With a name and image that pays tribute to the Cimarrons­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­—Cubans of African descent that resisted slavery—and music and showmanship that re-embodies funk legends from the last century, Cimafunk has become a global ambassador for Cuban music. With his unmistakable Afro-Latin sounds, no-holds-barred live shows, and multiple Grammy nominations, the medical-school-student-turned-artist aims to unite cultures and celebrate Blackness across borders, oceans, and languages.

Cimafunk has gone from a local sensation in Havana’s small, alternative music scene to a global success. He’s performed with La Tribu (The Tribe), his nine-piece band from Havana, and has appeared on stages at New Orleans Jazz Festival and Lollapalooza Chile. He was also the first Cuban-born artist to play Coachella. He has collaborated on records and stages with the likes of Juanes, CeeLo Green, Fonseca, and Trombone Shorty.

Cimafunk’s debut album Terapia (2018)—with its groundbreaking No. 1 single “Me Voy,” followed by his breakout performance at SXSW 2019 and widely praised NPR Tiny Desk Concert—kickstarted the Afro-Cuban rockstar’s success. His second album, El Alimento (The Nourishment) (2021), was met with an abundance of critical praise that included spots on Best Albums of the Year lists from Rolling Stone, NPR, and more.