The Vocal Group Baobab was founded in 1994, and its current director is José Ramón Rodríguez García. Since its inception, it has enjoyed the support of prominent figures in Cuban culture, including Lázaro Ros, the writer Natalia Bolívar, Zenaida Armenteros, Corina Campos, and Miguel Barnet.

They are one of the most popular folklore groups on the island. Their repertoire is notable for its innovative choral interpretation of Afro-Cuban songs, blending innovative vocal arrangements with traditional language. They also blend contemporary trends such as rap and hip-hop with Afro-Cuban songs and rumba. Their performances are characterized by improvisation in their dance, percussion, and vocals.

Vocal Baobab’s music is featured in the documentary “Las Raíces de mi Corazón” (The Roots of My Heart), by prestigious Afro-Cuban director and producer Gloria Rolando; and in 1997, the group participated in the filming of her documentary “Los Ojos del Arcoiris” (The Eyes of the Rainbow).

They performed at Cuban Cultural Week in Portugal in 1998. In 2000, they were at the Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, USA. In April and May 2001, they toured the United Kingdom, sponsored by the Arts Council of England and Visiting Arts, where they made their debut at the Royal Festival Hall with the Cubanismo orchestra. They also performed at the Cambridge Corn Exchange and the Komedia Theatre in Brighton. Among their other international appearances, we should highlight their participation in the 2002 New Zealand Festival and the Out and About Festival.

Vocal Baobab was also present in the filming of the video Spirit of Cuba (El Espíritu de Cuba), directed by Charles Wood of Salsatap.com, released in 2002, and a CD, Sueño Yoruba, which is a collection of eleven Afro-Cuban songs.

They have participated in important events such as the Rumba Festival in 2000 and PERCUBA 2002. They have also shared the stage with great representatives of Cuban music such as Changuito, Compay Segundo and Mario Rivera (Mayito) of Los Van Van.

Vocal Baobab has taught classes and workshops in the United Kingdom and the United States, receiving widespread acclaim. The group presents various under-reported expressions of Cuban musical tradition, such as Dahomean songs and dances (asará), with high quality and professionalism.