Machiran

Machiran is a Cuban contemporary R&B singer, songwriter, and performer based in New York City who has gained recognition as a prominent independent "afro-queer" artist in the Latin music scene. Originally established as a showman and dancer in Havana, he bridges traditional Cuban sounds like rumba, salsa, and jazz with modern genres like pop, soul, and trap, citing influences ranging from Celia Cruz to Beyoncé. Known for his unapologetic LGBTQ+ advocacy, his music and videos—such as his 2024 release "ALEX"—explicitly explore same-sex love, breaking barriers in a historically conservative musical landscape. After relocating to New York, he integrated into the local queer creative community, notably becoming a finalist for NYC Pride's 2026 Pride Idol competition and continuing to elevate Afro-Cuban culture through a modern, inclusive lens.