Various Artists – Afro-Cubano (Putumayo, 2022)
“Afro-Cubano” is the new compilation from world music label Putumayo. This fascinating collection brings together African, Cuban and African diaspora artists and genres that share common roots. Indeed, this is the concept of canciones de ida y vuelta (roundtrip songs). Drawing from African and Spanish musical traditions, Cubans created their own irresistible musical genres, and their music later returned to Africa and Spain.
Many Africans were introduced to Cuban music through radio, concerts and also the presence of Cuban expeditionary forces that supported various governments and guerrilla movements. Eventually, African musicians adopted Cuban genres and developed their own sound. That’s what you’ll find on this fine and revealing compilation.
The artists include Jesús Alejandro “El Niño” (Cuba, based in Montreal); Neto Amado (São Tomé & Príncipe); Rey Cabrera (Cuba); Manu Dibango (Cameroon); Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca (Angola); Mel Malonga (Congo); Eneida Marta (Guinea-Bissau); Meissa (Senegal); Sonora Paramarera (Suriname); and Uziel Sança (Cape Verde).
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.