As part of our MUSIC IN CUBA series, we take you to the 2020 Havana Jazz Festival where Mayito Rivera sings at a star-studded tribute to Juan Formell (founder and director of Cuba’s most famous dance band, Los Van Van, and undeniably the most important figure in contemporary Cuban music.)
During this part of the show the talented and beloved Mario “Mayito” Rivera, former member of Los Van Van, sings one of his signature songs, Si No Te Quieres, with Arlenys Rodriguez. Mayito Rivera, “El Poeta de la Rumba,” is without a doubt one of Cuba’s most notable singers. He spent 20 years as the unmistakable voice of Los Van Van, with a long string of classic recordings.
The Tribute, composed by Dayramir Gonzalez, was a magical journey of Los Van Van songs brought to life by some of Cuba’s most notable musicians and singers, including Camerata Romeu, Ivette Cepeda, Telmari, Haila, Alain Pérez, Mayito Rivera, Luna Manzanares, David Blanco, Pedrito Calvo, Mandy Cantero, Teresa Yanet, Barbarito Torres, Brenda Navarrete, Robertón, Alexander Abreu y Yoruba Andabo. Dayramir Gonzalez graduated from Havana’s National School of Music, and went on to attend Berklee College of Music on a presidential scholarship. He is now making his mark around the world representing the younger generation of Cuban jazz artists.
Here is the opening of the performance, featuring Brenda Navarette: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN2xY7wNA3E
Stay tuned for more videos from this show in the coming weeks.
PlazaCUBA offers an annual tour to the Havana Jazz Festival, an international event that showcases the innovative sounds of Cuban music, and features performances by Cuba’s newest rising stars, as well as musicians from around the globe.
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PlazaCUBA is the leading expert in Cultural travel to Cuba, with more than 20 years of experience and intimate connections with the most influential artists and performers today.
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