• The Black Roots of Salsa

— The documentary THE BLACK ROOTS OF SALSA is available for online streaming —

The Black Roots of Salsa

The Black Roots of Salsa

The Emancipation of Cuban Rumba

(2004 – 2015)

An incomparable dialog between generations

Get fascinated by this journey owing to Cuban culture, full of dance and music.

In interviews, music- and dance sequences exhibit some of the most important and world famous protagonists of the cultural scene in Cuba, the conversion of Cuban Salsa, Rumba and African tradition until the present era.

The movie impresses with its proximity to protagonists. They discuss different subjects and get into details by live demonstration. They provide an overall understanding of the topic for Cuba specialists as well as interested viewers.

The film has a length oft 100 minutes and is available with a resolution of Full HD 1080p.

Artists

Adonis Panter Calderón

Adonis Panter Calderón

The “Quinto” is his passion and trademark.

When he appears, the atmosphere changes.

Since when he was a kid, he demonstrated his talent through his involving personality as well as his genius as a percussionist.

It is not surprising that he is now reckoned as a real great Cuban master percussionist.

Whether as a singer, percussionist, and dancer, he practices his art with an incredible concept and great devotion.

Luis Chacón Aspirina

Luis Chacón Aspirina

He looks back at an extremely rich, professional career since 1958.

His professional career started in 1958 as a percussionist with Enrique Jorrín, the founder of Cha-Cha-Cha.

He was a soloist in the famous „Cabaret Tropicana“ for 12 years.

The Columbia, which he served at its best at the age of 70 in the “Teatro Nacional” with the group “Yoruba Andabo”, sets the standard for all coming generations.

In 1961, he was a co-founder of the „Conjunto Folklórico Nacional“ and the youngest teacher of the national art school (ENA) in Havana, previously founded in the year before (1960).

Jennyselt Galata Calvo

Jennyselt Galata Calvo

When she dances for Yemaya, the sea swooshes, when she dances for Oya, the wind blows through the trees.

As a dancer she created her space between the great legends of Cuba, interpreting the Orishas of the Yoruba culture with the group „Yoruba Andabo“.

Jenny studied dance and culture at different Cuban schools (ENA, ISA) what makes her the perfect contact for professional matters.

She possesses unique extensive knowledge about the entire dance and music culture of Cuba and as the right hand of her father Chacho, she also brings in a profound insight into Afro-Cuban religions.

Adonis Jr

Adonis Jr

We are excited about his career, just starting now.

When Adonis Jr. wasn’t even one year old, he started to clap the Clave with stunning clarity.

In the movie, he demonstrates us how the cultural knowledge is transmitted from the parents to their kids and how they intuitively absorb it.

Today he is 7 years old and is collecting his initial stage experiences.

Michael Herrera Perez

Michael Herrera Perez

In „Duo Peligroso“, he and Adonis are demonstrating the evolutional level of Cuban percussion.

He started his career with „Raices Profundas“ as a dancer and studied Batá rhythms with Bolaño.

Together with Adonis, he revolutionized the percussion section of the group „Yoruba Andabo“ and set the new standards.

His expression when playing the Batá „Mayor“ and as „Tumbador“ transmits great energy.

He still finds everywhere space to take up a blow in his rhythmic interpretation as a master of the syncopation.

Juan Campos Cardenas

Juan Campos Cardenas

He narrates a story, which appears to be from other times.

The men’s sect of the “abacus” is based on concepts of secrecy and precise guidelines.

For a long time, it was not allowed to present the music and dances in public.

With his attitude that it deals with the culture of Cuba, he not only created his friends.

But he was one of the pioneers with “Yoruba Andabo”, who are responsible for the fact that we can today experience this incredible culture at concerts and shows.

Sandalio Crespo Calderón

Sandalio Crespo Calderón

Kongo va kuenda nfuiri – If I will die …

The family of the Calderones is deeply rooted in the Congo culture.

Macho was the eldest grandson of the legendary Francisco Calderón, the patron of the family and great grandfather of Adonis.

In the movie, he takes us to another dimension and introduces an idea about how the traditions of African slaves became transmitted and conserved in Cuba.

With the film, his deep spirituality survives his untimely death in 2011.

Cesar "Pupy" Pedroso

Cesar Pupy Pedroso

„Timba Cerrá“ that plays Pupy’s orchestra „Pupy y los que son Son“.

He is the son of Nene Pedroso, the pianist of the legendary orchestra of „Chappotín y sus estrellas“.

