WOMAD

Rumberos de Cuba

From Cuba

Don't listen to those who glibly tell you that the Cuban music bubble has burst. True, the flood of Cuban releases which followed the success of Buena Vista Social Club has slowed, but, firstly, you can't call such a profound tradition a 'bubble'. Secondly, there is still great music pouring out of the barrios of Havana, as Rumberos de Cuba prove with a vengeance. Formed in 2003, mostly from members of the Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba, the group's mission is to reserve and present the different facets of the music of black origin - bequeathed to Cuba by the Congos, Mandingas, Karabalis, Yorubas and other ethnic African peoples. Broadly known as rumba, it's the opposite end of the Cuban musical spectrum to the more stately rhythms of danzon and the charanga orchestras. If you're planning a Cuban holiday, you can catch them playing at Havana's Karabali Club every Friday night.

Biog by Nigel Williamson