The Sound of Cuban Funk

“The Sound of Cuban Funk” is a deep dive into the groove-heavy, jazz-inflected sounds that emerged from Cuba's vibrant music scene in the '70s and '80s. Drawing from groups like Irakere, Los Van Van, and Grupo Monumental, this playlist blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with funk, soul, and jazz fusion, highlighting a time when Cuba’s musicians were experimenting with electric instrumentation and genre crossovers. Tracks like “Temba, Tumba, Timba” and “Bacalao Con Pan” show off complex arrangements layered with horns, percussion, and tight rhythm sections.

It’s a colorful sampler of the era’s musical innovation, touching everything from descarga jams and soulful ballads to dancefloor-ready grooves. With selections from Los Papines, Juan Pablo Torres, Grupo Los Yoyi, and Orquesta Cubana de Música Moderna, this playlist captures an energetic, exploratory period in Cuban music that still feels fresh and unexpected. Whether you're digging into deep cuts or just curious about the Cuban take on funk, it’s a solid place to start.