To enrich and educate global audiences about Afro-Colombian culture.
Championing Colombia to the world is our mission.
To enrich and educate global audiences about Afro-Colombian culture.
Championing Colombia to the world is our mission.
About AfroMusikas
Our Mission
AfroMusikas promotes Afro-Colombian diaspora through arts and education. We offer classes to international university students, musicians, and Colombian youth to develop their musical skills by immersing them in diverse rhythms. We also provide education in cultural anthropology, ESL or EFL, financial empowerment, and technology preparedness. Our commitment is to advance the Afro-Colombian diaspora through arts and education.
Our Objectives
To create and execute educational programs focused on ancestral music theory and instrument construction.
- To collaborate with Afro-Colombian community centers and cultural spaces, enhancing their international visibility.
- To document and promote Afro-Colombian artistic expressions, including music, dance, theater, and oral narratives.
- To establish partnerships with educational institutions for endorsements, credits, and exchange programs.
Our Impact Plan
To enrich and educate global audiences about Afro-Colombian culture through the arts, fostering appreciation, understanding, and preservation of this vibrant heritage.
- Measure the success of workshops and seminars through participant feedback and the development of cultural competencies.
- Track the growth in partnerships and collaborations with educational and cultural institutions.
- Document the preservation and promotion of Afro-Colombian culture through various media channels.
Who We Are
La Tunda
Victor Palacios
Victor Palacios
Katerine Maribel Quiñones Quiñones
Katerine Maribel Quiñones Quiñones, born on October 29, 1987, hails from the picturesque Coscorrón village in the municipality of Barbacoas, located on the Colombian Pacific coast of Nariño. As the daughter of Afro-Colombian parents—Esilda Quiñones Cortes and Marco Antonio Quiñones Albarracín—Katerine’s roots run deep in the rich cultural heritage of her region.
From an early age, Katerine was immersed in the world of interdisciplinary art. Her grandmother, Maria Modesta Cortes, and great-grandmother, Enriqueta Escobar, were exceptional narrators of oral tradition stories. They became her first teachers, introducing her to music, literature, and dance. By the tender age of 5, Katerine was already exploring these expressive forms.
Katerine’s educational journey reflects her commitment to both cultural preservation and academic excellence. She holds a Higher Ethno-Educational Normalist training, a degree in basic education with a focus on natural sciences, and a master’s degree in applied linguistics. Currently, she serves as a Natural Sciences teacher at an official school in Bogotá’s Nueva Esperanza district. In her classroom, Katerine innovates daily, bridging science, literature, dance, and musical art to create an engaging learning environment.
As the director of the musical group “El Sonar del Telembí,” Katerine contributes to the production, rescue, and dissemination of marimba music—an essential part of Afro-Colombian heritage. Her passion for cultural preservation earned her the moniker “La Tunda del Telembí,” signifying her role as a cultural ambassador for the Colombian Pacific. Through literature and ancestral sounds, she weaves charms that resonate with the region’s collective memory.
Katerine’s literary contributions include co-authoring the book “Braiding Networks of Freedom” in 2014. This work is part of the Pedagogical Toolbox for the implementation of the Chair of Afro-Colombian Studies, aimed at strengthening cultural and intercultural competencies in Bogotá’s official schools.
In 2023, Katerine authored “Telembí, Charm y Espantos Volume I.” This captivating compilation delves into the lesser-known stories of Awá and Afro communities in Colombia. Within its pages lie myths, legends, and poems that breathe life into the Pacific’s oral tradition.
Beyond education and cultural advocacy, Katerine’s entrepreneurial spirit shines. Since 2019, she has nurtured a micro-business called “Los Productos de La Tunda,” creating skin and hair cosmetics inspired by ancestral wisdom from the Colombian Pacific. You can explore her offerings on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok under the names “La Tunda del Telembì” and “Los Productos de la Tunda.”
Katerine Maribel Quiñones Quiñones embodies resilience, creativity, and a deep love for her Afro-Colombian heritage. Her multifaceted contributions enrich both her community and the broader cultural landscape.
Victor Palacios
Victor Palacios
Victor Palacios
Victor Palacios
In the heart of Cali, where the sun kisses the cobblestone streets, Victor Palacios found his muse—the piano. A graduate of the Antonio María Valencia Conservatory, Victor's journey began with a delicate touch on ivory keys, guided by luminaries such as Manfred Gerhardt, Mario Gómez Vignes, Luis Carlos Figueroa, and Vaclav Pacl.
Soloist Extraordinaire:
Victor's performances transcend mere entertainment; they are soul-stirring conversations between artist and instrument. Across Colombia's diverse cities, he has graced concert halls, weaving intricate melodies that resonate with audiences. His presence at the International Chamber Music Festival of the National University of Colombia remains etched in musical memory.
Educator and Chamber Music Advocate:
Beyond the spotlight, Victor's passion lies in nurturing young talent. As an educator, he shapes the next generation of musicians. His focus on early music ensembles, opera workshops, and the Youth Orchestra of the Conservatory of Fine Arts reflects his commitment to artistic growth. Victor's teaching resonates like a harmonious chord progression, guiding students toward brilliance.
Composer's Canvas:
Victor's creativity spills onto manuscript paper. His compositions—like whispered secrets—breathe life into theaters and eurythmy stages. Vocal and choral works, concertos for solo instruments, and piano masterpieces emerge from his soul. Notably, "Horizonte," a bambuco dedicated to Maestro Manfred Gerhardt, graces the pages of "Composers of the Universidad del Valle-Works for Piano." From evocative "Preludes" to playful "Little Burlesque," Victor's compositions evoke emotions that transcend time.
A Symphony of Roles:
Currently, Victor wears two hats. As an accompanying pianist, he infuses life into collaborative performances at the Universidad del Valle. Simultaneously, he guides aspiring pianists, teaching improvisation and composition methodologies. His classroom becomes a canvas where creativity dances with discipline.
Victor Palacios—a maestro, a mentor, and a symphony unto himself—continues to compose life's most beautiful notes, leaving an indelible mark on Colombia's musical tapestry. 🎹🎶
Jerry
Victor Palacios
Simón Ponce
Jerry Norris
Jerry Norris is the CEO and Founder of the Fledge located in Lansing MI.
Jerry obtained a B.S. in Statistics from the University of Michigan, with a focus on Computer Science. He began his career with the Unisys Corporation as a Quality Engineer and ISO 9000 Lead Auditor in 1988. Throughout the years, he moved up through the ranks of the quality profession (i.e. Quality Manager, Director of Quality, and VP of Quality).
In 1988 as a Quality Engineer and Lead Auditor, he began developing a software product to help manage compliance activities. Jerry developed software for ISO standards and related compliance systems for all industries, before he decided to start his own company, jadian incorporated in 1998. In 2014 jadian was sold. The next logical step was to start a new software company developing a member directory of compliance professionals. He served as the CEO of GAIA, LLC, which operate globally with customers in over 50 countries helping members connect based on expertise and vicinity. GAIA has evolved into a software company supporting start-ups with an emphasis on mapping.
Jerry now serves as the CEO of the Fledge, a radically inclusive ideation and maker space, incubator and accelerator located in Lansing, MI. He also serves as the Chairman for the GAIA Solutions, and the Fledge Music Group. He spent 5 years as a “Gatekeeper” for the Business Acceleration Fund working with the Lansing Economic Area Partnership (LEAP) and has a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the community at large.
Jerry’s expertise includes software development, quality management, food safety management, automotive and aerospace related quality management, environmental protection and management, safety systems, regenerative economies, LEAN communities, blockchain, smart contracts and WEB3.
He has worked in the following fields: telecommunications, automotive, furniture, food safety, environmental management, economic development, human rights, labor law, life sciences, advance manufacturing, plastics, consulting, organizational development, systems theory / thinking, sustainability, regenerative economies, crypto ecosystems and more.
Simón Ponce
Simón Ponce
Simón Ponce
Simón Ponce
Simón Ponce, a fervent advocate for the richness of Afro-Colombian heritage, stands at the forefront of AfroMusikas, a pioneering nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and education of Afro-Colombian arts and culture. With a deep-seated commitment to preserving and celebrating his roots, Simon has become a beacon of inspiration within the community.
His journey is marked by an unwavering dedication to outreach and development, fostering an environment where the vibrant tapestry of his culture can flourish. Simon's expertise in community engagement is not just a profession but a personal mission, one that resonates with every initiative he leads.
In tandem with his cultural endeavors, Simon is expanding his horizons into the realm of technology. Currently enrolled in an AI and Machine Learning boot camp at Michigan State University, he is poised to blend the worlds of tradition and innovation. His vision is to harness the power of AI to further enrich the cultural experiences AfroMusikas offers, ensuring that the legacy of Afro-Colombian artistry continues to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Siso
Simón Ponce
Siso
Siso
Siso is a visionary designer and first-generation American citizen whose roots trace back to Africa. His unique background has deeply influenced his approach to media and marketing, allowing him to juxtapose traditional cultural elements with modern design principles. This blend has become the hallmark of his work, enabling him to craft compelling and culturally creative narratives. Siso's dedication to preserving and promoting [his] heritage through personal and professional projects has earned him recognition and respect in the industry, positioning him as a trailblazer who brings a fresh perspective to the world of media and marketing. unique vision and sense of style.
Invest in AfroMusikas
We are eager to engage in conversations and explore ways in which you can support us in expanding this project from just workshops and seminars to a global movement. Let's join together to celebrate and promote our rich ancestral heritage!
Promoting Art and Culture
Grupo Musical Femenino Elcy Valencia y Cielo de Tambores
Mujeres unidas, voces elevadas. Nuestro proyecto musical es un llamado a la unidad y la curación femenina. Descubre la historia detrás de nuestra canción y únete a nuestra comunidad de mujeres fuertes y resilientes.