Summer may be fading out like the final track of a bossa nova compilation, but it hasn’t staunched the flow of colourful new sounds to savour. Orquesta Akokán “Mi Conga Es De Akokán” It’s always good to start... Read Article
The year is 1993 and Cuba’s economy is in deep recession after the collapse of the Soviet Union two years prior. There are shortages of almost everything. The thriving black market is the only source of food besides... Read Article
April has showered its musical blessings upon us: some old, some new and all worthy of more than a mere spin or two. Where should we begin this month? Cande y Paulo “Tuyo” Let’s make it something jazzy... Read Article
Huey Morgan’s three-part documentary series for the BBC, available to watch in the UK here, is a must-watch for anyone interested in Latin American music, the history that it embodies and the changes it has undergone through time.... Read Article
New year, new energy. At least we hope so. Some of our old and new friends have new music we’re sharing to kick off your new year. Nino Augustine (Panama/ATL) and Lester Rey (Puerto Rico/CHI): ‘De Paseo A... Read Article
What a year!? It’s certainly been like no other. Well… except for the amount of music that’s been released, which appears to be as abundant as usual, if not more so. While some releases have certainly been delayed... Read Article
Aldo López-Gavilán’s eyes open wide and round as he examines a vast gallery of vintage American cars in Detroit. On his first visit to the States, he comments ingenuously to his brother and host, Ilmar, “I didn’t know... Read Article
Yaite Ramos Rodriguez a.k.a La Dame Blanche is in full evolution. Her transformation is clear when comparing 2018’s Bajo El Mismo Cielo to her latest, ELLA. Musically, the Cuban rapper exceeds expectations. She seems looser, scaling back her... Read Article
New films focused on Cuban jazz group AfroCuba and a collaboration between cult Argentine group Renyols and the psychedelic Japanese explorers Acid Mothers Temple, are set to have premieres as part of the Doc ‘n Roll Festival. AfroCuba... Read Article
We became instant fans of Cuban musician Kumar Sublevao Beat after hearing his debut album as Afrosideral, 2019’s El Olimpo de los Orishas. That album mixed Afro-Cuban percussion, ethereal vocals and guttural electronic beats and acted as a... Read Article
The short films Uproar and Breaking the circle part of WOMEX 20 Digital’s Film Programme, bring the gender debate in music traditions in Latin America to light. Discussions about sexism in music traditions is much needed in Brazil... Read Article
A burnished man, 40’s, wall-eyed, unshaven, his hair slicked down by the salt spray. He clamps his teeth on a home-rolled “puro,” the tail of a tobacco leaf lifted by the breeze to flap across his grey and... Read Article
