Des Moines may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of Latin fusion music, but Lorena Eclatt hopes to change that.

Known simply as Lani on stage, the self-taught singer, songwriter, keyboardist and accordion player was born to Colombian immigrants in Coral Springs, Florida, and grew up here in Iowa. Her background has inspired her to promote Latino music and culture here in the Midwest….

Lorena Eclatt, better known by her stage name Lani, has carved a unique path, transforming personal passion into a powerful musical movement that resonates across cultures. In a celebration of diversity and personal identity, Eclatt has not only become an award-winning artist but has captured the hearts of all who listen.

In October 2024, Eclatt secured the Latin Artist of the Year award at the 3rd Annual Iowa Music Awards through a fan-driven nomination process, a testament to her talent and authenticity. “It was amazing to be recognized, especially as a Latina in Iowa, for the work that I’m doing,” Eclatt reflects on her win at the ceremony….

Lani Eclatt was 14 years old when she performed her first solo in front of an audience, backed by an orchestra performing a song she’d composed.

“It was such a big deal for me at the time, but from there I knew I wanted to keep writing and performing,” said Eclatt, who has continued to play under simply “Lani.”….

“I have been a song writer since I was 13. I wrote my first song since I was about to enter eighth grade. I didn’t take it seriously until I showed it to my music teacher Mr. Oliver.” said Lorena Eclatt, raised in Des Moines, IA and a student at Drake studying for Vocal Music Business! Which is a combination of Classical music studies and Entrepreneurship classes. 

Eclatt continued “He said if you can write and compose it for the orchestra concert. I will let you perform your song. So I took the time to write the song and I performed it and that was the first time I ever performed anything original.”