From discos to road tours and festivals, born and bred Ottawa DJ, Estēvan, has been unstoppable. At just 15, he began a burgeoning journey into the world of music production. This impressive evolution saw Estēvan co-founding Nöstravé, which enjoyed high-profile gigs and European tours, culminating in the memorable performance at Finland’s Weekend Festival in 2014.
After Nöstravé disbanded in 2017, Estēvan relocated to Montreal, catalyzing his solo career. His craft metamorphosed in 2018 when his life began to weave between Montreal and San Juan, Puerto Rico. The move infused his music with a distinctive Latin urban vibe, reshaping his artistic color palette and amplifying cultural insights and collaboration opportunities. One exceptional result of this fusion was the three-song EP “AFROLATINO,” released in August 2023.
Created with the talented Puerto Rican songwriter, Derek Novah, this EP serves as a soulful blend of Afrobeats and Latin urban music. This project outlines Estēvan’s continuous avidity for innovation, sharpened by over five years of experience in music production and DJing. Here, listeners can tap into a spectrum of feelings, mirroring the soulfulness set within the EP.
“AFROLATINO” echoes more than just catchy beats and innovative genre-melding — it represents over three years of dedicated labor. It paints a picture of Estēvan’s time in Puerto Rico, revealing a unique breed of music engendered from cultural learning, connection-building, and stereotype-breaking.
Over the years, Estēvan’s sonic journey has transcended mere artistic expression; it has evolved into a cultural ambassadorship that spans continents and mélange of genres. The upcoming South American promo tour followed by a voyage to Africa offers a sneak peek into his aspiration – a blend of global sounds and unique styles that captivate worldwide audiences.
Estēvan’s collaborative efforts extend beyond the realm of music. His partnership with Juli Nazario contributes to the project’s motive of bringing attention to the Afro Latino community in Latin America, a stride towards respect and recognition. Nazario — a friend and talented artist who recently started the Black Equals Beauty modeling agency — contributed to the EP’s cover art and models for three visualize videos accompanying the release.
Indeed, “AFROLATINO” is more than an EP. It is an homage to cultural diversity, a testament to Estēvan’s dedication to his craft and relentless pursuit of breaking music boundaries. It serves as a beacon, illuminating the Afro Latino community’s strength and striving spirit.
His entry into the world of music was a simple one, ignited by an innate love for the craft. At 14, he delved into his role as a DJ, and a year later, he began producing. This progression was measured, not forced, a natural journey anchored by a love for blending the familiar strains of home with new beats picked up from around the world.
Today, “AFROLATINO,” a collaboration between Estēvan and Derek Novah, provokes an incandescent reflection of Estēvan’s creative journey soaked in an array of cultures and influences. It’s a clear testament to his irrevocable belief in pushing boundaries through collaborative songwriting, reaffirming the timelessness of music that transcends geographical limitations and resonates in every corner of the world.
As the music plays on, Estēvan remains driven by the allure of uncharted musical territories, the potential in untouched collaborations, and the joy of inspiring an emotional response in his listeners. Each beat, each mixture, is imbued with this philosophy — that the core of music should make the listener feel, should trigger an internal echo within the soul.
Estēvan’s universe of beats, rhythms, and melodies is just a click away. Dive into his day-to-day musings and creative insights on Instagram, or immerse yourself in the visual symphony of his work on YouTube. And for those who want a direct pass to the heart of the “AFROLATINO” experience, the gateway is open here.