BELCALIS MARLENIS ALMÁNZAR CEPHUS
Dominican, Trinidadian, Spanish, African
Quick Facts
▶ Watch
Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar Cephus — heritage & background
Quick answer: Yes, Cardi B is mixed race and Black — her father is Dominican of African descent, her mother is Trinidadian of African descent with Spanish heritage, and both parents have African ancestry. She identifies as a Black Caribbean woman with Dominican and Trinidadian heritage.
Is Cardi B Mixed Race? Is She Biracial?
Yes — Cardi B is mixed race and Black. Her father is Dominican of African descent, and her mother is Trinidadian of African descent with Spanish heritage. Both parents carry African ancestry from the Caribbean diaspora, and both Caribbean nations have African heritage as a primary component of their populations due to the Atlantic slave trade.
Cardi B has been explicitly vocal about identifying as Black, stating "my mum is Trini & spaniard my pop Dominican." She has spoken about the importance of Caribbean identity and the recognition of African heritage within Caribbean culture. Her identity as a Black woman is central to how she presents herself publicly.
What Is Cardi B's Ethnicity?
Cardi B's ethnicity is Dominican through her father and Trinidadian through her mother, with both Caribbean identities encompassing African heritage as a primary component. Additionally, her mother has Spanish heritage, reflecting the Spanish colonial legacy in the Caribbean.
The Dominican and Trinidadian identities are themselves multiracial and multicultural, reflecting centuries of mixing between African, European (Spanish), and indigenous Caribbean peoples. Cardi B represents the African diaspora in the Caribbean, identifying primarily as a Black woman while maintaining pride in her specific Caribbean heritage.
Father's Side: Dominican & African Roots
Carlos Almánzar, Cardi B's father, is Dominican of African descent. The Dominican Republic, sharing the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, has a population that is significantly of African descent due to the transatlantic slave trade. Carlos represents the Dominican-African community and brought Dominican cultural traditions to his family.
The "Almánzar" surname is common in Dominican culture. Carlos's African heritage connects him and his daughter to the larger African diaspora that shapes Caribbean identity and culture.
Mother's Side: Trinidadian, Spanish & African Heritage
Manzodrina Almanzar, Cardi B's mother, is of Trinidadian and Spanish descent. She was born and lived in Trinidad before establishing family ties to the Dominican Republic. Trinidad and Tobago, like other Caribbean islands, has a significant African-descended population with additional Spanish and other European colonial influences.
Cardi B stated about her mother's heritage, "my mum is Trini & spaniard," explicitly acknowledging both components. The Spanish heritage reflects the colonial history of Trinidad, while the Trinidadian identity encompasses African heritage as a core component.
The Almanzar family name suggests possible Spanish origins as well, and Manzodrina's maternal grandfather was a Spanish immigrant to Trinidad, further establishing the Spanish component of the family's heritage.
Grandparents: A Complete Picture
[Paternal Grandfather] was Dominican of African descent, establishing the primary African-Dominican heritage that defines Cardi B's paternal lineage.
[Paternal Grandmother] was Dominican of African descent, further establishing the African-Dominican component of her identity.
[Maternal Grandfather - Spanish immigrant] was a Spanish immigrant to Trinidad who married a Trinidadian woman, establishing the Spanish heritage in Cardi B's maternal line.
[Maternal Grandmother - Trinidadian] was Trinidadian of African descent, contributing to the African-Caribbean heritage through Cardi B's maternal lineage.
DNA & Genetic Ancestry
While Cardi B has not publicly released detailed DNA test results, her genealogical and family background is well-documented through her own public statements and interviews. Her confirmed ancestry includes Dominican, Trinidadian, Spanish, and African heritage, with the African component being significant through both parental lines.
Nationality vs. Ethnicity
Cardi B is American by nationality, having been born in New York City and holding U.S. citizenship. However, her ethnicity is Caribbean — specifically Dominican and Trinidadian — with African and Spanish heritage. She maintains strong cultural ties to her Caribbean heritage and has spoken about the importance of Caribbean identity within the context of African diaspora and Black American culture.
Spouse's Ethnicity & Children's Heritage
Cardi B is married to Offset (Khari Cain), a rapper and member of the Migos, who is of African-American descent. Offset is Black, and his heritage represents African-American culture. Together they have children who carry combined heritage of Dominican, Trinidadian, Spanish, African, and African-American ancestry.
Cardi B in Their Own Words on Race & Identity
"My mum is Trini & spaniard my pop Dominican." — Cardi B, on her heritage
In this straightforward statement, Cardi B directly acknowledges her mixed Caribbean heritage. She has been explicit about identifying as a Black woman and has spoken in interviews about the importance of recognizing Caribbean Black identity as distinct from but connected to African-American identity.
Cardi B has been vocal in discussions of race and identity, particularly regarding the visibility of Caribbean-descended Black people in American culture. She has emphasized the distinctness of Caribbean cultural traditions while also acknowledging shared African diaspora identity with African-American communities.
Is Cardi B Alive?
Yes, Cardi B is alive as of 2026. She was born on October 11, 1992, making her 33 years old. She continues her work as a rapper, singer, businesswoman, and cultural figure.
Visual Family Tree
Cardi B (Belcalis Almánzar) (Dominican, Trinidadian, Spanish, African)
Carlos Almánzar (Dominican, African)
[Paternal Grandfather] (Dominican, African) · [Paternal Grandmother] (Dominican, African)
Manzodrina Almanzar (Trinidadian, Spanish, African)
[Maternal Grandfather - Spanish immigrant] · [Maternal Grandmother] (Trinidadian, African)
Sources
Genealogy & Ethnicity Research
Family Background & Interviews
EthniCelebrity Research Team
Ethnicity & Heritage Writers
Our team specialises in researching and documenting the ethnic backgrounds, nationality, and ancestry of public figures — drawing on genealogical records, interviews, and verified biographical sources.