Son Cubano (Cuban sound) has been shaping the world’s dance floors for over a century. Last year, UNESCO made it official, inscribing the genre as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. On Friday, May 8, El Dia del Son Cubano, Miami gets a concert worthy of that recognition.
Son del Mundo, hosted by Miami-based Cuban son band Cortadito, takes over the Miami Beach Bandshell for an international celebration that spans genres and generations. Led by tres player and co-founder José Elías, who grew up in Miami to Cuban parents, Cortadito — named New Times Best Latin Act in 2019 — has spent over a decade as the city’s leading ambassadors of traditional Cuban music. Their album, The Guajiro Triangle, released last year, was the first full-length release under Afro Roots Recordings, solidifying their reputation as one of the region’s most spirited and sought-after acts.
The celebration brings together Grammy-winning singer Aymee Nuviola’s powerhouse voice, alongside Roberto Torres, who is recognized for his contributions to the Cuban son and credited with creating charanga vallenata, a blend of Cuban and Colombian styles. They’re joined by rising sonero Ronkalunga, who represents the genre’s next wave, fusing together elements of pop, alternative rock, and funk…