Ladama

Biography

LADAMA is a Latin alternative band formed in 2014 by women musicians and activists Lara Klaus from Brazil, Daniela Serna from Colombia, Maria 'Mafer Bandola' González Olivo from Venezuela, and initially Sara Lucas from the United States. The group originated during the OneBeat Program, a U.S. State Department fellowship, while the founding members toured the West Coast, leading to collaborations in youth workshops and performances that evolved into a touring ensemble blending South American folk traditions with soul, R&B, and pop.[1][2][3] Their self-titled debut album, released on September 8, 2017, by Six Degrees Records, topped iTunes and Amazon Latin Music charts, featuring genres like cumbia, maracatu, and joropo, and was praised for its cross-continental musical exchange.[1][3]

LADAMA's second album, Oye Mujer ('Hey Woman'), released July 10, 2020, emphasized female empowerment amid global crises, produced with Brazilian producer Kassin and frequent bassist Pat Swoboda, showcasing matured unity with each member taking lead vocals and electric arrangements.[1][3][4] The band has performed at high-profile events like TED, Monterey Jazz Festival, and NPR's All Things Considered, which lauded their 'irresistible spirit and universal appeal.' Sara Lucas departed in 2023, leaving the core trio of Klaus, Serna, and Bandola, who continue releasing singles like 'Cuido Mi Raíz' (2024).[1][4]

Beyond music, LADAMA engages communities globally through workshops on music-making, composition, and production, targeting youth and women, rooted in their mission to empower via sound.[2][3][4]

Fun Facts

• The band name LADAMA derives from the initials of founders LAra Klaus, DAniela Serna, and MAfer Bandola, also meaning 'The Lady' in Spanish; Sara Lucas declined adding her initials.[5]
• Daniela Serna co-founded all-female Caribbean folk band La Perla, winners of the XXXI Festival de Gaita larga Francisco Llirene, and won a contest to perform with bullerengue queen Petrona Martínez.[1][2]
• LADAMA's debut album reached No. 1 on iTunes and Amazon Latin Music charts in January 2018, following features on NPR and ESPN.[1]
• All members are multi-instrumentalists: Mafer Bandola specializes in bandola llanera (Venezuelan mandolin-like instrument), Lara Klaus in pandeiro and percussion, Daniela Serna in tambor alegre and Caribbean styles.[1][4]

Members

• Mafer Bandola
• Lara Klaus
• Sara Lucas
• Daniela Serna
• Pat Swoboda - bass guitar

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Petrona Martínez - Daniela Serna won a contest to perform with this legendary bullerengue folk singer (Señal Radio Colombia contest performance) [2012]

Key Collaborators

• Pat Swoboda - Frequent bassist and collaborator (Oye Mujer album) [2017–present]
• Sara Lucas - Co-founder and former guitarist/singer (Self-titled debut album, band formation) [2014–2023]
• Kassin - Producer (Oye Mujer album) [2020]
• Betsayda Machado - Guest collaborator (Oye Mujer album) [2020]
• Spok - Guest collaborator (Oye Mujer album) [2020]
• Eliot Krimsky - Guest collaborator (Oye Mujer album) [2020]

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #alternative, #fusion, #latin