Kola Loka, a prominent Cuban fusion group with a focus on reggaeton, was founded in 2001 in the Tercer Frente Oriental, Santiago de Cuba province. Its members are Yasser Robinson Puente (Robinson) and Yamir Robinson Puente (Teacher), both originally from Guantánamo and also brothers. Also included is Ángel Torres Callar (Angelón), who is originally from Santiago de Cuba.

The idea of ​​forming a musical group germinated during their military service in the Third Front of the Youth Labor Army. At first, it emerged as a way to have a good time rather than to do serious work; later, the idea began to materialize professionally, and they named the group Kola Loka at the suggestion of one of their fans. This name highlights the group’s uniqueness and also emphasizes the lasting impact their music leaves on the audience, with the intention that the songs would resonate positively with each person, who feels identified with each piece.

Kola Loka has achieved a rich mix of rhythms based on reggaeton, achieving an excellent fusion with kisomba, calypso, and merengue; it also draws heavily on influences from son, guaracha, and cumbia. Their songs possess a playful style with a dose of humor, reminiscent of vernacular theater. The compositions are written by the three members and most emphasize contemporary social issues.

It’s also worth noting that they use timbres like the oriental organ, to uphold their own tradition. Their beginnings were with independent productions; these were the first to be produced in Santiago de Cuba.

Kola Loka has toured successfully throughout Europe and the United States. They have collaborated with many popular artists and groups in Cuba, including Gente de Zona, Habana D’ Primera, Bamboleo, Elito Revé y su Charangón, Charanga Habanera, Los Salvajes, Acento Latino, El Micha, Leo Fonovernáculo, and Osmany García.

Among their most-streamed hits are “El Cachito,” “A la my love,” “La estafa del babalao,” and “El calentito.” Throughout their career, they have produced numerous music videos, including “No me da mi gana americana,” which was nominated for the 2008 Lucas Awards in the category of Most Popular Video; “Remix: El Calentico,” which earned several nominations for the 2009 Lucas Awards in the category of Rap, Hip Hop, Reggaeton, and Most Popular Video Music Video; “La Estafa del Babalao,” also nominated for the 2009 Lucas Awards for Most Popular Video; and “Se extraña.”

Kola Loka has performed on the most popular Cuban television programs such as 23 y M, Mediodía en TV, Piso 6, Bailar es algo más, Conexión, No quiero llanto, and Ritmo Clips.

In 2011, in celebration of their tenth anniversary, the group went on a national tour sponsored by the Cuban company ARTEX, promoting their latest album, “A la my love.” Kola Loka is currently a widely popular group throughout the Cuban archipelago.