The Afrocuban All Stars is a multigenerational orchestra, where four generations of musicians join hands, blending the old with the new. It is directed by Juan de Marcos González, a former member of the Sierra Maestra ensemble.

This band constitutes one of the fundamental foundations of the growing popularity of Afro-Cuban music worldwide. Their 1997 album, “A Toda Cuba le gusta,” was the first to be recorded during the fabulous sessions at the Buena Vista Social Club. Another album worth mentioning is Distinto Diferente, from 1999.

The orchestra encompasses all registers and styles of Latin music: Mambo, Cha-cha-chá, Rumba, Merengue, Timba, Son Montuno, Guajira, Danzón, Afro-Cuban songs, and Bolero.

Many of its members have become internationally renowned figures. The musicians of Afrocuban All Stars have represented Cuba’s musical elite: Rubén González, Yanko Pisaco, Pío Leyva, Raúl Planas, Manuel “Puntilita,” Caridad Hierrezuelo, Orlando Cachaíto López, Guillermo Rubalcaba, Manuel El Guajiro Mirabal, among others.

Afrocuban All Stars includes the production of the albums Step Backward and Breaking the Rules, which aim to document the director’s latest project, in which he brings together several of his best friends living abroad and in Cuba, thus sending a message of peace and reconciliation to the Cuban people.

According to Juan de Marcos González, his intention in creating the Afrocuban All Stars is to use “all the heritage of Cuban music to create the sound of the future.”