Babesa Cubana

Greece has always been captivated by the exoticism of South America. From the 1940s onwards so many Greek songs are coloured and driven by the rhythms and sounds of Brazil, Cuba, Argentina and the other beautiful countries of this continent. Babesa Cubana takes Greek songs and “gives them back” to their Latin roots. Fronted by Latin jazz singer Andria Antoniou (aka Andria), a group of musicians from Greece, the UK and South America bring their fresh takes on classic Greek songs coloured with the infectious rhythms of Latin America and the depth and passion of Greek language.
The band also pays tribute to Rebetiko music (Greek blues) and songs from the islands of Cuba, Capo Verde and Cyprus exploring universal themes such as isolation, love, festivity and social gatherings. In both Latin and Greek cultures, music springs naturally from people’s everyday stories and struggles, from a search for refuge and a better future. Inspired by these similarities, this group of friends come together with an open and curious mind to explore unity in cultural diversity.

Line up:

Andria Antoniou (Cyprus) – voice
Pavlos Carvalho (Brazil/Greece) – bouzouki/cello
Kostas Kopanaris (Greece) – percussion
Sara McGuinnness (UK) – piano
Jimmy Hernandez (Cuba) – double bass

Door open at 19.00
Music starts at 19.30