On the heels of a critically-acclaimed American debut at South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival and Fulton County Department of Arts and Culture will host a concert featuring Afrocuban musician Cimafunk at the Southwest Arts Center on Saturday, April 13 at 8 p.m.

Dubbed the “James Brown of Cuba,” Cimafunk is a multi-talented singer and producer who has taken over Cuba’s alternative music scene. The medical student turned musician rocketed to prominence following the release of his viral debut album, “Terapia” in late 2017. His infectious fusion of funk, dance-centric Afrocuban music and fun authentic lyrics direct from the Cuban streets turned the country upside down in 2018.

Recently named by Billboard as one of “10 Latin Artists to Watch in 2019,” Cimafunk revitalized Havana’s music scene while infusing funk into Cuban rhythms. He draws inspiration from an eclectic panel of black musicians from James Brown, George Clinton, Prince and the soul music of Al Green and Bill Withers. He also pays homage to the Cuban music movement known as of Nueva Trova, popularized by singer Beny Moré, as well as Cuba’s Songo music created by the band Los Van Van.

Winner of the Lucas Award for “Most Popular Video” and named “Artist of the Year” by Vistar Magazine, Cimafunk has created a movement in Havana and throughout Cuba with sold out concert halls.

Poised for international discovery, Cimafunk believes in nothing but the power of the groove and the cathartic communion of dancing bodies. A renaissance man, conscious of his roots and musical ancestry, Cimafunk looks to firmly inject a new century of style into Cuban and black music.

The concert is presented in partnership with Cuba Educational Travel as a part of a cultural exchange program. The visit aims at building and strengthening networks and communities involved in US/Cuba cultural exchange. Tickets for the concert are on sale now and are available at Eventbrite.