Today we’d like to introduce you to Danay Suarez.
Hi Danay, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m Danay Suárez, a Cuban singer and songwriter, born in Havana. I’ve always felt at ease moving between genres like jazz, hip hop, and traditional Cuban music, which has allowed me to develop a unique and authentic style. I’m proud to represent Cuban female hip hop, with lyrics that aim to convey deep messages, and a voice that has evolved over time to become more expressive and versatile.
My international career gained momentum thanks to Gilles Peterson and the project Havana Cultura Sessions (Brownswood Recordings, 2010). In 2014, I released my first solo album, Polvo de Humedad (Universal Music), but it was with Palabras Manuales (2017) that I made a significant mark. This work earned me four Latin Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year and Best New Artist, along with a memorable performance at the ceremony.
I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with incredible musicians. As a songwriter, I’ve written songs for artists like Sting, Ricky Martin, and Karol G, and I’ve worked with talented pianists such as Jesús Pupo, Roberto Fonseca, and Idan Raichel. My musical collaborations also include artists like Stephen Marley, with whom I recorded the song “Integridad,” a significant highlight of my career. Additionally, I have composed soundtracks for multiple Netflix series and video games, including FIFA and Need for Speed.
In addition, my husband and I have created an artistic venue in Miami called Ark For Art, located in the Bird Road Art District. We identified the need to preserve pure art that does not yield to media pressures or become devoid of identity. At Ark For Art, we seek artists who are truly unique, real artists who uphold the essence of their craft. The venue has been a space where great cultural figures from diverse artistic expressions have shared their talent, and we remain dedicated to showcasing art in its purest form.
Recently, I launched my latest album Cambio, which represents a powerful masterpiece from the visual art of the album to the lyrics and musical arrangements. It elevates the bar for the urban genre, both globally and within the Spanish-speaking world. Cambio is a testament to my ongoing evolution as an artist and my ability to innovate within the urban genre. Every track on the album reflects my skill in blending styles and sounds, creating a listening experience that transcends borders and genres. With its immersive rhythms and thought-provoking lyrics, Cambio sets a new standard for urban music.
Cambio is now available on all digital platforms, and it promises to be a milestone in my career, as my impact on both music and society continues to grow.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve faced difficulties of all kinds, but one of the most significant has been that, by maintaining a clean message and ideals that can positively transform the moral and spiritual values of society, I have had to avoid many important alliances that could have led to an immediate leap to success. My path has been slower but more authentic. Instead of associating with powerful entities that offer funding in exchange for compromising those values that humanity needs—values that give art its true purpose—I have often preferred to self-finance my career and create that infrastructure for others. This task is often very arduous.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m primarily known for my lyrics; people recognize and connect with the truth that I sing about. I don’t use words to boast or to be violent in a way that doesn’t build up, and because of this, I’ve earned credibility with my audience, many of whom have followed me since the beginning. I’m proud to have understood my life’s purpose and my responsibility to art in a timely manner, which means I have little to regret about the things I did in the past. What sets me apart from others is the identity that God has given me, and I always encourage everyone to find their own identity. Since God, the greatest creator, has made us unique, not knowing our identity can lead us to undervalue it and to place greater importance on the successes and ways of being of others.
How do you think about luck?
In my perception, life is not about strokes of luck but about purpose and the consequences of actions. We all have a particular grace, and our mission is to work in and with it, which causes doors to open and allows us to find favor with others. However, sometimes when doors close, it may be due to our lack of maturity or character, or simply because it is not in our destiny.
Contact Info:
- Website: danaysuarez.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danaysuarez/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danaysuarezoficial/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClKruiql78qeOleBDFjfMTg
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