Dance music in Cuba is one of the most cultivated forms of music, which is why countless popular music orchestras have emerged throughout the history of Cuban music, contributing to the development and quality of this style, as well as making it accessible to the Cuban and foreign public alike.

The groups that emerged during this period of Cuban music in the 21st century (2000-2011) are mixed, meaning they are composed of both men and women, although we can also find some that are entirely male or female. Among them, we must mention: Ashé de Cuba, Explosión Latina, Pupy y los que Son Son, Arnaldo y su Talismán, Los Ángeles de La Habana, La Charanga de Oro, Combinación de la Habana, Havana D’Primera, Charanga Cubana, and To’Mezclao.

Ashé de Cuba, a Cuban popular music group founded in 2000 under the name Latinshow. Since its founding, it has been comprised of young, academically trained musicians. Today, its roster includes musicians ranging in age from twenty to thirty. Its members total thirteen.

This Cuban orchestra’s instrumental format consists of two trumpets, a trombone, a saxophone, drums with timpani, congas and minor percussion, piano with keyboards, bass, and vocals. Their repertoire showcases genres such as song, salsa, cumbia, merengue, and, above all, Cuban timba.

Explosión Latina, a Cuban group directed by Michel Valdés. This project upholds high artistic values ​​and high-quality musical standards. The group offers a blend of music and cultural interests, which undoubtedly revives old harmonies intertwined with traditional Cuban music and the new Salsa. The repertoire of this Cuban orchestra features original compositions of excellent craftsmanship and includes both the group’s own songs and world-renowned Cuban works by renowned Cuban composers.

Pupy y los que Son Son, a group founded in 2001 by César Pedroso (Pupy). Their debut took place in the municipality of Güines on October 4, 2001. The orchestra was supported by percussionist José Luis Quintana (Changuito), who served as the main advisor and provided the entire rhythmic base for the songs, in addition to Chucho Valdés.

Their repertoire encompasses numerous songs referencing romantic relationships and also includes lyrics that explore social themes. These include typical Cuban social figures such as the boaster, the gossipmonger, and the town crier. Among the awards this Cuban popular dance music group has garnered, the 2008 award for best album of the year stands out, which they received in France.

Arnaldo y su Talisman, a Cuban popular music orchestra, was founded in 2002 by Arnaldo Rodríguez, who serves as its director and lead singer. It is comprised of graduates from various schools and conservatories across the country.

Acelera’o and Tú me dijiste que sí were the group’s first two recordings, which placed them on the hit lists of both Cuban radio and television.

In December 2002, the orchestra performed its first concert in the province of Ciego de Ávila, as part of the “Federico Sariol” Composition Festival, as its conductor had been invited to lead the event’s jury.

His repertoire consists of numerous songs with engaging lyrics and themes that reference everyday life, chronicling Cuban traditions blended with current events. The discography of Arnaldo and his Talismán, a popular dance music group, includes titles such as Viste lo que te dije and La lucecita.

Los Ángeles de La Habana is a young Cuban orchestra founded in 2002 by Dayran Perdomo, director and lead singer. Their performances possess a strong Cuban identity, blending contemporary Cuban popular music with international rhythms.

The orchestra has already released three albums, accompanied by five video clips and a DVD. Among their hits is the song “La Maquinita” from their CD “24 kilates.” In 2004, they participated in the Cubadisco Festival, nominated for the aforementioned album. They are currently part of the company’s catalog of excellence and have earned the status of Laureates.

La Charanga de Oro is a group formed in late 2003. It is comprised of accredited Cuban musicians from renowned Cuban groups. Initially, the band’s goal was to revive the sound and format of the distinctive Cuban charanga for the current Cuban musical scene.

Their recordings include the CD “Goza Mi Charanga,” which was nominated for the 2006 Cubadisco Award in the Traditional Popular Music category. The orchestra regularly performs at the International Danzón Habana and Boleros de Oro Festivals.

Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor, a Cuban popular music group, is currently led by prominent Cuban musician Maykel Blanco, who joined the group in 2004 and soon became its director. The group’s first tour took place in 2007, when they traveled to Europe.

In 2011, the album Soy lo que te hala (I Am What Hala You) by Maykel Blanco and his most recent Salsa Mayor was released under the Bis Music label, which is the first under that label. It is one of the most popular Cuban dance music bands and has also been featured on the Cuban radio hit parade with the song Se acaba el amor (Love Is Over).

Combinación de La Habana, a Cuban popular dance music orchestra, was founded in 2005 and directed by pianist and composer Gerson Emilio Valdés. It is made up of thirteen musicians with extensive experience, most of whom come from Michel Maza’s orchestra. In 2010, it achieved great acclaim with its album, Moda Habana.

He has performed at various musical events, including the Benny Moré Festival, the Mi Ciudad Baila Festival, and the Son de Cossal Competition. His music has also been performed at the Havana Carnival.

Havana D’Primera, a Cuban popular dance music group, was founded in late 2007 by renowned trumpeter Alexander Abreu, who serves as its director, along with trombonist Amaury Pérez.

“Haciendo historia,” produced by EGREM in 2009, is the title of his debut album. The lyrics for the songs are by Abreu. This album was nominated for the 2010 CUBADISCO Award.

Despite its short history, Havana D’Primera already holds a prominent place within the music scene, and with each performance it makes on both Cuban and foreign stages, it contributes to the development, dissemination, and preservation of the high level and renown that Cuban music boasts today.

La Charanga Cubana, a group of Cuban musicians, initially comprised of four members and formed in April 2007. It initially consisted of two Cuban musicians and two Slovak musicians.

Over time, three more new musicians joined the group, with the goal of achieving a more comprehensive interpretation of their musical productions, keeping in mind the original idea and without losing the Cuban musical essence. Today, the group consists of nine Slovak musicians, each with great talent despite their foreign nationality.

To’Mezclao, a young Cuban group with an authentic Cuban flavor, combined with their excellent stage presence, has made them a favorite with audiences. Their musical work is based on the most contagious Cuban and Caribbean rhythms, such as rumba, son, changüí, cha-cha-chá, ballenato, and merengue, among others, which they ingeniously blend with more modern and contemporary rhythms. It is this exquisite blend that defines them.

Their performances are full of energy and freshness; but their intense Cuban flavor is what gives them their distinctive touch, allowing them to fill the numerous venues they’ve performed on throughout the country.