Conversations with Brenda Tafoya

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Tafoya. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Cumbiathon Radio, aka Cumbiathon-for-a-Cause, started in 2018 as a humble fundraiser event. Brenda Tafoya organized it, aka “Brendita_Eres’ and Pablo Velasquez, aka “DJ Amdex.” with the support of now Cudahy city councilmember Daisy Lomeli. The purpose of the event was to bring together Cumbia lovers to fundraise for an organization whose mission was to promote social change. The event continued the following year in 2019, raising funds for the non-profit Al Otro Lado. That same year a new community radio station KQBH-LA 101.5 FM, was looking for a Cumbia theme radio show. Brendita, having previous radio experience as a co-host and radio reporter, pitched the idea of Cumbiathon The Radioshow, inspired by the Cumbiathon-for-a-Cause fundraiser. DJ Amdex, having over 20 years of music experience and working as a professional DJ, agreed to co-host and be the show’s resident DJ. KQBH-LA 101.5 FM radio station in Boyle Heights picked up the show late night Friday nights. The show took off and has had multiple guest DJs, artists, musicians, bands, community organizers, and activists on the show. The show’s goal is to share its platform and highlight local musical talent, artists, and activists that share the love of Cumbia, Conversation, and Community. The show currently airs Friday nights at 9:00 pm PST, on 101.5 FM airways, on LPFM.LA online worldwide and on the LPFMLA app downloadable on Google Play and the Apple Store.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The show has had its challenges. At the start of the pandemic, the show struggled with booking guests during quarantine, especially since it was a relatively new and unknown show. The show continued to grow with a lot of hard work and consistency from the hosts, who also executively produced the show. Many continued to support the show and saw value in the platform.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Brenda Tafoya, aka Brendita Eres, is a creative with a background in social work and the arts. She is passionate about community and connecting with others. Pablo Velasquez, aka DJ Amdex, has been a hard-working DJ that has played in many venues and events locally and in other countries. Together they are proud to share their love of music with the world. Their passion and commitment to the radio set them apart as radio hosts. They enjoy watching their guests grow professionally in their respective careers.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Brendita and DJ Amdex want to thank everyone from KQBH and The Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory for their continuous support of the show, along with family, kids, and friends that tune in to the show. Their biggest inspiration is the kids that they share as a blended family. Brendita and. DJ Amdex got engaged in 2020 on air!

Contact Info:

• Website: LPFM.LA
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/cumbiathonforacause

Image Credits
Brenda Tafoya