Artist Biography
Orquesta Akokán is a multi-generational big band comprised of Havana's top musicians from groups such as Irakere, NG La Banda, and Los Van Van, and the most creative talents from New York's Latin music scene. Their reinvigorated take on the golden era of Cuban mambo, rhumba, son, tumbao, and cha-cha-cha is melded with modern Latin jazz. Their 2018 eponymous debut was recorded at Havana's Areito Studios. They reunited at Havana's legendary Egrem Studios, resulting in 2021's 16 Rayos. 2024's Caracoles ushered Orquesta Akokán's approach to mambo into the 21st century saw them combine talents with Cuban lyricist, singer, and composer Kiko Ruiz (Las Estrellas de Buena Vista Social Club, Maria Alejandra y La Cubanía).
Hometown
Havana, Cuba
Genre
Latin