Orquesta Akokán share blazing new track "Mi Conga Es De Akokán"

"Mi Conga Es De Akokán" is off the forthcoming Orquesta Akokán album 16 Rayos out via Daptone on October 22. 

Here's the scoop from Daptone HQ...

Following their critically acclaimed Daptone debut, Orquesta Akokán is ready to unleash 16 Rayos on the world's dance floors. Recorded in Havanaʼs famed Egrem Studios, the group displays a cohesion forged by an intense performing and touring cycle. The musical conversation that began in the Areito studios three years earlier blossomed into an easy, intimate dialogue between good friends - allowing full, fearless musical expression and risk-taking outside of their comfort zones. Building upon Perez Pradoʼs dissonant, near avant-garde vision of the mambo, and highlighting the Lucumí subtext of Cuban rhythms and styles, the band continues to explore, develop and expand the islandʼs rich rhythmic palette and repertoire - pushing the conventions of what is considered “mambo” - and drawing deeply from folkloric and religious traditions seldom heard in popular music. 16 Rayos is here to shine its musical rays on us, warm our hearts, and irresistibly move our bodies.

Pre-order a red vinyl copy (while supplies last) of Oquesta Akokán's 16 Rayos album directly from Daptone Records right here. Listen to "Mi Conga Es De Akokán" below followed by a nicely shot 2019 Kennedy Center performance. 

Listen to Orquesta Akokán's new mambo joint "4 de Octubre"

From the moment you hear the opening invocation to Chango, you know Orquesta Akokán means serious business on "4 de Octubre."

Orquesta Akokán's latest single, "4 de Octubre",  is a lucumi fever dream of sublime mambo. Tata's introduction for Chango segues into blistering horns played with fervor that transcends the earthly realm, seducing the listener as the melody gives way to the hypnotic rhythm of the Bata. As the groove builds Tata's poem prayer seems to beckon the horns and chorus to re-enter, allowing the music to crest and swoon, creating new sonic vistas in its wake. Get it right here once you have a listen below.

Havana's Orquesta Akokán ready to rock your living room

Here's Orquesta Akokán performing “Yo Soy Para Tí” off their self-titled Daptone debut out now. 

Introducing Orquesta Akokán

The 16-piece Orquesta Akokán cut their Daptone debut – set for release March 30 – at Havana's legendary Areito Studio.

Orquesta Akokán

Assembled and led by Cuban vocalist José “Pepito” Gómez, Orquesta Akokán is a 16-piece big band collective of the finest musicians on the island, both young and old. It features all-original music and was cut live to tape over a three-day session at Havana’s hallowed state-run Estudios Areito. Areito is one of the longest operating studios in the world and where important Cuban records have been made. The album was produced by Jacob Plasse and arranged by Mike Eckroth. Check the preview trailer below.