Cuba Libre

Cuba Libre is a spectacular Cape Town based Latin band, offering an authentic Afro Cuban experience by showcasing both the nostalgic Cuban sound of the 1950's and the Salsa sound of the new millennium called "Timba", with a local South African twist. The band's sound also includes Afrocuban Latin Jazz as well as African rhythms.

At the heart of Cuba Libre is Cuban Percussionist, Vocalist, Composer, Arranger, Songwriter, Producer, Teacher and Musical Director, Minel Oreste “West” Melendez. Minel has performed with celebrated outfits like the Buena Vista Social Club, Sonido Latino, Banda del Ejercito Oriental (Army Band Cuba), Conjunto Casino (famous vocalist - Roberto Fas) and Son del Nene. He has also ventured outside of the Salsa genre and boasts performances with Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Celine Dion, Natalie Cole and Oscar De Leon, amongst others. Until recently he performed with the award-winning Cuban group - Los Jovenes Clasicos del Son.

Minel has created a powerful and exhilarating Afro-Cuban sound right here in South Africa when, in 2007, he started Cuba Libre with a group of gifted local musicians, handpicked from different musical and cultural backgrounds.  He has individually coached each artist to perfect the intricate and complex Salsa rhythms.  The members are Oliver Schenk (percussion), Bokani Dyer (piano), Nick Green (trombone), Justin Sasman (trombone), Buddy Wells (saxophone and flute), Orlando Venhereque (saxophone), Andre Webb (bass guitar), Graham Julie (guitar), and Xixel Langa (vocalist).  Sakhile Moleshe is one of the vocalists who adds an exciting dimension to Cuba Libre, by fusing African elements into the sound through incorporating some Xhosa and Zulu in the music, to create an authentic African feel. 

The group has an electrifying stage presence and the up tempo beats and rhythms will transport you to Cuba.