News

Roberto Fonseca & Fatoumata Diawara in LA

Both Fatoumata Diawara and Roberto Fonseca learned their craft from old masters: she as a back-up singer for her fellow Malian Oumou Sangaré; he as a pianist with the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club®.  Diawara is hailed as one of the most vital standard-bearers of modern African music. She takes her artisty to fresh and thrilling heights on her new album, Fenfo. Boldly experimental yet respectful of her roots, Fenfo defines her as the voice of young African womanhood — proud of her heritage but with a vision that looks confidently to the future with a message that is universal. They will be playing in a double bill night at the ACE Hotel in LA. Learn more here.

Dudamel and special guests

Gustavo Dudamel and the LA Phil welcome guests from around the musical world to the Hollywood Bowl this summer – including the legendary Cuban singer Omara Portuondo of Buena Vista Social Club, Cuban pianist Roberto Fonseca and the “Lion of Salsa,” Oscar D’León – for exclusive collaborations that match the orchestra’s versatility with artistic virtuosity. Learn more here.

This is a survivor’s life

In a world of 7bn people there are 1bn immigrants.” This quiet statistic gives way to a storm of emotion in the video for Fatoumata Diawara’s arresting new single, “Nterini”. As the numbers sit in a crisp white font over windblown terrain, the majestic Diawara soon emerges, robed in rich crimson and gold, to tell the story of a young man leaving his home in Africa. The deep yearning of her melody reaches out across a continent, the gravel in her voice echoes that scuffing of the weary refugees’ trainers. Read full article on FT.com.

OMARA SIEMPRE

Renowned Cuban singer Omara Portuondo released her latest album, "Omara Siempre," which showcases a collection of songs with fellow Cuban artists. On her own words, Omara hopes that the international recognition she receives for the album, which features local talents such as Aymee Nuviola, Isaac Delgado, and Alain Perez, would give other Cuban artists a chance to shine. Nearing 90 and still working, Portuondo shows no signs of slowing down with international showcase performances for 2018 and 2019. Listen "Omara Siempre" here.

Sold Out Tour!

The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® with Omara Porutondo and Eliades Ochoa performed a sold out tour in South America. With their classic songs and popular hist such as Veinte Años, El Cuarto de Tula o Carretero, the band also premiered their lastes documentary film Buena Vista Social Club™: Adiós.

Omara announces new show in Japan

Omara Portuondo from Buena Vista Social Club™ meets Orquesta De La Luz featuring Roberto Fonseca and Barbarito Torres" will be performing at TOKYO JAZZ 2018 on Sep 2nd (Sunday)! It will be the one and only Omara Portuondo's first collaboration between Japan's leading salsa band, Orquesta De La Luz. Don't miss the exquisite experience this summer in Shibuya.

Amadou & Mariam U.S. Tour

Malian husband-and-wife duo Amadou & Mariam have never let not being able to see slow them down, and have been making joyous music for over 20 years. On 2017’s La Confusion, the pair seamlessly incorporated ’80s synthpop and disco into their afrobeat style, making for one of their most enjoyable records to date. Their live shows are exuberant dance parties and they will be touring in the U.S. with confirmed shows in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles. Learn more here.

FENFO "Something to Say"

Fenfo (Something To Say), Fatoumata's highly anticipated 2018 sophomore album, is a gorgeous set of original songs produced by noted French producer Matthieu Chedid - M-. Ranging from the infectious dance grooves of "Nan Bel" to the passionate balladry of "Don Do," Fenfo, which also features the acclaimed classical cellist Vincent Segal, is bound to be hailed as a World music and afropop masterpiece.Listen Fenfo here.

An amazing performance @Luna Park

The Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club® played their farewell tour at Luna Park last Friday. Silvina Palumbo from Perfil covered the show and shared soem great pictures. Learn more.

Disclosure is Back!

We haven't heard much from Guy and Howard Lawrence of Disclosure since they released their short Moog For Love EP back in 2016. Today, the brotherly duo is back with their first single in two years, "Ultimatum." The song is built around a sample from Malian artist Fatoumata Diawara, which the Lawrences found "while digging through her discography."Learn more here.

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.