Artists
Adonis Panter Calderón
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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 Liebch
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 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 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 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” 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
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
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.