From classical piano lessons in Havana to hosting a spiritual, Afro-diasporic radio show in New York City, Vivian Moinelle’s musical journey is one of transformation, resilience, and deep purpose. Her path has woven through Cuba’s Jazz and Hip-Hop scenes, Detroit’s rich musical heritage, and now, the global airwaves of Oroko Radio. Guided by rhythm, ancestry and intuition, Vivian has found her voice as a “sonic healer” — crafting immersive, soulful experiences that connect the African diaspora through sound.
We spoke to Vivian about crafting emotional, liberating journeys that celebrate identity, community and the spiritual power of music.
How did your journey with music get started?
Vivian Moinelle: I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. My grandmother signed me up for piano lessons when I was around seven, back home in Havana, Cuba, and that’s really where it all started. I went on to study music professionally, but honestly, the system was very demanding and I struggled a lot with my instrument, the piano. By the time I was nineteen, I had a degree in music but zero interest in being a performer. I was still very much loving music, just not in that way.
Then, I started working in the music industry, trying a little bit of everything. I found a temporary calling as a concert promoter and later as a record executive producer, especially in the local Jazz and Hip-Hop scenes. There, I learned a lot about creating a vibe, telling stories through music and engaging audiences. I was also majoring in communications at the time, so I was already deeply into storytelling and creative expression. Yet, something was still missing for me.
That’s when I was introduced to making beats and DJing. As a classically trained musician, it felt like a whole new way to experience music. I spent countless hours helping talented beatmakers with their tracks, and in the process, I learned how to produce music myself. Even though I wasn’t the one working in the DAW, I was definitely producing and secretly loving it! But I didn’t see it as a career path then, so I eventually moved on.
While curating concerts, I became fascinated by the idea of creating immersive sound experiences. I also started feeling a strong pull toward exploring my African roots, and began dreaming about blending different sounds and influences to create something new. What I used to call the ‘Afro-global sound of my dreams.’
In 2016, I moved to the USA for graduate school and that’s when I finally reconnected with my musicianship. It felt like destiny was knocking on my door. I started producing music again as a way to ground myself during a time of heavy change and growth. The calling was undeniable. Later, while living in Detroit, I began DJing, and that’s when everything really clicked. It was like all the pieces of my musical journey had come together at last. Detroit’s deep musical culture taught me so much and I was lucky to learn from incredible mentors like Waajeed and Sterling Toles.
When I moved to New York City, I began seriously considering becoming a radio host. It just felt like the perfect fit as it combines everything I love: music, storytelling and connecting with people through social activism. After some trial and error, I landed my residency at Oroko Radio in 2024 and it’s been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my career.
Tell us a bit more about how you got your radio show over at Oroko Radio.
I applied to several online radio stations in early 2023 and was accepted by three: El Recreo FM in Mexico, Voices Radio in London and Oroko Radio in Ghana. Suddenly, I had three radio shows and an overwhelming desire to be heard.
At El Recreo FM, I started a project called ‘https://,’ which I envisioned as a “safe space” to explore and be whoever I wanted to be sonically. I launched the show and made promises to my audience but after just two episodes, I paused it. I realized I couldn’t fully articulate what I wanted to express at the time.
At Voices Radio, I created a show called ‘maferefun…,’ which was a deeply personal and spiritual tribute to the roots and evolution of Afro-Cuban music. It also highlighted the beautiful electronic sounds emerging from the African diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean. Sort of a love letter to our ancestors and the stories we all share.
Then, at Oroko Radio, I launched ‘We Here: Aquí,’ an audio journey through untold stories of love, resilience and spirituality from the African diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean, celebrating the sounds that unite us all.
After a year of hosting two monthly radio shows, I felt a strong urge to simplify things and decided to focus on my Oroko Radio residency. That’s when I started creating a new ‘maferefun’ – which eventually became my current and signature project, ‘MAFEREFUN…’ The spiritual session of my heart. It’s a show where I can express everything I am, offering something deeper than just entertainment, rooted in the essence of Afro-Cuban spiritual traditions. While building community and inspiring positive change through sonic storytelling.
What was it about radio that really grabbed you?
Radio means freedom to me. It’s a medium that allows me to experiment with sounds and feelings. I approach curating my shows like creating mixtapes, where it’s not just about the music but also the memories, conversation, and snippets of life that come together to tell a story of love, resilience and spirituality.
Sometimes the story is very clear and direct. Other times, it’s more subtle. But because it’s radio, I feel the freedom to explore whatever I want, every time. And that’s what I love most about this medium: the ability to experiment and create something unique and genuine, each time I work on my shows.
Radio feels authentic to me. It’s the perfect platform to combine my love for music, storytelling and social activism, all in one show. I’m on a mission to create evocative musical experiences that facilitate collective radical joy, healing and connection while celebrating Afro-Cuban culture and its deep ties to Africa and the global diaspora. Doing radio feels like home to me in that pursuit.
What are some of the guiding principles of your shows?
Good, deep sounds, period.
Experimental but engaging. I want people to feel my emotions, but also to connect with the journey. The music should be so captivating that they can’t help but keep listening. From there, we add other layers and details to complete the story.
