JAS After Dark – Cimafunk

Cimafunk has become Cuba’s new global musical ambassador, channeling the legacy of the Cimarrons through his Afro-Cuban funk, explosive live energy, and boundary-breaking artistry. A former medical student turned cultural phenomenon, he has redefined what the world understands as Cuban music, bringing a fresh, future-facing sound that celebrates Black identity across continents. His debut album Terapia (2018) and its hit single “Me Voy,” followed by a breakout SXSW performance and a viral NPR Tiny Desk, ignited a movement that pushed Cuban music beyond its traditional global image.

With his powerhouse 9-piece band La Tribu, Cimafunk has surged from Havana’s underground scene to the biggest stages in the world, becoming the first Cuban-born artist to perform at Coachella and lighting up festivals from New Orleans Jazz Fest to Lollapalooza Chile. Praised by legends like George Clinton (“the next one”), Chucho Valdés, and Fito Páez, he has earned multiple Grammy nominations and widespread critical acclaim. His sophomore album El Alimento appeared on Best of the Year lists from Rolling Stone and NPR, further cementing his status as one of today’s most electrifying performers.

A prolific collaborator, Cimafunk has worked with artists across genres and generations—including CeeLo Green, Alejandro Sanz, Galactic, Lupe Fiasco, Juanes, The Soul Rebels, Chucho Valdés, and more—while earning high-profile superfans from Susan Sarandon to Paul McCartney. His latest album, Pa’ Tu Cuerpa (2024), marks his most evolved work yet, deepening his fusion of Cuban rhythms and global funk into a sound entirely his own.