Timba

Timba, a vivacious Cuban music genre, emerged in the late 1980s and early 1990s, distinguishing itself from the traditional Cuban son and salsa with its richer, more complex orchestrations and rhythmic patterns. This genre is characterized by its aggressive, polyrhythmic percussion, intricate bass lines, and the use of synthesizers alongside a brass-heavy sound, showcasing a blend of son, jazz, and funk influences. It incorporates improvisation and open-ended arrangements, allowing for dynamic performances that often include call-and-response patterns between the vocalist and the chorus. Artists like NG La Banda, Los Van Van, and Adalberto Álvarez have been pivotal in popularizing timba, infusing their music with social and political themes that resonate with the Cuban experience, thereby elevating timba beyond mere dance music to a form of cultural expression.

Havana

Maite Hontelé•

Ramon Valle

Album - 9 Tracks - Released September 12, 2025