Irma Cui Cui Rangel AKA “Cuicani”

CUICANI has just released her music project BACK TO ME. This title reflects a chapter in her life when she had the honor of caregiving for each of her parents… she was at their side in their home during their time of passing. Her parents died ten months apart from each other. The multitude of emotions that came with this experience were the fuel for the songs that came after. “I accomplished my obligation to my mother and father and then decided I needed to get BACK TO ME.”

Life As a Child

Her parents met in the 1950′s at one of downtown Los Angeles’ most popular ballrooms of the day. As a child, the family outings were going to the different movie houses around downtown, watching the Spanish language movies, and then being entertained by the parade of artists who would appear after or in between the movies. This left an impression on CUICANI that would later lead to her calling in life.

Her time as a teenager was all about experimental and adventurous moments, which included all types of popular music that were played on the radio (Rock,Pop,Motown and the Blues). There were memorable moments when she would be found at an open microphone howling out the blues, along with her harmonica.

Finding Her Purpose

College for Cui Cui was another “Soul Opening” experience. DQ University located outside of Davis,CA was a school dedicated to the Studies of the Native American Cultures to include Chicano and Indigenous Cultures of Mexico. This is where Cui Cui developed her understanding of the importance of a people’s roots, history and culture. She studied dance, acting, various art forms, and spiritual aspects of people from the U.S. and Mexico. Singing in front of an audience was the last hurdle. She still had a shy side until one night her dance teacher put her to the test. She was asked to sing with the house band… this was the awakening of her calling as a vocalist. Cui Cui began to learn to sing out the beauty of song in English and Spanish.

Story Behind the Name

The name “Cui Cui” was given to her as a child by her father. As she took her singing career to another level, she wanted to find an artistic name. She remembered the name Cui Cui! She began using the name Cui Cui then later on in her research found out the name CUICANI is the name for singer in the Nahuatl Language. She has now evolved to CUICANI! And the name of her musical project is CUICANI’S VIBE.