Vedala Vilmond’s Journey From Haiti to the Latin GRAMMYs Proves One Thing—She’s a Force
Vedala Vilmond, best known as the powerhouse vocalist of DARUMAS, carries a rich cultural background that deeply informs her artistry. Born and raised in Haiti, Vedala lived there until she was 11 before moving to Chile with her family. It was in Chile that she began honing her musical talent. Eventually, she signed with Sony Music Chile in 2020.
“I’ve always loved music since I was little, but as I grew up, I was able to develop my talent with my father’s help,” Vedala told mitú. Her voice, shaped by her Haitian heritage and African roots, finds inspiration in legends like Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, Lauryn Hill, and Rutshelle Guillaume. These influences blend seamlessly into DARUMAS’ genre-defying sound, making her a unique force in Latin music.
DARUMAS Is Changing the Game for Women in Music
DARUMAS isn’t just another band—it’s a movement. Composed of three talented women, the Latin pop-funk trio is proving that women belong at every level of the music industry. From songwriting to production to instrumentation, they are setting new standards.
“One of our visions is to normalize the fact that we’re a band of women who not only sing and play our own instruments but also produce and write our songs,” Vedala explained. “We want this to no longer be a novelty but to become more common.”
Their journey hasn’t been without its challenges, but their success is undeniable. With nominations at Premio Lo Nuestro for “Pop/Rock Group of the Year” and “Pop/Rock/Urban Female New Artist of the Year,” DARUMAS is cementing its place in the industry. Their Latin GRAMMYs performance of “Francotirador” further showcased their ability to dominate the stage.
Vedala on Navigating the Industry as a Black Haitian Woman
For Vedala, making space in the Latin music world comes with an added layer of complexity. As a Black Haitian woman, she has faced the challenge of bridging the language barrier between her music and her Haitian audience.
“Thanks to social media, I’ve been able to connect with my compatriots through my content and show them my work in the Latin music industry,” she shared. “The support I’ve received from them lately has been very powerful.”
Vedala’s presence in Latin music is a testament to the ever-expanding nature of the genre. She brings Afro-Caribbean elements into DARUMAS’ sound, making it a true fusion of cultures. “Being able to mix my musical influences from Black artists like Dinah Washington, Nina Simone, and Whitney Houston with my love for Latin music has been very meaningful to me,” she said.
How Vedala Infuses Her Identity into the Music
At the heart of DARUMAS’ sound is Vedala’s voice—soulful, powerful, and deeply connected to her roots. As the lead vocalist, she effortlessly carries the band’s fusion of Latin pop, funk, and Caribbean influences.
“It’s a privilege for me to be the lead vocalist for DARUMAS and to incorporate my musical influences,” she explained. “This has been key to making our fusion what it is today.”
The band’s self-titled debut project, recorded at 5020 Studios in Miami, is a vibrant, seven-track introduction to their world. From the reggae-infused “La Llamada” to the disco-pop energy of “Mago,” each song celebrates the band’s diverse cultural backgrounds.
Vedala and the Moments That Defined Her Journey
Every artist has defining moments that shape their path. For Vedala, one of the most significant was singing in front of her father—a moment that shifted her trajectory. “From that day on, he started giving me all his support, and thanks to that, I can be where I am right now,” she reflected.
As DARUMAS continues to break barriers, Vedala hopes her presence in the industry inspires young Black girls who dream of a career in music. “I want my presence in the industry to represent hope, motivation, and also be an influence not only for all those Black women but for all women in general who have so much talent and so many goals but haven’t been able to move forward for various reasons.”
What’s Next for Vedala and DARUMAS?
With Premio Lo Nuestro nominations, high-profile performances, and global recognition, DARUMAS is just getting started. From rocking the Outside Lands Music Festival in San Francisco to taking over Rock in Rio in Brazil, they are bringing their genre-blending sound to an international audience. Their debut single, “Daruma,” even topped the charts on Japan’s J-WAVE radio.
Vedala is a voice that refuses to be ignored. Whether she’s commanding a stage, writing her own music, or breaking industry barriers, she’s proving that Latinas in music are unstoppable—and that the future is here.
