Cimafunk
A veritable Afro-Cuban rock star, Cimafunk mixes warm Afro-Caribbean rhythms with the spirit of funk and hip-hop, sometimes flirting with dance and electro music.
Erik Alejandro Iglesias Rodríguez was born in 1989 in Pinar du Río in Cuba. He started out as an arranger for Cuban artists and in the group, Interactivo, which he left after two years in 2016. The singer, musician and songwriter became known as Cimafunk, in reference to the cimarróns – named after the fugitives who managed to resist and escape slavery during the colonial era. What's the essence of the artist's music? Strong roots in traditional Cuban rhythms, subverted with Afrobeat, funk and hip-hop. Following his album "Terapia" in 2017, Cimafunk went on several acclaimed tours in Europe and the United States with La Tribu, his group of nine musicians from Havana. His musical style and stage presence creates a veritable whirlwind, and the singer with the stylish shirts and dark glasses has become one of the leading showmen on the Cuban scene today. His electric concerts are a celebration of groove and an exhilarating physical experience. The artist is thus revolutionising contemporary Cuban music. He is redefining the Afro-Latin identity and the heritage of black cultures. His second to last album, "El Alimento", which features special guests such as Georges Clinton, Lupe Fiasco and CeeLo Green, was nominated for the Grammy Awards in the Best Latin Rock or Alternative category. With "Pa’ tu cuerpa", his latest opus released on 23 August this year, Cimafunk continues to form great collaborations, in particular with the performer Big Freedia, the reggaeton singer Wampi, and Camille Guevera. An album with an emancipating groove that calls for the liberation of the body, just in time to prolong the summer.
Seun Kuti and Egypt 80
The Nigerian musician and son of the pioneer of Afrobeat, Fela Kuti, is continuing this musical heritage with his energetic groove, alongside his father's former group, Egypt 80.
Seun Kuti was born in 1983. From the age of 9, he was the opening act for Fela Kuti's concerts, enthusiastically performing a handful of songs with Egypt 80. Two years later, the budding saxophonist and drummer officially joined the group. When Fela Kuti passed away in 1997 and following his father's wishes, Seun took over as head of the band, which he has managed since. The high-spirited concerts of Nigerian music always blend his father's songs with his own creations, nourished by a variety of African traditions to reflect the struggles and cultures of the continent. Afters his first recording, the singer excited audiences in Detroit, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Paris, London, Tokyo and especially Lagos. The release of the album, "From Africa with Fury: Rise", co-produced with Brian Eno and John Reynolds in 2011, propelled him both onto Billboard magazine and the international digital charts. In the performances of Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, improvisation is as essential as composition, and there is always a political aspect. Proud of the musical legacy of Fela Kuti, Seun extends and transforms Afrobeat with his infectious groove and the committed lyrics that he writes. His EP, "African Dreams", in 2022, created with the frontman of Roots and the extraordinary MC Black Thought, consists of three remixes of songs from the album "BlackTimes", nominated for the Grammy Awards in 2018.
