Cubanisimo - Cuban Music Radio Program
Cuban Music Radio Program (Eastside Radio, 89.7 FM) Sydney Australia

 

News

If you have any news about Cuban artists or tours,
we would love to receive it.

  • Afro Cuban Allstars are to play at Womadelaide in March 2011.
  • Vocal Sampling are touring Australia with concerts in Brisbane, Sydney and Canberra in October 2010.

  • Two great Cuban artists were nominated for Grammy for Tropical music, Issac Delgado ('En Primera Plana') and Cubanismo ('Greetings from Havana'), 2 great great albums that both deserved to win (but of course I am biased).

  • More major losses to Cuban music with the passing of legendary conguero Tata Guines. He has been a living legend in Cuban music and performed with every major artist on the island at various times.

  • Flautist Richard Egues passed away on 1/9/06. 98 year old Egues,  was the most renowned flautist of Cuban music and played with legendary groups such as Orquesta Aragon. Also, the loss of Miguel 'Anga' Diaz, an innovative and exceptional conguero who recently toured Australia with Omar Sosa, he was only in his 40's.

  • There is news that Los Van Van are coming to Australia. Details soon.

  • Another major loss to Cuban music with the passing of Pio Lleyva on 23/3/06. 88 year old Pio, also known as 'El Montunero de Cuba' was the composer of the famous songs Francisco Guayabal and Pio Mentiroso. He regained fame through the Buena Vista Social Club recording and movie.

  • The 2006 Cubadisco music fair will be held from 20th May to 28th May in Havana.

  • The Cuban music world is saddened by the sudden death after a concert in Denmark of one of the great soneros Jose Antonio Rodriguez or 'Maceo' a founding member of world reknowned son group 'Sierra Maestra'.

  • More great losses in the Cuban music world. Afro-Cuban folkloric legends, singer Lazaro Ros and conguero Pancho Quinto have passed away.

  • Los Van Van will release their new much anticipated studio album on 15th December. It is titled 'Chapeando', which is a term used for cutting grain !

  • Los Van Van celebrated their 35th anniversary in Havana last Saturday 4th December, Amazing !

  • 'Cubadisco 2004' awards: Grand Award - Teresa Garcia Caturla 'Llego Tete', Producer of the Year - Silvio Rodriguez, Honour awards - Los Papines, Orquesta Aragon, Richard Egues, Electo Silva, Dance music - Charanga Habanera 'Soy Cubano, soy popular', Pop - Arnaldo y su talisman, Traditional music - Teresa Garcia Caturla, Jazz - Chucho Valdes and Irakere 'Irakere, 30 anos', Rap/dance/hip hop - Cubanitos 2002 'Soy Cubanito'.

  • 'Cubadisco 2004' awards in Havana celebrate 30 years of Irakere and tresero Pancho Amat.

  • Buena Vista pianist Ruben Gonzalez has died in Havana aged 84.

  • Los Van Van are currently touring in South America.

  • Vania Borges, ex singer of 'Bamboleo' is regularly guesting with 'Azucar Negra'. new albums are due soon for both groups.

  • 'Los Van Van' have just done a series of concerts in US, including a freebie in Miami !!

  • Cuban artists were again banned from The Latin Grammy's but still managed to pick up a few awards. Quality cannot be contained !

  • Cuban music legend Compay Segundo has sadly passed away from kidney failure aged 95. Special feature on his life on 'Cubanisimo'

  • 'The Queen of Salsa' Celia Cruz has passed away in the US aged 78. A very sad week for Cuban music.

  • Canberra based band 'Mi Tierra' have released an album of original material, from Timba to merengue and festejo.

  • The hottest band in Cuba at the moment Cesar Pedroso's (ex Los Van Van) 'Los que Son Son' is recording a new album as we speak. Very highly anticipated.

  • NG la banda is almost completely new, losing all of the awesome members of the past.

  • Giraldo Piloto and Klimax are in Canada about to play at the Ottawa Bluesfest supporting none other than Elvis Costello ! What a bill !.

  • The hottest bands from Cuba are touring Europe at the moment, Los Van Van, Azucar Negra, Charanga Habanera and Maraca.

  • Another Bamboleo singer has left to pursue a solo career, Alejandro Borrero Ramirez.

  • The hottest band in Cuba at the moment is Cesar Pedroso's (ex Los Van Van) 'Los que Son Son'.

  • Paulito released his new album with a concert in Havana this week. It is a long overdue album of boleros and ballads. This I can't wait to hear ! It seems the bolero and ballad are making comebacks.

  • Carlos Manuel is rumoured to be leaving Cuba for the promised Miami land. He is currently in Mexico.

  • New albums by Manolin ('el ex medico de la salsa') and Carlos Manuel. Don't expect salsa, both have decided to do the American thang and water down their music to pop ballads. Shame !

  • 'Los tres de la Habana return to Australia directly from Havana April 4th and 5th at The Opera House Studio.

  • A brilliant new album by Buena Vista Social Club Timbalero Amadito Valdes has been recorded featuring some of Cuba's best musicians. 'Bajando Gervasio' is an exceptional Latin Jazz album featuring the rhythms Danzon, Changui, Guaguanco and Guajira. www.Amadito Valdes.com

  • Ibrahim Ferrer is touring Europe promoting his brilliant new album 'Buenos Hermanos' which is available now in Australia.

  • Omara Potuondo is recording a new album in Havana with a fusion of Cuban and Brazilian musicians and styles. Should be out later in the year. Can't wait to hear it.

  • New albums from 'Buena Vista Social Club' crew. Ibrahim Ferrer's 'Buenos Hermanos' is due out March and is the best of the lot in my opinion. Ry Cooder and Los Zafiros guitarist Manuel Galban is also available.

  • Sad news as legendary latin jazz conga player Mongo Santamaria passed away at age 85 after a stroke. he will be sadly missed.

  • Los Van Van leader Juan Formell is very ill and the band has cut down performing. A new album should be out soon.

  • Continuing the bad news on touring Cuban musicians to Australia, Cachaito won't be coming for Womadelaide festival due to visa problems in the US!

  • The Chucho Valdez Australian tour has been cancelled to ill health. We hope Chucho gets better soon.

  • Cuban salsa band 'Bamboleo' won't be coming to perfrom NYE in Sydney due to visa problems!!!

  • Chucho Valdes has sold out his 1st concert in Sydney and has added another on Friday 17th at the Sydney Opera House January 2003 (see upcoming events).

  • Excellent traditional singer Polo Montanez sadly passed away after a tragic accident.

  • Cuban salsa band 'Bamboleo' are to perfrom NYE in Sydney, Hyde Park as part of the Global Village. 1st January 2003, 1-2am and 8.30-10pm.

  • Strong rumours that fantastic salsa band 'Bamboleo' are to perfrom NYE in Sydney, we will keep you posted.

  • Chucho Valdes is performing 1 concert at the Sydney Opera House January 2003 (see upcoming events).

  • Cachaito, the bass player from 'Buena Vista Social Club' albums is performing at Womadelaide, March 2003.

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