Maqueque

Maqueque is a vibrant all-female Cuban jazz ensemble that fuses traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary jazz improvisation. Founded in 2013 by Canadian saxophonist Jane Bunnett, the group spotlights young Cuban women musicians, blending instruments like batá drums, flute, and piano with bold, genre-crossing energy. Their name, meaning “the spirit of a young girl” in Yoruba, reflects their mission to amplify Cuba’s next generation of female artists while honoring the island’s cultural roots.

Since bursting onto the scene, Maqueque has earned global acclaim for albums like *Playing With Fire* (2022) and *Human Race*, which showcase their fiery interplay and socially conscious lyrics. Their recent track *Diez Años* (2023) celebrates the group’s decade-long journey, weaving hypnotic grooves with soulful vocals. With Grammy nominations and electrifying live shows, Maqueque isn’t just a band—it’s a movement redefining Cuba’s jazz landscape one groove at a time.