In the heart of Itzimná, Mérida, Mexico, something extraordinary unfolded beneath the sacred ceibo tree—a night filled with rhythm, poetry, and soul that brought together the Black community in Mérida like never before. DJ Frequency curated and led an unforgettable open mic night at the Dream Event Center‘s outdoor venue, creating space for expression, celebration, and Black excellence.

With stadium-style seating mixed with cozy restaurant-style tables, the atmosphere buzzed with anticipation. As the sun set and stars began to twinkle above, Black voices, new connections, and cultural pride filled the air.

A Performance that Stopped Time

One of the most moving moments came when a vocalist sang “Inseparable” by Natalie Cole. Her voice, full of passion and depth, touched the soul of every person in attendance. So much so that the crowd chanted in unison,

“One more! One more!” 

Another standout performance came from a vocalist who gave a hauntingly beautiful rendition of “Midnight” by Lianne La Havas. Her voice flowed like velvet, echoing in the courtyard and touching everyone in the room.

🎶 Soulful Sounds, Spoken Word, and Afrodelica

The stage, nestled under the ceibo tree, became a sacred space. Poets and spoken word artists poured out truth and vulnerability, weaving themes of love, justice, and belonging. One singer stirred the crowd with her rendition of “Midnight” by Lianne La Havas—her soft, expressive vocals carrying into the night air, surrounding everyone with grace.

And then came Afrodelica, a standout performance of the night. The group lit up the evening with a blend of Afrobeats and jazz, offering deep, hypnotic grooves and melodies that stirred the soul.

✨ Afrodelica is:

• Mayan Hennemeyer – Voice and Guitar
• Zorzal Galarza – Bass
• Eduardo M. Rejón – Keys
• Mac Castañeda – Drums

Mayan’s voice—soft and silky, reminiscent of Amy Winehouse—carried through the trees and straight into the hearts of the audience. Their music created a bridge between worlds and cultures, a perfect soundtrack for the evening’s spirit of connection.

🎤 A Host. A Voice. A Return.

The evening’s host wasn’t just a guide through the night—she was a force in her own right. Stepping into the spotlight, she vulnerably shared that it had been years since she last performed. But that didn’t stop her. Her spoken word performance moved the crowd. Every line was met with enthusiastic cheers and applause, as her words reflected the very freedom the night was about.

Later, as she looked across the smiling faces of Brothas and Sistas of Mérida, she reminded us:

“This is what freedom looks like.”

And we believed her.

🍹 Craft Cocktails & Community Vibes

Behind the bar, Miguel crafted drinks with flair and passion—mescalitas, margaritas, and colorful cocktails that added even more flavor to the already-vibrant night. Nearly everyone had a drink in hand, toasting to the joy of being together and the power of being seen.

💫 A Gift from the Community, For the Community

The venue for this incredible night—Dream Event Center—was generously donated by The Black Mérida Experience to DJ Frequency in support of the evening’s mission: to create a space where the Black expat experience could shine through creativity and connection.

This was more than an event. It was a reflection of why many of us came to Mexico: for freedom, for peace, for community. It’s why we say healing happens here.

🖤 This is The Black Mérida Experience

Moments like this remind us why we gather. Why we share our stories. Why we lift each other up.

Whether you’re a long-time resident or considering a visit, The Black Mérida Experience invites you to be part of a growing movement of Black expats in Mexico who are choosing joy, culture, and connection. We welcome Black people in Mérida, Brothas and Sistas of Mérida, and our allies to build something bold and beautiful—together.

Because this isn’t just about events.
It’s about belonging.
It’s about freedom.
And it’s about us.