About Me
You heard her sultry voice on her syndicated radio show, "The Poetry Zone", that she co-hosted, co-produced and co-founded on WPFW, 89.3 FM, in Washington D.C. You hear her music on WPGC, 95.5 FM, and WHUR, 96.3, in Washington D.C. You see her perform and/or host venues such as Murallis, Bar Nun, Bohemian Caverns, Harambees, and Mangoes in Washington D.C. You hear her speak the poetry that she writes. You hear her sing like an angel and listen to songs that she writes and produce for herself and other artists. You might have even seen her act in one of the many screenplays that she has written. Like everyone else you must wonder who is Panama and where did she come from.Melinda "Panama" Contreras, a.k.a Lil Panama to those who has been following her career throughout the years, is a true entertainer. Originally from Connecticut, Panama has been in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area for 5 years. Being a black Latina, the daughter of parents who were born and raised in Panama, she became extremely interested in the poetry/music scene when working one on one with KRS-1, Jessica CareMoore, C.L Smooth, and The Last Poets through an event at Central Connecticut State University called Black Awareness Day. Panama says, "Me and two of my best friends from Connecticut, Lawanda "Slam" Abraham and Chantel Edwards, founded Black Awareness Day, which is now an annual event. We worked with so many artists and activists that we learned how powerful an individual could be through expression. I became inspired to express myself through poetry, music, plays, short stories and whatever else I could get my hands on."Today, Panama’s objective is to continue to reach worldwide masses through her writings and songs. She is open for bookings and collaborations. She is open to uplift through her talents. She is open to be signed. She is open to have you open!
