Nokki Cabrera Evokes “Trap Salsa” Sounds While Honouring Her Cuban American Roots
by Julieta Miquelarena
Born in Florida to Cuban immigrants who fled Fidel Castro’s regime in 1994, Nokki Cabrera’s heritage is steeped in profound struggle and unwavering resilience.
By 1992, Cuba had seen a dramatic economic decline, with a 40% drop in less than two years, leading to severe food shortages and malnutrition.
Despite these challenges, Nokki’s parents ensured that she and her brother were raised strongly to Cuban values — hard work, perseverance, and flowing cultural pride during their upbringing.
Nokki’s music is a vibrant fusion of Cuban salsa, American pop, and Southern hip-hop, enriched by trap influences. This blend showcases her eclectic musical skills and resonates with a broad audience, earning her the alias “The Princess of Trap Salsa.” Her fashion sense and warm personality further endear her to fans across various demographics.
“Trap Salsa"
Nokki’s album “Trap Salsa” features six tracks, including hits like ‘Trap Salsa,’ ‘La Vida,’ and ‘Que Te Amo.’ Available on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, this album encapsulates love and an optimistic approach to the joy of living — a testament to seeing beauty in the ordinary and never taking life for granted.
Early Life and Inspirations
The Cabrera family settled in New Mexico as refugees, where Nokki discovered her passion for singing and performing during middle school. Upon returning to Florida for high school, she refined her talents, becoming a first-chair flautist and drawing inspiration from Latin music legends like Celia Cruz and Gloria Estefan.
From early childhood, Nokki has woven her diverse cultural background into her music, embracing her heritage through her stage name — a tribute to her mother’s maiden name.
A Cultural Alchemy
Now residing in Los Angeles, Nokki is an influential social media influencer with a notable following on Instagram and TikTok. Her music career is a personal success and a beacon of cultural integration, transforming her Cuban roots into a dynamic new sound that she calls an “American type of alchemy.”