Beyond the Mall: Making Matters kicks off with hip-hop artist Telmary Díaz, whose powerful voice inspires communities in Cuba and across Latin America. Her music—sometimes energetic and fast, always deep and spiritual—embodies a positive message of empowerment through poetic lyrics.

In this program, Telmary talks about what feeds her creative vision, from her early days in the Cuban hip-hop scene to the influence of Afro-Cuban culture and her commitment to nurturing the next generation of women musicians. She also gives us a glimpse into the making of her new record with HabanaSana, sharing how it connects to this moment in history. NPR and BBC contributor Betto Arcos, author of Music Stories from the Cosmic Barrio, moderates the conversation.