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Cain Culto

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Cain Culto
Born
Andrew Estevan Padilla

Florida, U.S.
OriginLexington, Kentucky
GenresPop
Hip-Hop
Indie
Occupationssinger-songwriter
rapper
violinist
Instrumentsvocals
violin
Years active2021–present
Websitecainculto.com

Andrew Estevan Padilla, known by his stage name Cain Culto, is an American singer and violinist.

Early life and education

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Culto was born in Florida and grew up in Lexington, Kentucky.[1] He is of Colombian and Nicaraguan descent.[1] He attended the School of Creative and Performing Arts, where he majored in visual arts but also studied music, theatre, and dance.[1]

Career

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Culto was an Evangelical worship pastor and a founding member of a Christian band called Ecclesia.[1][2]

After coming out as gay, he began creating new music under the stage name Cain Culto, in reference to the Biblical figure Cain and the Spanish word for worship.[3][4]

His music is inspired by Appalachian and Colombian music, specifically Bluegrass, Vallenato and Bullerengue.[1] He blends political lyrics with drums and violin and, as a visual artist, creates music videos and performances with imagery of queerness, mythology, and witchcraft.[1][5]

In 2024, he released his first EP, titled O ω O.[6]

In 2025, he released the singles "KFC Santería" and "Kali Maa".[1][7] His second EP, occulto 001, was launched on October 31,[8] followed by the release of the single "¡Basta Ya!", a collaboration with the activist-musician Xiuhtezcatl.[9]

Personal life

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Culto left the Christian faith after coming out as gay.[10] He lives in Los Angeles, California.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Goff, Richie (July 7, 2025). "Fried Chicken and Jockstraps: "KFC Santería" singer Cain Culto finds queerness in Kentucky Latin Art-Pop music". Queer Kentucky. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  2. ^ "Cain Culto". Hive Music. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  3. ^ Turner, Thomas (June 20, 2025). "There's a new idol to worship, and he goes by Cain Culto". The Line of Best Fit. London, England. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  4. ^ Zonkel, Phillip (August 6, 2025). "Cain Culto talks his music, his queerness, leaving the church". Q Voice News. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  5. ^ Haddington-Ahmed, Malik (August 15, 2025). "The Queer Gospel according to Cain Culto". Gay Times. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  6. ^ Bhattacharya, Rohit (May 10, 2024). "Cain Culto's 'O ω O' brews trouble with a side of social commentary". Every Deja Vu. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  7. ^ Cornish, Ricky (August 4, 2025). "Meet Cain Culto — the sexy Colombian singer showing plenty of skin online". Yahoo! Entertainment. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
  8. ^ Interviews, Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews &; Murray, Robin (2025-11-03). "Cain Culto's Explosive New 'occulto 001' EP Is Hugely Arresting | News". Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews. Retrieved 2025-11-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "Cain Culto and Xiuhtezcatl's '¡Basta Ya!' proves a potent anti-ICE anthem". Los Angeles Times. 2026-01-13. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
  10. ^ Grant, Emi (July 29, 2025). "Cain Culto on Deconstructing from Christianity, Decolonization and Recent Virality of, "KFC Santería"". See You Next Tuesday Media. Retrieved October 8, 2025.
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