Immigrant stories: Mai-Elka Prado, singer and songwriter

One of Mai-Elka Prado’s passions is to modernize the traditional popular songs of her beloved country Panama.

Prado came to the city as a young immigrant sixteen years ago. The singer-songwriter used music to help build a community.

“We couldn’t say that my music has a classification, that it has a ‘tag’ with a name of what kind of music it is, but it is music made with a lot of heart, music made with folk elements and music that is not afraid to express itself also in a modern way,” explained Prado.

Prado is the creator of the annual Afro Latino Festival which marked its 10th year this past June… a decade celebrating the culture, contributions and perspectives of Black Latinos. A group that she feels is often ignored. The goal she says of her is:

“Connect artists, connect people, connect audiences, and provide visibility about our presence of black people, of Afro-descendant people in Latin America.”

As an artist, Prado provides other creatives with a platform of solidarity and a safe space.

“For us as immigrants, when you arrive young, if you have a family, well, it is very difficult to connect with other Spanish-speaking people. Create good connections, create friendships.”

Prado is also a program manager for the Brooklyn Arts Council, which helps nurture other artists and connect them with funding for their projects.

As she looks to the future and plans for the next festival, she isn’t sure what direction it will take, even though she knows work is essential.

Meadow.

“It is very important for us immigrants to always keep our roots well founded in our countries, and that our next generations, our children, also have that connection,” said Prado.

Taking a cue from the unique community, she says it has been an honor for her to serve.

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Immigrant stories: Mai-Elka Prado, singer and songwriter