As a co-founder of „Los Van Van“ many of the greatest compositions of the group are his creation.

He plays the piano as if it would be a “Quinto” and he emphases that his instrument belongs to the family of percussion instruments.

Coming from the neighborhood “Pogolotti” in Havana, he has devoted his life for Rumba.

Juan Formel

Juan Formel

With „Juan Formell y Los Van Van“ he wrote in Cuban history since 1969.

It was a time of radical change and experiments and numerous concerts that he conducted all over the world with his group leaving no Cuban and Salsa Fan cold!

Today, after his early death in 2013, his son Samuel Formell leads the orchestra „Los Van Van“ and conserves his father’s lifework.

Sentimiento!

Mayito Rivera

Mayito Rivera

To be black means to be proud!

His interpretation of Rumba songs and his contribution to emancipation of the Afro-Cuban tradition in Cuba and abroad make him as one of its most important ambassadors.

For years, he defended his position as the leading singer of „Los Van Van“ and enchanted millions of viewers.

Today, he is performing with renowned groups around the globe.

Angel Santos

Angel Santos

His passion is the couple dance, which he influenced for decades.

When the group „Irakere“ aroused the Cuban music scene in 1968 with its explosive version of Latin Jazz, he established his reputation as “Los Hermanos Santos” as a dancer for the group and as a dance couple with his sister.

The music was fast, and the „Casino“ dance, emerging in the 50’s changed, under his influence.

He continues practising couple dance with great elegance and Cuban grace.

Alcides Toirac

Alcides Toirac

As spokesperson in the documentary, Alcides conducts quietly the energy-loaded episodes.

Alcides shines through his lyrics and poetry.

He accompanies his texts with the bass or guitar and performs these from Switzerland with various groups throughout the world.

Crew

Christian Liebich

Christian Liebch

Director / Producer / Executive Producer / Distributor / Production Manager / Art Director / Writer / Camera / Story Developer / Cinematographer / Production Designer / Technician / Editor / Manager / Location Manager / Cast / Agent / Publicist / Translation Coordinator

Christian started with his first short film about Cuban culture in 2004 and successfully worked on the necessary skills for producing a professionally designed documentary from the first idea to the final distribution.

Out of countless hours of footage, finally a film of 100 minutes was created, covering potentially controversial issues of Cuba’s culture.

No Cuban clichés!

One theme, great personalities and first class scenery.

Adonis Panter Calderón

Adonis Panter Calderón

Co-Producer / Script Supervisor / Location Manager / Musical Director / Performance Supervisor / Lead Actor / Cast

Adonis developed in countless discussions and sessions together with Christian and Virna the idea and the message of the film.

He coordinated the music performances and the collaboration with the different Cuban artists in Cuba.

Through him, we received a deep access to self-contained Cuban scene.

His own clear style in the communication and cooperation with people of any age, profession and gender creates consensus and leads to the magnificent, artistic performances of the film.

Virna Talarico

Virna Talarico

Direction Assistant / Production Assistant / Camera / Story Developer / Edition Assistant  / Cast

Virna managed together with Christian and Adonis the filming, operated cameras and worked on different parts of the story as an editor.

She was involved deeply into the process of establishing the idea, castings, cooperation with artists and dwelled the project from 2005 – 2009.

Using her broad knowledge about dances and culture in Cuba she helped substantially to keep the movie professional and to establish a unique creation.

Ismaray Chacón Aspirina

Ismaray Chacón Aspirina

Direction Assistant / Production Assistant / Script Supervisor / Academic Advisor / Spanish Transcription / Actress

Ismaray got involved with the project in 2009 and worked together with Christian on formulation of story and trimming of the movie.

Using her detailed knowledge about Cuban culture, she is substantially involved in the correct selection of the film material in the preparation of the story details.

She is involved into administration and supported the conclusion of contracts with all involved artists.

She did a great job in the correct transcription of Cuban slang into Spanish.

Groups

Yoruba Andabo

Yoruba Andabo

The documentary shows unforgettable performances of the group in Cuba and Europe.

“Yoruba Andabo” emerged in the 60’s, from a group of dockworkers, which initially occurred under the leadership of Pancho Quinto at religious ceremonies and later presented as a group.

Since the 80’s the group is using the name of „Yoruba Andabo“ and influenced deeply the entire Rumba scene in Havana.

In the movie, she presents many different expressions of the Afro-Cuban and Rumba culture in countless events, and embosses the emancipation of black culture in Cuba.

