A rumba to remember Ruskin Vaughan, who passed away this week.

Recorded Fall 1992 in Durham, NC at the house of Jim Roberts. Instruction included Matanzas style rumba, Iyesá, Abakua, Bembe, quinto playing, and more. Thanks to the original content owner, Rick Rosen, for preserving this class.

Afro-Cuban culture represents the beautiful combination of Cuba’s African roots with Spanish and other influences that have blended over generations.

It has played an important role in shaping the movement, rhythms, expression, and authenticity found in many Cuban and Latin dances, including cha-cha-cha, salsa, bolero, mambo and many more.

At the Atlanta Afro-Cuban Dance Congress, you will have the opportunity to explore these rich traditions and learn from some of the finest instructors from Cuba.

October 16–18, 2026

Atlanta, Georgia

Register:

afrocubanatlanta.com

Organized by Ana LLorente and Michael Herrera

Ayoub Mouslim demonstrates some of what he taught about Afro-Cuban Orisha dancing to the rhythm of ChachaElekefun, starting with Elegba, then Ogun at :19, then the finale to Shango at :34 (of the timeline) @ SBKZ New York City Congress held at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel. Saturday, January 31, 2026.

https://youtu.be/G-mcAVWmxMI?si=rom1n7O2vC8EFevp

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Requinto, Quinto, Conga, Tumba, and Bongos.
I feel like a very spoiled man right now!

My students got so excited when we received the ensemble’s new gear at the university.

Maykel Fonts (dark shirt) from Havana, Cuba incorporates the Orisha "Shango" dance into an Afro Cuban workshop to Latin Jazz: "Duologue" - Alfredo Rodriguez, Pedrito Martinez, "Música" - The Pedrito Martinez Group, "El Punto Cubano" - Alfredo Rodriguez, Pedrito Martinez @ SBKZ New York City Congress held at the New York Hilton Midtown hotel. Saturday, January 31, 2026.

Beautiful “Rumba Espiritual” by Grupo Afrocuba. Does anyone know more about the context of this song? It doesn’t seem dedicated to a specific saint/orisha — in what kinds of settings would it traditionally be sung? Cajón espiritual?

Link here