Brenda Navarrete 2022

Cuban all-rounder dazzles on the stages of Music Meeting. Can be seen as a 'special guest' with various acts of the festival.

Funk, ska and Afro-Cuban rhythms

Brenda Navarrete knew she wanted to be a musician by the age of nine. Now, over twenty years later, the Cuban singer, percussionist and composer has reached the pinnacle of the Cuban music world. Following her own path in what has traditionally been a man’s world, she started out as a percussionist on Batá drums in Latin jazz groups such as Joaquin Betancourt and Alain Pérez, and later as a singer in groups such as Interactivo with Roberto Carcasses, and Havana Meets Kingston, where she mixed funk and ska with Afro-Cuban rhythms.

Cuban tornado

Her Instagram followers will know how versatile she is: one minute appearing at a festival in New Zealand, and the next, rubbing shoulders with performers in Senegal or appearing in a photo studio in Havana. She can do everything and she wants everything. Music Meeting is pulling out all the stops by welcoming Navarrete as a ‘special guest’ during various shows at the festival. Where? We’re not going to reveal that just yet, but there’s a good chance she’ll be teaming up with the likes of Alain Pérez and kindred spirit Vernon Chatlein. Just let this Cuban whirlwind sweep you off your feet.

Line-up

Brenda Navarrete - Percussion, vocals