November 3rd marks Panamanian Independence Day, and although it’s a small country with a population of about 4 million people, there are a few celebrities of Panamanian heritage.
It wasn’t popular to represent your heritage early in Hip Hop, but thanks to the use of social media, celebrities, and influencers are giving their fans more insight into their personal lives.
Panama is a small, influential island that is home to Reggaeton and the parents of a few of your favorite public figures.
Here’s a list of 10 celebrities that you didn’t know were Panamanian:
1. Tatyana Ali
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air actress has a Panamanian mother who she said speaks Spanish as a first language. After an appearance on Pastport, Tatyana had the opportunity to visit Panama and learn about her roots. “I learned a lot about my culture, about my family, about my personal identity,” she said in a 2011 interview with VIBE Magazine.
She speaks a “fair amount” of Spanish but understands a lot. You can hear her speak Spanglish in a PSA below for Netflix’s Strong Black Lead in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month:
Hey reina, you've done it again. 👑
With National Hispanic/Latin heritage month coming to a close, we have a special message from our Panamanian sis🇵🇦, Queen Tatyana Marisol Ali (@TatyanaAli) ❤️ pic.twitter.com/WkmktlgDA8
— Strong Black Lead (@strongblacklead) October 15, 2021
2. Casanova
The Brooklyn rapper is of Panamanian and Jamaican descent, which is a popular mix due to the history of the Panama Canal.
3. Lenny Grant
Lenny Grant, formerly known as Uncle Murda, is also of Panamanian descent by his mother.
4. DJ Clue
DJ Clue subtly represents his Panamanian roots reppin’ “Team Panama” on the Power 105.1 airwaves. The veteran DJ is said to have “taken his first steps in Panama.”
5. Tyson Beckford
Tyson Beckford has an interesting mix: His mother is Chinese-Jamaican, meanwhile, his father his Panamanian-Jamaican.
6. DJ Clark Kent
The legendary DJ is of Panamanian descent and also grew up in Brooklyn, where many Panamanians reside.
7. Pop Smoke
Just like Casanova, Pop Smoke is of Panamanian and Jamaican descent. In a previous interview, he explained that he felt more connected to his Panamanian roots because of his relationship with his mother.
8. Kali
Kali is climbing her way up the ladder with her viral hit singles “MMM MMM” and “Do A B*tch.” She is also of Panamanian descent but exclusively told us at Rolling Loud that she only speaks “un poquito” of Spanish.