The 2025 International Cubarumba Tata Güines In Memoriam Festival will resonate through this capital with new drum rhythms from 26th to 30th June, honouring one of Cuba’s greatest percussionists, organisers announced today.
During a press conference, participants unveiled an extensive programme opening with groups Obbini Batá, Timbalaye, and Tata Güines Jr. – the latter directed by Arturo Soto, son of the rumba master.
Víctor Rodríguez, Director of the National Centre for Popular Music, stated: «If there’s one event to defend in this country, it’s the Cubarumba Festival, for it delves into the true roots of Cuban cultural movement.»
«Tata Güines is among Cuba’s most knowledgeable percussionists globally; it’s rare to find a percussionist anywhere who hasn’t studied with him or knows his legacy. Yet I believe we’ve failed to reflect Tata Güines’ true importance in our country,» added the Director of the National Centre for Popular Music.
«The maestro and many others – like Changuito, for instance – are percussionists who inscribed Cuba’s name in golden letters,» he continued.
Nilson Corrales, Director of the Antonio María Romeu Company, highlighted its close ties to the event, announcing participation by some company members: «As an institution, we’re committed to supporting the revival of rumba; in Cuba, rumba is more than a genre – it’s the lifeblood of our nation, integral to our identity as Cubans.»
Tata Güines Jr. unveiled the festival schedule, featuring his donation of his father’s artefacts to the National Museum of Music on 27th June. That evening, Rumberos de Cuba will perform in El Fanguito district as part of a community project.
The National Folkloric Ensemble will also participate, with dance enthusiasts able to enjoy them at the ensemble’s headquarters. International contributions come from Argentina’s Obba Ilu and Spain’s Nina BisLom, while Justo Pelladito with Afroamérica group, plus Ronald and his Explosión Rumbera, will perform on 29th June.
Closing on 30th June – the maestro Tata Güines’ birthday – the event culminates with groups Aroma con clave and Wapara, plus a visit to the emblematic rumba site Callejón de Hamel. The finale includes a drumming session at Santa Bárbara Church in Güines (Tata’s birthplace, Mayabeque province), with Los Tata Güinitos group joining music students, repentistas (improvisational poets), and Cuban rumberos in a festival celebrating Cuban spirit and national identity.
