ROBERTO FONSECA

(CU)

Roberto Fonseca, born in 1975 in Havana, is a true force of nature and a rightful heir to a deep musical tradition. Son of Mercedes Cortes Alfaro, a renowned bolero singer and dancer, and Roberto Fonseca Sr., a drummer, Roberto grew up in a highly creative environment.

He made his stage debut at the age of 15 during the Havana Jazz Festival, an event he would later direct 26 years after, succeeding the legendary Chucho Valdés. His formal education in musical composition at the Instituto Superior de Arte allowed him to blend Cuba's rich musical heritage with contemporary influences. Roberto Fonseca's career gained prominence after the release of his first solo album, "Tiene que ver" and his involvement in the Buena Vista Social Club, where he performed alongside legends like Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo.

Known for his eclectic collaborations, Fonseca worked with British DJ Gilles Peterson on an album that blended reggaeton, hip-hop and Afro-jazz. He also teamed up with American DJ Joe Claussell and African artists such as Baba Sissoko and Fatoumata Diawara, resulting in the acclaimed album "At Home" in 2015. In other records like "No Limit, Afro-Cuban Jazz" and "Elengó", he combined Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern genres like hip-hop and drum'n'bass. In 2019, Fonseca collaborated with Ibrahim Maalouf and Cuban rap star Danay Suárez on "Yesun", showcasing his desire to bridge tradition and modernity.

With nine solo albums, the latest being "La Gran Diversión" and numerous collaborations, Fonseca was honored in 2019 as Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres, the highest artistic distinction in France. His journey continues to push boundaries, blending diverse musical influences while honoring his Cuban roots, solidifying his status as a global musical ambassador.