
Fantastic Negrito
Cultivating Community Through Partnership with 3x Grammy Winner, Fantastic Negrito
Oakland’s very own Fantastic Negrito and CBB amplify community impact through music
“If we want to impact the places that we feel like need help, we need to roll up our sleeves and just get busy and do it with partners,” said Fantastic Negrito, “Because we can’t do it alone. No team, no dreams.”
Oakland’s very own Fantastic Negrito and Community Bank of the Bay are making an impact on the community
In 2019, when Oakland-based blues artist, Fantastic Negrito, won his second Grammy in the coveted Best Blues Album category, he surprised the entire audience by graciously acknowledging Community Bank of the Bay. It’s not often that bankers get acknowledged from the Grammy stage.
His gratitude was not merely ceremonial; it underscored a partnership cultivated over many years with CBB. “I want to thank Community Bank [of the Bay] because I have bad credit and they loaned me some money,” he announced on the Grammy stage to uproarious laughter and applause.
“Coming from some of the neighborhoods I grew up in, the smart thing is to [partner] with the people that have the money . . . and help inspire them to do some great things,” says Fantastic Negrito. The partnership began in 2019 with a loan to a local artist brimming with potential. The financing helped to sustain Fantastic Negrito’s art and launched his success as a three-time Grammy winner.
“When I met Xavier, I knew there was a story to tell. This very talented artist had so much potential and simply needed the capital to do what he does best—make music. While credit is one criterion, there is so much more we look at when making these decisions: the story and viability of the business matters. I think this may be the greatest difference between us and a big bank: we take the time to listen,” says Mukhtar Ali, President and Chief Credit Officer.
Fantastic Negrito’s commitment to his community extends beyond music. Through the Storefront Market events produced by his recording studio, Storefront Records, he has crafted inclusive spaces that foster connection across communities. Anchored by good food, music, and engaging activities, there’s something for kids and adults alike.
At his post-Grammy celebration, generously supported by CBB, Fantastic Negrito announced a contribution to the Oakland Schools fund, epitomizing his dedication to enhancing the well-being of his beloved community.
“If we want to impact the places that we feel like need help, we need to roll up our sleeves and just get busy and do it with partners,” said Fantastic Negrito, “Because we can’t do it alone. No team, no dreams.”
At CBB, we take great pride in our unique commitment to the creative community, supporting esteemed artists like Fantastic Negrito exemplifies our dedication. As California’s first FDIC-insured Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), our mission is to uplift and empower our local community.