Cimafunk & CET On The Way To The US
Born in the rural tobacco province of Pinar del Rio, Cimafunk grew up enjoying traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms and the sounds of American funk and pop. He relished his time immersed in music and singing in church as a boy, but eventually moved to Havana to become a doctor. Several years into medical school he dropped out and took a chance on what would become a long and difficult path to become a musician. He sought out to use his upbringing and unique identity to create a sound the world hadn’t heard before. Cuba and the world are lucky that he did, and something very special is underway.
Cimafunk’s name refers to the cimarrón heritage in Cuba, a word for formerly enslaved individuals who resisted and escaped Cuban slavery and created their own free communities with distinct cultures, traditions, and music. The essence of Cimafunk’s music aims to subvert conventional sounds by creating something unique: Afro-Cuban Funk. In 2018, Cimafunk turned Cuba upside-down, building a movement, breaking attendance records at historic venues and bringing an unparalleled level of excitement to the Cuban cultural scene. The way he looks, moves and sounds is indescribable. His live performances are electric.
“Cimafunk has taken the country by storm, people scale buildings to see him play.” Vistar Magazine
“The concert begins and the audience enters a trance-like state, no one can stop dancing” Garbos Magazine
“The Cuban James Brown arrives...” El Tiempo
“When Latin rhythms met funk, Cuban breakout music star Cimafunk emerged.” Miami Herald
The world is about to find out about Cimafunk, who was listed as one of Billboard’s Top 10 Latin Artists to Watch in 2019. He made his US debut at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas earlier this month and left fans and industry execs in awe. His three primetime showcases resulted in long lines, sold out shows, and fans struggling to describe what they just witnessed, making Cimafunk the talk of town at the highly coveted event.
Cuba Educational Travel (CET) is privileged to be working with Cimafunk on a month-long tour of the United States that will also include community engagement programming for him and his band. CET knows Cimafunk will continue to be a powerful force in Cuban culture and will build important bridges between the US and Cuba.
Last night Cimafunk and his band rocked the US capital. The sold out show in Washington, DC was electric and followed a day at the US Capitol, where Cimafunk performed for members of Congress and staff.
CET President Collin Laverty will accompany the band across the United States and he looks forward to catching up with friends and colleagues along way. Here you’ll find information about upcoming shows in Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Asheville, Charleston, Atlanta, New York, Baltimore, Los Angeles and the Bay Area.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience Cimafunk on his first US tour, dates below.
MIAMI
March 30
North Beach Bandshell - Tickets
CHICAGO
April 2
Martyr’s - Tickets
April 3
Old Town School of Folk Music - Tickets
NEW ORLEANS
April 6
Tipitina’s - Tickets
ASHEVILLE
April 10
The Grey Eagle - Tickets
CHARLESTON
April 12
College of Charleston
ATLANTA
April 13
Fulton County SW Arts Center - Tickets at the door
NEW YORK
April 15
Panel discussion and jam session at AS/COA - Tickets
April 17
National Sawdust - Tickets
HARTFORD
April 18
Real Art Ways - Tickets
MATUNUCK, RI
April 19
Ocean Mist - Tickets the door
WASHINGTON, DC
April 20
American University Spring Festival
NEW YORK
April 23
DROM - Tickets
LOS ANGELES
April 26
No Name - By invitation
April 30
The Grammy Museum - Tickets TBA
OAKLAND
May 1
Complex Oakland - Tickets TBA
MIAMI
May 5
1-800-Lucky - Tickets TBA