Grantee Spotlight: Christian Castagno
On the Edge Fund, Storyteller grantee spotlight
12/01/2026
Can music change the way we think, feel, and act towards Nature? We think so, and we’re in good company.
Christian is an eleven-time Grammy nominee and three-time winning music producer who’s worked with some of our, and maybe even your, favourite artists, from Iggy Pop and Arcade Fire, to Hercules and the Love Affair and Richie Hawtin.
He lives in Minca, in the middle of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta in Colombia, and has spent over 20 years working with local communities to amplify their voices, protect their heritage, and help change behaviours for the better.
The Story
Christian is working with the local Arhuaco community to create a song, a music video, and a concert, featuring the renowned band Jacana Jacana, challenging the idea that Red Crested Tree Rats have to be sacrificed as a sign of true love – a key threat to their existence. Once recorded, Jacana Jacana will host a concert in Minca.
Christian will also produce an album of traditional music celebrating local Nature, featuring community musicians to get local talent involved and preserve their culture. Lastly, a short documentary on the project will tell the story of the species, the folklore surrounding it, and the importance of protecting it.
Name:
Christian Castagno
Country of origin:
Colombia
Species of choice:
Red-crested Tree Rat
Conservationist:
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