Biography
Grupo Afrocuba is a pioneering Cuban jazz ensemble formed in Havana in 1977 under the direction of saxophonist Nicolás Reinoso. The group emerged during a period of artistic experimentation, aiming to fuse the deep roots of Cuban music with jazz, resulting in a distinctive and innovative sound. Early members included notable musicians such as the Acosta brothers (Carlos and Fernando), guitarist René Luis Toledo, bassist Ángel Luis López, pianist Ernán López-Nussa, drummer Tony Valdés, percussionists Mario Luis Pino and Anselmo Febles, and trumpeter Roberto García. Their technical mastery and creative drive quickly set them apart, earning them the First Prize at the V Concurso de la Sección de Música de la Unión de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba just a year after their founding.
Afrocuba underwent several artistic phases, marked by both internal changes and external challenges, including political censorship and restrictions typical of Cuba's 'quinquenio gris' (the 'grey five-year period' of cultural repression in the 1970s). After Reinoso's departure, leadership passed to flautist and keyboardist Oriente López, who maintained the band's commitment to musical fusion and innovation. In the mid-1980s, Afrocuba entered a celebrated collaborative period with Nueva Trova singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez, contributing to three acclaimed albums and further expanding their influence in Cuban popular and concert music. Despite lineup changes and the eventual departure of key members, the group remained a touchstone of Cuban jazz until its dissolution in 1997.
Afrocuba's legacy lies in its role as a bridge between Cuban musical tradition and contemporary jazz, inspiring generations of musicians and maintaining an iconic status within Cuban music history. Their work is celebrated for its harmonic complexity, rhythmic innovation, and the way it captured the spirit of a generation navigating both artistic aspiration and political constraint.
Fun Facts
- Afrocuba won the First Prize at the V Concurso de la Sección de Música de la Unión de Escritores y Artistas de Cuba just a year after their formation.
- The group faced political censorship and restrictions during the 'quinquenio gris,' including bans from performing at certain events and accusations against members for 'counter-revolutionary' attitudes.
- A documentary titled 'Afrocuba '78' was released, featuring interviews and archival material that shed light on the band's creative process and the challenges they faced.
- Afrocuba's collaboration with Silvio Rodríguez is considered one of the most significant in Cuban music, helping to redefine the sound of Nueva Trova in the 1980s.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Cuban jazz and traditional music elders - Afrocuba's founding members were deeply influenced by the rich traditions of Cuban music and the jazz movement in Cuba, drawing on the legacy of earlier generations of Cuban jazz musicians. (General stylistic influence on early albums and performances) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Silvio Rodríguez - Nueva Trova singer-songwriter; Afrocuba served as his backing band and creative partners on several albums. (Collaborations on three albums (notably 'Causas y azares', 'Oh Melancolía', and 'Silvio')) [1984–late 1980s]
- Oriente López - Flautist and keyboardist; became bandleader after Reinoso's departure, shaping the group's sound in later years. (Leadership and arrangements on multiple albums) [1980s–1990s]
- Ernán López-Nussa - Pianist and composer; contributed to the group's harmonic sophistication and later formed his own jazz quartet. (Key recordings and live performances) [1977–late 1980s]
- Carlos and Fernando Acosta - Founding members, saxophonists, and composers; central to the group's early sound and compositions. (Compositions and performances on early albums) [1977–1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Younger Cuban jazz musicians - Afrocuba's innovative fusion of Cuban music and jazz inspired subsequent generations of Cuban jazz artists and ensembles. (General influence on Cuban jazz scene) [1980s–present]
- Ernán López-Nussa Quartet - Formed by former member; the quartet's style reflects Afrocuba's legacy of jazz fusion. (Quartet recordings and performances) [1990s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Raices Africanas | 1998-08-18 | Album |
| Afrocuba '95 | 1995-02-02 | Album |
| Afrocuba | 2011-07-05 | Album |
| Afrocuba | 2011-07-05 | Album |
| Raices Africanas | 2005-06-21 | Album |
| Raices Africanas | 2005-06-20 | Album |
| Raices Africanas | 2005-06-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Pa' Los Mayores (Yambu Matancero) (Raices Africanas)
- Caridad (BataRumba) (Raices Africanas)
- Elegua (Bembe) (Raices Africanas)
- Palo (Bantu) (Raices Africanas)
- Oshun (Guiro) (Raices Africanas)
- Enigue Nigue (Guaguanco) (Raices Africanas)
- Chango (Bata) (Raices Africanas)
- Aguado Koloya (Rumba Columbia) (Raices Africanas)
- Abakua (Raices Africanas)
- Ogun (Iyesa) (Raices Africanas)
External Links
References
Heard on WWOZ
grupo afrocuba has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | 16:38 | ananu (arara)from raices africanas | World Journeyw/ Logan |