Daymé Arocena is known for blending Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with neo-soul, jazz, electronic elements and contemporary pop. (photo courtesy of The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts)

Afro-Cuban singer, composer and choir director Daymé Arocena will perform “Alkemi” on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bram Goldsmith Theater at The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts.

The performance will feature music from Arocena’s 2024 album, “Alkemi,” which blends Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with neo-soul, jazz, electronic elements and contemporary Latin pop.

Born in Cuba and now based in Puerto Rico, Arocena emerged internationally with her debut album, “Nueva Era,” in 2015. She has since expanded her sound through projects incorporating jazz, soul, Caribbean traditions and modern pop production.

“Alkemi” was produced by Eduardo Cabra, formerly of Calle 13, and includes collaborations with Dominican singer Vicente García on “A Fuego Lento” and Puerto Rican artist Rafa Pabön on “Suave y Pegao.”

Arocena said the album developed through collaboration with musicians from across the Caribbean.

“Flexibility may well be my biggest virtue. I’m always open to every possible suggestion when it comes to making things better,” Arocena said. “With Eduardo Cabra’s direction, we enlisted musicians from all over the Caribbean – Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic. Everybody added their energy and coloring.”

In 2025, Arocena released the EP “Daymé y Yo,” featuring new interpretations of material from her catalog. She was also featured on “The Original Influencers: Dizzy, Chano & Chico,” which received a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz Album.

Arocena is also a Juno Award winner and completed Berklee College of Music’s Signature Artist program in 2021.

The Sept. 26 concert is part of the Music @ The Wallis series.

Tickets are available at thewallis.org or by calling (310)746-4000.

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts is located at 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd.