Que Pasa: How many members are in your group?
Hatuey: Normally 9 musicians, but on special occasions 10-11.

Que Pasa: Who plays which instrument?
Hatuey: Frank Belicer and/or Evelio Galan are on lead vocal, Lena Amalia on coro, Stefan Grahn plays alto sax and coro, Stefan Persson plays trumpet, Martin Pålsson plays trombone and coro, Mats Lundvall plays piano, Lisa Löwgren plays bass, Simon Monserrat plays conga and coro, Jouni Haapala plays drums and timbales and/or Per Lindkvist plays drums and timbales.

Que Pasa: How did you come together?
Hatuey: Me and the pianist Mats Lundvall, who are the founders of the group, are the only ones left from the original group from 1987. We had played jazz together for many years but, after a visit to Cuba in 1986, we got very inspired and decided to start a Latin band. We met Cuban singer Evelio Galan, who lives in Helsink and Dublin, in Helsinki in 1991 and invited him to play with the group in 1993. Many other musicians have come and gone over the 20 years.

Que Pasa: What is the salsa scene like in your area?
Hatuey: There is a lot of interest in the dancing but not so much in the live music. It’s always hard to get live gigs as usual, but there are a few really good bands in Stockholm.

Que Pasa: How do the crowds there respond to live music (in England, these days there seems to be a preference for DJ music amongst salseros, unfortunately)?
Hatuey: When we get to play, the response is very enthusiastic.

Que Pasa: Who are your main influences?
Hatuey: A lot of different styles of Cuban music, Los Van Van etc, and of course New York salsa too.

Que Pasa: How would you describe your style?
Hatuey: We compose all our music ourselves. We play melodic and groovy salsa, with some timba spices.

Que Pasa: In which language do you sing?
Hatuey: Spanish.