The 16th edition of the Cuba Rumba Festival Tata Güines in memoriam -2024 will continue to praise this genre declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2016. In addition, it aims to highlight the presence of women in rumba and promote the legacy of rumba in new generations. that master of percussion, legend of Cuban and world music, was informed at a press conference.
Rumberos will be able to enjoy a great party, which includes a varied program in which, around rumba, other genres will merge. From June 26 to 30, emblematic rumba groups will perform in Havana and Güines, such as Obiní Batá, the first women’s group in Cuba, and probably in the world, that plays Batá drums professionally. In addition, the public will be able to enjoy orchestras that had to do with Tata Güines throughout his extensive artistic career, among them, the Riverside Orchestra, mentioned Arturo Soto (Tata Güines Jr.), president of the event and son of the renowned musician.
The main venue of the event will be the Jardines del Mella, but the rumba will be present in other spaces in the capital such as the Cuba Pavilion, the Callejón de Hamel, as well as Prado and Neptuno. In addition to the artistic presentations, a discussion on the Abakuá religion will also be held at the House of Culture in Old Havana.
Tata Güines Jr. stressed that these meetings will be attended by music students interested in rumba, its interpretation and history. “We have lost many musicians and dancers. Those of us who remain never tire of going to music schools, or doing community work with children and young people.” Actions of this type, and the festival itself, contribute to revitalizing the rumba movement.
On the 30th, the celebration will move to the Leguina neighborhood, in the town of Güines, current province of Mayabeque, where that same day, but in 1930, Federico Arístides Soto Alejo, the Tata Güines of Cuba and for the world, was born. “Walking through the town of Güines is feeling Tata,” said his son.
From there, the Tata Güines group will close this event, along with the Rumberos de Mayabeque, among other guests.
The tribute will have the special participation of Los Tatagüinitos, who will be accompanied by a representation of repentistas children from the province. “Country music also has to do with rumba,” added Tata Güines Jr. “As my father would say, rumba was already formed.” With these words, he invited everyone to participate in this festival that honors one of the most important percussionists of Cuban music represented in rumba, son and jazz, and who, with his very peculiar way of playing, contributed to the tumbadora acquired greater participation and significance within Latin music.
