Music in Cuba – Havana Jazz Festival – Tribute to Formell & Los Van Van feat. Brenda Navarette

As part of our MUSIC IN CUBA series, we take you to the 2020 Havana Jazz Festival for 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. The opening of the show features the talented and breathtaking singer and percussionist, Brenda Navarette, award winning batá drummer and respected female artist in the Rumba tradition. She plays 3 batá and recites Yoruba chants (Moyubas) praising God and the Orishas, and honoring the deceased ancestors, in this case, paying homage to Juan Formell. 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. Stay tuned for more videos from this show in the coming weeks. 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 the first Cuban national to receive this prestigious award and he’s now making his mark around the world representing the younger generation of Cuban jazz artists. It has been an honor to know and work with Dayramir since he was a 15-year-old student at La ENA. He’s an exceptional musician and friend. 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. #PlazaCUBA Travel with the experts! 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. www.plazacuba.com #TraveltoCUBA

Added 26 Mar 2026