The Vaqueros of Hawaii

The Vaqueros of Hawaii

From Alt.Latino by NPR

May 27, 2026 · 34 min

About this episode

This episode explores the influence of Latin American music in Hawaii and features various artists celebrating this cultural journey.

We don’t often get to discuss the ways that Latin American music made its way west across the Pacific Ocean. But this week we have two incredible projects that celebrate that journey. First, a Japanese band that fuses traditional minyo folk sounds with cumbia and other Latin rhythms. Then, a project that unearths a forgotten history of the 19th century Mexican cowboys who went to Hawaii to help manage livestock. Plus, a tribute to Afro-Colombian folk legend Totó La Momposina, who passed away this month at 85; an underrated Puerto Rican reggaetonero shines again; and, of course, Ana continues her Brazilian obsession with new tracks from up-and-comer Bebé. Artists and albums featured in this episode: (00:55) Bebé - 'Dissolução' (05:45) Minya Crusaders - 'From Japan With Love' (10:06) Álvaro Díaz - 'OMAKASE' (17:35) Los Cenzontles - 'Adios Ke Aloha: Waves of the Same Sea' (23:05) Orestes Gomez - 'No me fui porque quise' (28:04) Totó La Momposina - Various This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast…

People in this episode

Host: Ana

Topics covered

  • Latin American music
  • Hawaiian history
  • cumbia
  • minyo folk
  • Afro-Colombian music
  • reggaeton

Keywords

  • Latin American music
  • Hawaii
  • cumbia
  • minyo
  • Afro-Colombian
  • reggaeton
  • Bebé
  • Totó La Momposina

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NPR

Books & works: Dissolução, From Japan With Love, OMAKASE, Adios Ke Aloha: Waves of the Same Sea, No me fui porque quise, Various

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