The
Best of the Cuban Music Awards returned
to its residency at the plush Floridita
bar/restaurant in London's Soho. This venue
is fitting for one of the biggest events
in London's Latin music calendar not only
because it is Cuban but also because of
the reputation that precedes it. Havana
Club cocktails, tapas and Cuban cigars were
on hand to compliment the Cuban music to
create a truly Cuban party experience. The
purpose of this event is to showcase the
talent that has won awards at this year's
Cubadisco, the most important music event
in Cuba. Performances came from Yoruba Andabo,
Changui Santiago and Papo Record.
An old couple, in traditional dress, danced
in the centre of the dance-floor. They were
Changui Santiago's dancers. Other couples
joined them, encouraged by the rhythm played
by the band. On the stage, we were treated
to the unusual sight of instruments not
always seen on a stage. For example, the
Tres (a Cuban guitar), the Marimbula (the
rural Cuban bass), the Guayo (originally
a home-made coconut grater), along with
the more common Bongo and Maracas. One musician
blew into a round clay pot called a Botija
(an old clay vase previously used to store
oil transformed into a wind instrument by
making a hole in one side). Changui Santiago
pride themselves in playing Changui music,
one of Cuba's oldest rhythms, dating back
to the early 1990's. All the instruments
played were the original instruments of
the genre. With this, they transported the
crowd back to the Cuban mountains in the
music's heyday.
Second to perform were the also traditional
Grammy award winners Yoruba Andabo. A folk
music band, they cover four traditions:
Congo, Yoruba, Abakua and Rumba. As the
audience crowded the dance-floor, we were
surprised by a handful of colourfully dressed
dancers running through the crowd to reach
the centre. Known as 'the little devils',
they danced among the crowd who tried, and
for the most part, emulated their dance
moves. The talented singers and musicians
performed traditional sacred chants and
prayers to the beat of the Bata drums, brought
to Cuba by the slaves in the 16th century.
Their presence was special as they play
a folk music specific to Cuba, and never
experienced before in London. The appreciation
could be felt in the room.
Last, but definitely not least, the immensely
talented rapper Papo Record took to the
stage straight from the barrios of Havana's
underworld. He demonstrated the lyrical
and flowetic skills that have earned him
the title of 'best newcomer'. His catchy
songs, penned by the artist himself, had
people dancing and waving their hands in
the air in true Hip-Hop style. Where Hip-Hop
music was previously shunned upon by the
Cuban government, the popularity of artists
like Papo Record have made it a force to
be reckoned with. By winning such a prestigious
award as the Cubadisco, Papo Record gives
Hip-Hop the industry recognition it deserves,
a great achievement for him. He is a confident
performer, probably gained in his tours
of Panama and Brazil, performing alongside
big names such as Afrika Bambata. Representing
Cuba in events like this, he proves Hip-Hop
is not only produced in Puerto Rico.
This year's Best of Cuban Music Awards married
the old with the new, the traditional with
the modern, both equally popular in Cuba
today. In doing so, it proved the real depth
of musical talent on this little island.
The crowd enjoyed a lively show and party,
as can only be expected from a Cuban celebration.
And with a free cocktail on arrival, what
else can you ask for!
Yoruba
Andabo
Group
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Photos
taken
by Cristian Munoz |