Juan Formell y Los Van Van

Juan Formell y Los Van Van

„Los Van Van“ is Cuba!

Since its foundation in 1969, the group „Los Van Van“ of Juan Formell has become the most important and prestigious group of the Cuban Salsa movement.

Over the years, the group persuaded and touched generations of Cubans and incorporates the Cuban identity.

It was a great privilege to meet Juan Formell in person before his early death and get his support for this work.

Echú Alabbony

Echú Alabbony

The fascinating little rumberos enchant the audiences, wherever they perform.

From 2005 – 2009, we intensively accompanied the kids group „Echú Alabbony“ under the direction of Natividad Calderón Fiallo.

In 2007, Attic Independent Production presented the first documentary LA RUMBA NO VA A MORIR providing a very personal insight.

During this process, it was desired to further illustrate the different parts of the culture in more detail, which will be shown in this film.

Artists

Giovanni Del Pino Rodriguez

Giovani del Pino Rodriguez

Natividad Calderón Fiallo

Natividad Calderón Fiallo – NATY

Hector Oviedo Abreu

Hector Oviedo Abreu

Ranses Charon

Ranses Charon Hechavaria

Ismaray Chacón Aspirina

Ismaray Chacón Aspirina

Barbarito Crespo Richa

Barbarito Crespo Richa

Ronald Gonzalez Corbas

Ronald Gonzalez Corbas

Demian Diaz Leal

Demian Diaz Leal

Javier Pina Marquez

Javier Pina Marquez

Amarilis Pons

Amarilys Pons

Nadiezhda Valdez Carbonell

Nadiezhda Valdez Carbonell

Yoanis Pelaez Tamayo

Yoanis Pelaez Tamayo

Joel Garmedia

Joel Garmedia

Mariluz Ramirez Perez

Mariluz Ramirez Perez

Luis A Chacón Aspirina

Luis A. Chacón Aspirina

Miguel Angel Mesa Aspirina

Miguel Angel Mesa Aspirina

Screenings

Internationally presented

The documentary THE BLACK ROOTS OF SALSA was officially screened twice between 2010 to 2014 for an audience of approximately 800 persons and was awarded standing ovations.

Official Screenings

In 2011, the screening at the „Festival Cubano“ in Lodz, Poland in May 2011 during the first tour of LOS ASPIRINAS to Europe in May 2011 was a big success in front of a great audience. The applause just wasn’t ending.

The Swiss premier at the Volkshaus Zürich in November 2012 was accompanied by the second tour of LOS ASPIRINAS together with Adonis and was endorsed by Ingeno Solutions AG as sponsor.

I am very pleased that so many people were able to be there at this event who worked with me on the documentary and supported me over the years.

The documentary is now available online and … waiting was worth it!

Christian Liebich

The history of the film

10 years went by since shooting the documentary started.

The idea to bring the film from the streets to the streets was not an easy task.

After a first private screening in NYC in 2010 in the “University of the Streets” in front of a private audience, the destiny wasn’t well disposed.

A first screening event was planned to take place in the theater „Natives“ in Queens NYC. Unfortunately the location became bankrupt before the premiere. The screening at the festival Salsatlanta 2010 could not take place due to unfavorable circumstances with the immigration of USA.

These circumstances and financial bottlenecks led to a delay of 5 years in the process of publication of this important document of a culture, moving people around the world.

Recordings

Internationally recorded

The first recordings of the documentary THE BLACK ROOTS OF SALSA incurred in Havana in 2004. Until 2010, we filmed countless hours of footage in Havana, Madrid, Paris and Geneva, carrying the story.

Recordings

In 2005, we worked with Adonis Panter Calderón, Natividad Calderón Fiallo, Jennyselt Galata Calvo, Luis Chacón „Aspirina“, Angel Santos, as well as with the groups „Echú Alabbony“ and „Yoruba Andabo“ which resulted to basis of interviews, dance scenes and concerts.

The following years until 2009, we worked intensively with the children of “Echu Alabbony” and the professional group “Yoruba Andabo”.

After finishing the DVD LA RUMBA NO VA A MORIR in 2007, we redirected the camera back to the professional protagonists.

The history of the film

During the work with the children’s group “Echu Alabbony” in the sociocultural project LA RUMBA NO VA A MORIR, the desire emerged between Christian, Adonis and Virna together with the children’s project to document the real beauty of the Cuban culture with great protagonists and to make accessible the cultural knowledge of the Cuban as well as interested Salsa audience.