15 songs to download for Havana World Music 2022

The curatorship of Havana World Music 2022 is marked by urban and alternative genres, in most cases. Interesting mixtures between roots and free expressions, experimentation and tradition, songwriting deep, pop, rap and other not so defined genres that will make us dance until three in the morning. It is a fairly complete program with which we will remember past times and delve into musical currents different from those we know. 

I must say that, despite the effort we made to maintain the postponed programming in 2020, many of the female artists invited to that edition will not be able to be there now; something that makes me very sad. Hence in this playlist the female presence is missed. I hope you still enjoy it with its contrasts and dynamics. This is like a snack before the big event.

Un hombre se levanta / Comp. Silvio Rodriguez; int. Real Project ft. Polito Ibanez

This version in the hands of Real Project and Polito Ibáñez is a delight. Perfect example of innovation and good taste. The band —composed of Ruly Herrera (drum), Yoyi Lagarza (keyboards), Rafael Aldama (bass) and Raciel Aldama (trumpet)— is always attentive, they have the ability to transform and constantly evolve. 

The short space where you are not / Comp. Pablo Milanes; int. Haydee Milanes

At the time when the song and the lyrics were the standard-bearers of popular music, this majestic theme arrived, with melodies and harmonizations that broke with the traditional. Haydee Milanes, for her part, is one of the best interpreters of my generation; a girl who carries the weight of the years in her voice. 

Wind Road / Rommel Ribeiro

Rommel's mellow voice accompanies this Afro-Brazilian song with a slow base that is part of the self-titled album that was released in 2018. The charismatic guitarist and troubadour has that Brazilian way of singing that we all adore. His music is authentic, with a vibe that also brings the impact of his sound explorations around the world. 

Men seu me / Waahli

If you want to hear a clear example of how to mix urban music and roots, this is it. Waahli has that flow rapping that you can't stop moving to. The also member of Nomadic Massive goes from Creole to English without you noticing and fuses choirs that evoke traditional Haitian melodies with the most experimental urban bases. 

Lágrimas negras / Havana Meets Kingston ft. Beatrice Marquez 

I love this theme. In it, Beatriz Márquez —as solid as ever— interprets Lágrimas negras, the Miguel Matamoros classic, and blends perfectly with a rather discreet reggae base. The piano, majestic, serves as a guide to travel through that traditional and at the same time innovative sound. This is Havana Meets Kingston, a curious mix between Cuban music and reggae.

You are for me / Red Cloud ft. topfunk

here is the style funky 90s popper that we were all waiting for in the Cuban scene. Nube Roja, the band led by Anthuan Perugorría Lafuente and Lázaro Peña Rodríguez, is a breath of fresh air, good taste, stellar and fun musicians, with their own style. Cuban pop is in good hands.

fools fair / Carlos Varela ft. Sweet Lizzy Project 

What I like the most about this song is the lyrics. Carlos I always get that way, that's why it's impossible not to hum his songs. Because he is impeccable in all his productions, he has an exquisite taste to harmonize his beautiful melodies and when he adds that poetry to his songs he provokes a storm of sensations. It's a songwriter of big leagues. 

brown face / Toke

This song is to listen to it on a loop, it's like one of those hits of the popular lists that we like. In it, Tóke uses innovative resources of current musical production and once again demonstrates his musical versatility. And the fact is that the Indonesian-German artist has a very modern voice, he raps in English and German, with a flow tremendous. 

lol lol / wesli

Wesli is a true artist. Winner in 2019 of the Juno Award in the category Best World Music Album, for his album Rapadou Kreyol, this guitarist carries his Haitian roots wherever he goes. You can feel them in his songs, in his voice and in the traditional instruments he uses. Once again Creole takes over the Caribbean and Wesli brings them to us warm. 

I come from the front / Matthew

Mateo has Latin America in his blood, in his traditional voice and in his relaxed music. This young man of Colombian origin and based in Montreal, Canada —where he is recognized as a leading figure in the Latin New Wave movement that is sweeping the country— plays the guitar and composes his songs, giving us a musical journey to his roots. 

tell me what to do / X Alfonso

Well, X is very X, lol. His music is like a laboratory turned upside down, little Dexter who does not stop generating good ideas and doing incredible works. Overall double album Inside (FAC Music, 2020) is very sincere and does not want to please anyone other than its creator. But X is so wise that he always hits the target when he wants to reach his audience. 

I want to wake up with you / Raulito Prieto

This theme was part of the First Base contest prizes, and the production was in charge of our team. From the first moment we noticed his musical quality and good taste. Raulito's arrangements, in general, have a nineties air and remind me of Lulo Pérez's productions for Alejandro Sanz. He is an amazing artist who will grow very fast and everyone should listen.

butterflies / Tobias Alfonso

Another First Base winner I'm happy to introduce. This song, written by Tobías and produced by the great Yoyi Lagarza, is a beauty. Simple and clean. I love the melody and the influence of his father, the singer-songwriter Gerardo Alfonso, is clearly noticeable in the harmony and in the way of interpreting it. It can also be seen that this young musician is a great instrumentalist. 

it's always thursday / Manuel Bas

Whenever I listen to Manuel I think of those endearing Argentine singers from the 90s. His voice is very special, very clear and has a lot of personality. The lyrics of this song are from the repentista Alexis Díaz-Pimienta, for me a master of poetry; while the arrangement is by Manuel himself. Both things mesh perfectly. 

Respira / Scarlet Island ft. Yoyi Lagarza 

I really like the sound of this song. It's dark, Cuban, electronic and minimalist. It also has influence from various genres and internationally known artists, but at the same time it sounds like something unique and original. It is worth noting that the lyrics are quite poetic and contrast greatly with the urban setting. Undoubtedly a spectacular way to this young band which will surely give much to talk about in the future.

enjoy all the playlist here: