Los Van Van

Overview

On the streets of Cuba, music and politics are inseparable entities. In a country where musicians critically shape national identity, the influence wielded by one group of innovative artists in the face of socialism is nothing short of, well, beautifully revolucionario. Los Van Van — highly acclaimed as a crucial social influence on post-revolution Cuba — is a storytelling, ideological whirlwind with nothing gimmicky about their use of a cowbell.

With bass guitar and idealism held high, founding father, Juan Formell, lead the first Cuban fusion of synthesisers and traditional rhythms over four decades ago, with their unique melange of Afrofunk, hip-hop, dance and rock — even grabbing a shiny Latin Grammy Award in 2000. The recipe here is a dish of charanga; a festive Cuban ensemble style Mambo-esque marching group, that conjures visions of palm fronds and light Spanish breezes at the drop of a timbale. With this post-revolutionary tour de force barrelling through Sydney, this Cuban dance orchestra is sure to vividly melt the senses and sultrily infuse the mind with a castanet or two.

With such an adaptable sound and over 40 years of fire, Formell's son Samuel has now effectively taken the band reigns, with favourites such as "Soy Todo" still sending dancers into a furious Latin spin of colour, rhythm and wild hot fusion. Joined by special guests Latin Block Party, this dangerously infectious blend of Cuban changui and son montuno is sure to light your cigar with gusto, and have you donning a white linen suit faster than you can say "Llego Van Van!"