Mulowayi Iyaye and Mapenzi Chibale are Puerto Rican sisters who have made their mark internationally as “Las Nietas de Nonó” by…
transforming their grandfather’s house in Barrio San Antón into a community center and farm! Here, they share knowledge with young people about how to live off the land, holding workshops about sustainable food and living practices.
They believe in the importance of self-sustainability, especially in Puerto Rico, where citizens get insufficient resources after natural disasters. They’re also known for hosting art workshops for youth, filling the need for public arts projects.
Aside from being community educators and agriculturalists, they’re also performance artists who believe in using art for social justice.
Their theater creations are based on issues that hit close to home, like colonialism and the history of medical experiments on the island’s women. Audiences in cities like Detroit and New York City have enjoyed these performances.
Mapenzi Chibale even starred in the movie “Angélica” that explores similar issues. It was screened in Los Angeles’ prestigious Pan African Film Festival, and the NY Latino Film Festival.
Through their art and community work, these sisters are modeling activism + artistry and empowering the next generation of Puerto Ricans 🇵🇷
