Cimafunk: From the Jungles of Cuba, via the Halls of Med School, to Globe-Trotting World Tours and Defining a New Sound and Generation of Afro-Cuban Funk

Today we sit down with Afro-Cuban funk artist Cimafunk and there is simply no way not to be delighted and inspired from his infectious energy, joy for life, and love of family. From listening and making music based off the sounds of Coke cans bouncing down the street in his rural hometown, to traveling to Havana and working as a gardener and mechanic just so he could listen to live music at night, Cimafunk has exploded onto the world's musical scene as a new voice in the continued tradition of genius artists from the amazingly musical and fertile island of Cuba. From burning out his uncle's car battery secretly listening to Michael Jackson tapes, a short stint in medical school, and ultimately joining backup choruses of top Cuban artists just so he could learn how to be a band leader, Cimafunk has defied all expectations.  In 2019 he became a bonafide international rising star (Billboard's Top 10 Latin Artists to watch in 2019), who is often referred to as the James Brown of Cuba. However, as you will hear, he is so much more! Coming from a loving, proud, and intellectually stimulating family environment and knowing his roots, he understands musical traditions of bygone eras and creates, through his voice, body, and uniquely infectious personality, a fresh new sound. Cimafunk is someone that I hope will inspire you as much as he inspired us all here in Miami! We hope you enjoy the effervescent and loving human that is also one of the greatest showmen and entertainers I personally have had the pleasure to collaborate with. The one and only, Cimafunk. 

Om Podcasten

Miami’s 21st century genre-bending chamber orchestra, Nu Deco Ensemble, presents unfiltered conversations with dynamic and award-winning musical artists, trailblazing composers, and forward-thinking industry leaders and CEO’s. Hosted by Co-Founder and Artistic Director, Jacomo Bairos, these conversations dive deep into the lives and works of these exceptional artists and leaders, peeling back the mysterious curtain of creativity and inspiration, while exploring life wisdom gleaned from their stories and prolific careers. Composer, producer, and CEO of Nu Deco, Sam Hyken (also Co-Founder and Artistic Director) writes, arranges, and creates the majority of music for the ensemble and guest artists. Jacomo conducts the ensemble, and together they both curate and program, in liaison with composers and guest artists, content for performances, media distribution, and educational offerings. Described as “world-class” and “thrilling” in the press, Jacomo conducts around the world with institutions such as the Boston Pops, the San Francisco Symphony, and the Singapore Symphony. He regularly collaborates with Grammy-award winning musical artists such as Wyclef Jean, PJ Morton, and Jacob Collier, as well as hosts both Nu Deco’s performances and education concerts, reaching audiences across the globe and thousands of students throughout Miami and the nation. Jacomo also teaches and leads meditation as well as mindfulness and wellness courses for Nu Deco NXT, Nu Deco’s youth ensemble based in Miami.