Witness the rhythmic journey of Los Muñequitos & Afrocuba All Stars as they make history at GroundUP Music Festival 2024, bridging generations and cultures with their Afro-Cuban beats
Snarky Puppy's visionary, Michael League, and co-founder of GroundUP Music Festival, now celebrating its 8th edition, proposed recording an album together with both Los Muñequitos de Matanzas and Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas. Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas, a torchbearer for authentic Afro-Cuban music in the heart of Matanzas, a city where Afro-Cuban rhythms reverberate through the ages. This move demanded the resurrection of retired members to collaborate with the younger generation. In this musical odyssey, the veterans' wisdom blended with the youth's energy to restore the original essence of the group.
First-time fusion of Grupo Afrocuba and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas
In what is set to be an extraordinary and historical performance, two of the most esteemed and important Cuban groups, Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas, and Los Muñequitos de Matanzas (Los Munequitos & Afrocuba All Stars), with a rich shared history of over 70 years, will unite onstage in Miami for the first time ever on February 2-4, 2024, at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell.
Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, the iconic rumba ensemble from Matanzas, Cuba, has transformed into a global cultural force, captivating audiences worldwide with rhythmic drumming, mesmerizing vocals, and captivating dance—an embodiment of rumba. As UNESCO flagbearers for the World Intangible Heritage rumba tradition, they've dedicated seven decades to preserving its essence, earning widespread acclaim with performances across continents. Rooted in Matanzas, their influence spans the globe, reaching the United States, Britain, Spain, and beyond.
Balancing tradition and innovation with Afro-Cuban musical alchemy
Since its inception, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas innovated, evolving from early recordings to tracks like "Los Muñequitos," prompting a name change. Contributions like "La Rumba Soy Yo," winning a Latin Grammy, and U.S. tour acclaim highlight their revolutionary role in Cuban music.
Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas balances tradition and exploration, preserving sacred Afro-Cuban music in their repertoire while pioneering changes in the unrestricted Rumba genre. They connect with the new generation by infusing modern songs and rhythms, preserving the unique style of Rumba Matancera.
Afrocuba's Impact Beyond Music: A Cultural Anthem of Resistance
Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas stands as a cultural anthem of resistance, using their music to defend the Afro-descendant movement across the Americas. Their compositions disseminate a history of survival, resilience, and the endurance of Afro-Cuban music, fostering global appreciation for Cuban heritage and transcending borders.
Legacy and Ongoing Celebrations
The stage is set for an unforgettable Afro-Cuban journey at GroundUP Music Festival 2024. Tickets are on sale, at the iconic Miami Beach Bandshell from February 2-4, 2024. Visit www.groundupmusicfestival.com for updates and ticket information Subscribe to Calle Ocho News' newsletter for exclusive insights into Miami's vibrant cultural scene and stay tuned for more Afro-Cuban rhythms.
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