Liberating and poetic. Say what you need to say, in a way that feels authentic yet powerful.
Immersive and sensorial. The experience should pull people in, touching all the senses.
Rhythm-telling. The music tells the story. Always.
Afro-centric. Portals to Africa and the diaspora, united in inter-being.
Surprising. Expect the unexpected, every time.
What would you say was the one turning point for you in your radio journey?
The turning point for me came when I decided to simplify things and let the ‘new maferefun’ emerge. That’s when ‘MAFEREFUN…,’ my current show, truly revealed itself to me. It was the moment I knew I had found exactly what I wanted to do with my radio shows. Although everything continues to evolve (new things are coming soon!) I still feel that moment was the true turning point in my radio journey.
How do you prepare for ‘MAFEREFUN…?’
I prepare for my shows by listening to tons of music and digging deep. A lot of digging! Then, I pick a theme. It doesn’t have to be something that’s obvious during the show, but it helps me stay grounded and focused on the story I want to tell. I research a lot and look for inspiration from my environment. Something that sparks an idea or feeling.
Once I have the topic, I select the tracks that fit that vibe and then I spend a lot of time curating the order. This is where I get really musical. I’m inspired by the principles of programmatic music, something I learned during my time in music school, and that’s stayed with me ever since. I make sure the sounds blend seamlessly, guiding the audience through an immersive journey.
When I’m happy with the flow, I record the show. I might use a DJ controller and Rekordbox or my CDJs and turntables. The medium doesn’t really matter, but I have to DJ the show. That live, spontaneous energy is so important to me!
After recording, I dive into post-production. I add samples, clips and little textures that help enhance the story. I also record the voiceovers (I might start doing this live while recording the show). Once everything’s in place, I listen through and if it feels right, I submit it to the radio station. Big shout-out to Oroko Radio!
What is one radio show of yours that you think defines you?
I feel all my shows define me in one way or another. They’re all so free and spiritual —just like me! If you listen to them in order, from the very beginning, you can really feel my journey as a host and how much freedom I’ve given myself to be whoever I want to be with each episode.
That said, I do have three favorites. The first is my debut ‘We Here: Aquí’ show on Oroko Radio, featuring my friend Jovee Jupiter. It’s special because it marks the start of the journey —setting the tone and letting people know who I am and why I’m here.
The second is ‘MAFEREFUN…’ from January 2025. I love this one so much because I recorded it during a really difficult time, when I had lost faith in the world, like many of us have lately. Feeling hopeless and unsure of how to make a change. I started preparing for it, but couldn’t finish it at first. Then, somehow, the tunes started revealing themselves, and the show just came to life. I always say my egguns guided me through that one —it’s a testament to how resilient we can be. And how surrendering and listening might help us find the answers we need at the right time.
And last but definitely not least, ‘MAFEREFUN…’ from June 2025. It aired on June 19th —a deeply meaningful date for my African American brothers and sisters. I reflected on their struggles, their immense contributions to the world and all that we share, trying to honor that through the music. It was a very emotional and cathartic experience for me.
What are some of your proudest achievements in your radio career so far?
I don’t really work for that, but every time one of my radio shows hits the charts, I feel over the moon. Not because of the metrics, but because it makes me feel like people are truly connecting with what I have to say. Another achievement I’m really proud of is the two shows I did with guest DJs Vudufa and Dez Andrés. Both were beautiful experiences and learning from them was everything to me.
“Radio means freedom to me. It’s a medium that allows me to experiment with sounds and feelings.“
In building the community around you, what have been the most satisfying parts?
The most satisfying part is the feedback I get. The messages and DMs from people telling me how my shows are touching them. It feels amazing to know that my stories of love, resilience and spirituality are reaching people in different parts of the world.
What would you say to someone who wants to do their own radio show?
My golden tip is to just be authentic. Don’t overthink it. Inside every person who loves radio, there’s a great show idea waiting to come out. Just be yourself and everything else will fall into place. Also, don’t be afraid to change or try new things. Every time you do something different, it keeps things fresh. As long as you’re able to explain it to your audience and let them know what’s happening, you’ll be fine. People will love your authenticity, vulnerability and transparency the most.
What do you think the future of radio looks like to you?
I think the future of radio looks amazing! There are so many online stations now breaking boundaries and representing cultures, especially subcultures from around the world. I believe we’ll see more stations giving a voice to marginalized and diverse communities. The ones that never had a chance to be heard before. This is going to create a space full of change-makers sharing beautiful ideas with even more beautiful people. Like I said before, radio is freedom and right now, freedom is precisely what we need most.
What do you think you’ve learned about yourself through your radio shows?
I’ve learned that I see myself not only as a sonic storyteller, but also as a curandera —a ‘sonic healer.’ I’m deeply committed to honoring the lineage of spiritual healers I come from through music. I’ve also learned that I’m not that consistent when it comes to staying a certain way. I like to experiment and when creating, I need to go with my feelings — always. I can be chaotic and intense, and that’s just fine; I have music (and radio) to channel all of that!