Son Cubano 'Bilongo' Richard Bona & Mandekan Cubano

Mandekan Cubano picks up where Buena Vista Social Club left off. International world music sensation and GRAMMY winner Richard Bona forges the next evolution of Cuban dance music popularized by Buena Vista Social Club, Irakere and Los Van Van. Inspired by the shared heritage, rich folkloric and traditional music of West Africa and Cuba, Richard speaks the universal language of music and envisions bringing all people together through song.
Cuban music has its principal roots in West Africa and Spain. Large numbers of western African slaves, speaking the shared Medekan language, came to Cuba bringing their music and traditions to the Island. The African slaves formed self-organized social clubs know as "cabildos." Here, cultural traditions were preserved and shared with Cubans and Spanish immigrants through music, dance, rituals and oral history.