cuba meets jamaica

before the cuban revolution in 1959 there was a big musical exchange between cuba and the rest of the caribbean. for example calypso was a very popular music style in the 40's and 50's in cuba, and many cuban artists (including compay segundo) where recording calypso records. after the revolution, caribbean musical developments mostly did not reach cuba anymore.

natty bo, director, producer of ska cubano, a dj, songwriter and currently singer of the major london ska band top cats, always felt the strong influence that cuban music had on ska. when he was supporting the skatalites on tour in japan, he realised that three of their original members where cubans.

in santiago natty bo met benny billy, lead voice of ska cubano, ex boxer and mr. ska. very soon they had two bands playing together ska in santiago.

their first cd was recorded live at egrem siboney studios in santiago de cuba and mixed by spider johnson etienne and natty bo in brixton, london.
ska cubano played an enthusiastic showcase at the womex world music meeting on october 2004. in the summer of 2005 they are ready to tour the european summer festivals and clubs.

quelle und weitere informationen: kesselhaus-berlin.de