The Spirit of Havana Comes To The Southbank Centre

Posted by admin in Events on November 12th, 2009 | no responses

A couple of months ago I had my first real taste of Havana, Cuba way back in June when I attended an event called Havana Cultura at the Barbican in London. It wouldn’t have normally been the sort of event that I would have been interested in going to, however I’m glad I did because the singers, dancers and musicians were amazingly talented. My eyes were opened wide as to the vibrant and beautiful music that is coming out of Havana.

Well I’m glad to say the sounds of Havana are coming back to London on Saturday the 14th of November. When a double bill, which features Roberto Fonseca a Cuban jazz pianist and Mayra Andrade a Cape Verdean Singer (she was born in Cuba) along with special guests will be performing a concert at the Southbank Centre¹s Royal Festival Hall as part of the London Jazz Festival in association with BBC Radio 3.

Roberto Fonseca has toured in the past with the legendary Buena Vista Social Club and is a talented and varied performer. I would describe his music as being full of energy and passion, and definitely takes the sounds of Havana forward to another level.

Mayra Andrade is a beautiful looking lady, (should I be saying that) who is an outstanding singer. I have heard some of her songs in French and Cape Verdean Creole and I maybe cant understand a word she sings, but who cares, when the voice is as good as this ladies. Her music has a distinctly Brazilian feel to it, along with Cuban Jazz and a bit of African in it.