News

Cuban icon, delivers most memorable performance at The Regent

The Regent Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles opened its doors early with lines eager to get in and see a star. Cuban artist Omara Portuondo from the Buena Vista Social Club has come a long historical way and the show was a reflection of all those years. She performed music from her own productions, traditional Cuban songs and from Buena Vista Social Club. Repeated times Omara said “if you know it, sing along” and the crowd followed.  She listened to the love shouts and between sitting in a leather chair and holding on to the grand piano, her performance was one not to be forgotten.

Omara Portuondo receives Honoris Causa in Cuba

Cuban singer Omara Portuondo internationally known as the Diva of Buena Vista Social Club today received the title Doctor Honoris Causa in Arte for their transcendental contribution to the island's culture. Portuondo, 87, received an "immense honor" accolade awarded by the Higher Institute of Art (ISA) of Havana, and thanked "thank you" to all those who joined his long artistic career connected, so the media of the island. The certificate, which recognizes the title, came to the singer by the Minister of Culture Abel Prieto and by the Commendatory Words of the President of the Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC), Miguel Barnet, according to the State Agencia Cubana de Noticias.

FATOUMATA DIAWARA ANNOUNCES TOUR DATES

Fatoumata Diawara emerges after 5 years with a new album of original compositions, composed by her and and co-produced by Mathieu Chedid -M-. In October Fatoumata Diawara travelled to Ethipoia and the Danakil Desert, with African photographer Aida Muluneh, for a photo session and video shoot  capturing the rawness and beauty of Africa. A location with an abundance of salt mines and volcanic activity. This unique terrain captures stunning imagery.  A mesmerizing and futuristic setting for her highly expected new album. The African singer has just announced the first dates of her 2018 World Tour. Learn more here.

TINY DESK SESSION

The title and subject of Amadou & Mariam's latest album, La Confusion, would lead you to believe that the music this married, Malian couple make might be sad and troubled. But Amadou & Mariam, on the contrary, bring some of the most lyrical melodies and joyful sounds we've ever had at the Tiny Desk, and their performance comes while their country endures great turmoil, including a coup and insurgencies. The duo will be back soon in the US for a short tour. Learn more.

AFRO MAMBO RECEIVES A LUCAS AWARD

One of the greatest audivisual party and celebrations in Cuba, the Lucas Awards took place last week in Havana. Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca recieved an awards for his latest videoclip AFRO MAMBO. The clip directed by Joseph Ros was awarded in the category Best Jazz Music Videoclip.

New Year, new shows

Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca will be performing next March 16th at the Juliobona Theater in France. Get your tickets and learn more here.

A Night with Arturo O’Farrill and Friends

SNARKY PUPPY with Fatoumata Diawara

Snarky Puppy—the eclectic Brooklyn-based band—spans genres from jazz, world music, and soul, to funk and pop. The three-time Grammy Award–winning group collaborates with legendary singer-songwriter and social activist David Crosby and special guests, including Malian songstress Fatoumata Diawara, soulful vocalist and composer Laura Mvula, and mandolin virtuoso and vocalist Chris Thile for an evening of protest music from and inspired by the ’60s.

The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® Live

The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® will be performing a serie of show in 2018 to celebrate music. Along with Omara Portuondo, Eliades Ochoa, Barbarito Torres and Guajiro Mirabal, the concert will show the latest documentary Buena Vista Social Club: Adios. The band announced the Latin American tour for 2018 on Facebook and shortly the will announce all tour dates and countries.

Lamomali Winter Tour

African singer Fatoumata Diawara joins French singer Matthieu Chedid - M- on his Winter Tour. LAMOMALI will pass throught more than 12 cities across France. Check out all tour dates in this link.

Gripping solos and souped-up rhythms

Read full article published Today at Finantial Times. com. Roberto Fonseca mastered Cuban ballroom music supporting the Buena Vista Social Club and the orchestra of the late vocalist Ibrahim Ferrer. In 2007, the pianist released his breakthrough album, adapting the hypnotic rhythms of mambo, cha-cha and salsa for the concert stage. The flamboyant gestures remained at this tight-knit trio gig, but here they were surrounded by intimate details and became explosive peaks in a continually unfolding journey.

The Best World Music of 2017

Husband and wife duo Amadou Bagayoko and Mariam Doumbia leave their stripped-down strings behind in favor of brighter colors on La Confusion, an album with heavy 90s pop vibes that sound like they're coming straight from mom's tape deck. Get full list of the best World Music list at Popmatters.com

From Jazz to Cuba and from Cuba to jazz

The 37º edition of the Cartagena Jazz Fetsival gets to its end with the great performance of Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca. With a vibrant concert, Fonseca performance was reviewed by Spanish journalist Angel Sopena for La Opinión de Murcia. 

LAMOMALI AIRLINES OUT NOW!

Avishai Cohen releases: Song of Hope

Ahead of the release of his upcoming album ‘1970‘ (6th October 2017 – Sony Masterworks), Avishai shares his third single ‘Song of Hope’. This ‘magnificent ballad‘ (FIP Radio, FR), expressing unity, compassion and togetherness is another teaser in anticipation of the new sounds of ‘1970‘. Avishai Cohen will perform at the Voll-Damm Festival Internacional de Jazz de Barcelona next Saturday Nov 25th.

Louvre Abu Dhabi to celebrate opening with Fatoumata Diawara

An eclectic group of French world music artists are coming to Abu Dhabi to celebrate the opening of the Louvre.

Ibrahim Maalouf, Fatoumata Diawara, -M- and Totó la Momposina will perform in the precincts of the museum, which will open to the public on Saturday, November 11. Each of the artists is to headline a night in a live concert series that will run from November 11 to 14, which will also feature performances by local and international dancers and art workshops dedicated to families.

Goodbye dear Papi

Papi Oviedo was the nickname of Gilberto Oviedo one of the best Cuban tres player. We are sad to announce that Papi has passed last night in Cuba. We will miss you dear Papi!

French TV show Taratata celebrates 25th anniversary

Frenc TV show, TARATATA celebrates the 25th anniversary with a great musical party. Best line up for an amazing event that gathered the very best of the French music such as Matthieu Chedid -M-, Ibrahim Maalouf, Fatoumata Diawara. The show was broadcasted on Saturday on France 2.

Jubilé @La Cigale

Amadou & Mariam will present their new album "La Confusion" in a great party and La Cigale in Paris (Sept 8th). An unique night along with French band Bon Voyage Organisation. More details on Facebook.

Fonseca announces tour in Japan

Pianist, composer and producer Roberto Fonseca will tour across Japan in September. He will present song of his latest album, visiting Kanazawa,  Tokyo and Nagoya. Click here to learn more.