The crackling image of this music video in black and white sticks to the music of Orquesta Akokan: authentic because it refers to the Cuban mambo of the 50s.
Rendered in pictures, “Mambo Rapidito” reveals the group in full action accompanied by dancers who embody the purpose of this music. “Mambo Rapidito”, the opening title of their album released in March 2018 on the New York label Daptone, recalls how this orchestra has been buzzing with this music for decades. Authentic and attached to its values, the group of Cubans is deserving of the name they gave themselves, “Akokan” meaning “soul”.
The orchestra, that celebrates pillars of the mambo – Pérez Prado, Arsenio Rodriguez and Cachao – have, this year, commanded the attention of the media around the world. Festivals are following suit as the big band goes on tour this fall. You can now learn their choreography and dance along with them!
Orquesta Akokan (Daptone Records)
Oct 18 – Nancy, France @ Nancy Jazz Pulsations
Oct 24 – London, UK @ Under the Bridge
Oct 26 – Barcelona, ES @ Primavera Club
Oct 28 – Hamburg, DE @ Elbphilharmonie
Nov 01 – Copenhagen, DK @ DR Koncerthuset Studio 2
Nov 02 – The Hague, NL @ Crossing Border
