In Havana, teenagers Fabio and Diego Abreu, aged 19 and 17, transform from shy to bold on stage.
Their jazz performances at venues like Fábrica de Arte Cubano, a vibrant cultural hub, captivate audiences.
They’re part of a new wave of Cuban musicians breathing life into the island’s music scene.
Filling a Gap
With many established artists leaving Cuba amid a severe economic crisis, young talents are stepping up. Small private venues and growing internet access since 2018 help them promote their work.
Fabio Abreu said, “We love music and can earn a living from it.”
Mixing Sounds
Cuba’s music scene is evolving. Young artists blend traditional styles like timba and salsa with modern genres like hip-hop and electronic music.
The result is “reparto,” a bold, urban sound with raw lyrics born in Havana’s working-class areas.
Social Media Boost
Without a strong record industry, musicians rely on social media. Melanie Santiler, a 23-year-old pop singer, has 248,000 Instagram followers and 73,000 on YouTube.
“We’re shaping the future of Cuban music,” she said, crediting online videos for her rise.
Reparto’s Rise
Artists like Wampi, a 22-year-old saxophonist turned reparto star, lead the charge. With 712,000 Instagram followers, he’s set for a European tour and collaborates with global Cuban acts like Cimafunk. “This is our moment,” Wampi said.
Cultural Impact
The mix of old and new sounds, shared through low-budget music videos, keeps Cuban music vibrant. These artists are redefining the island’s musical identity, gaining fans at home and abroad.
