrant—that she fully embraced this path. She often reflects on how the unwavering support of her sister, cherished friends, and the wisdom of her ancestors and Orishas have guided her on this liberating journey. With new music set for release and exciting collaborations in the works, you may find her in New York or online, spreading her raw yet sophisticated touch as she develops MAFEREFUN…, her most treasured project to date.