A Documentary And Musical Anthology Celebrating The Women Who Shaped Bay Area Latin Music

Renegade Queens is more than just a project—it’s a movement. This groundbreaking documentary, alongside the double-disc anthology Salsa De La Bahía Vol. 3: Renegade Queens, shines a long-overdue spotlight on the fearless women of the San Francisco Bay Area’s Afro-Latin music scene. For over five decades, these trailblazing artists have defied expectations, challenging sexism, cultural erasure, and gentrification while forging a revolutionary sound that embodies collaboration, resilience, and social activism.

The documentary weaves together intimate interviews, electrifying performances, and archival footage to tell the untold stories of the musicians, educators, and cultural pioneers who have shaped the Bay Area’s unique Latin music landscape. Inspired by a transformative journey to Havana in 2000 and informed by conversations with Cuban ethnomusicologist Olavo Alén Rodríguez, Renegade Queens highlights the critical yet often-overlooked role of women in the evolution of this genre.

Through music, poetry, and powerful personal narratives, this project captures not only the artistry but also the relentless spirit of these women as they navigate shifting socio-political realities. It is a celebration of their contributions, a testament to their perseverance, and a call to action for future generations to continue breaking barriers in the Latin music world.

At its core, Renegade Queens is a tribute to creativity, unity, and the power of music to drive change. It stands as a rallying cry for recognition, respect, and the preservation of a vibrant multicultural legacy—an inspiring reminder that the rhythm of progress is driven by those bold enough to lead it.

“Renegade Queens is a welcome and necessary record of the indispensable contribution of highly talented women to the Bay Area’s rich jazz and salsa scenes.” – Catalina Maria Johnson, DownBeat

Renegade Queens official Trailer

Renegade Queens: The Documentary is a powerful exploration of the untold stories of women who shaped the San Francisco Bay Area’s Afro-Latin music scene. Through intimate interviews, electrifying performances, and archival footage, the film captures their resilience in the face of sexism, cultural erasure, and gentrification. Highlighting over 50 years of innovation, activism, and artistry, Renegade Queens is a tribute to the fearless musicians, educators, and pioneers who redefined Latin music—championing unity, equality, and cultural preservation for future generations.

Coming off the heels of Rita Hargrave’s acclaimed documentary The Last Mambo—a multi-award-winning independent film currently available on PBS—Renegade Queens continues the journey of preserving and celebrating the Bay Area’s Afro-Latin legacy.

Premiering in Fall 2025!

from https://latinjazznet.com