Cimafunk, the Cuban-born, New Orleans-based funk sensation, has released his latest album, Pa’ tu Cuerpa. Like its predecessors, Terapia (Therapy) and El Alimento (The Nourishment), Pa’ tu Cuerpa (For The Body) highlights Cimafunk’s distinctive fusion of the musical influences of Africa, his native Cuba and wider Caribbean culture, and the foundational funk of American Black music. But the album also sees Cimafunk continuing to stretch further, with elements of soulful R&B and slow-groove ballads now intertwined with his laid-back Caribbean summer vibes and always-riveting funk anthems as delivered by his electrifying live band, La Tribu (The Tribe).
On the new LP, the former medical school student-turned-funk ambassador—whose name pays tribute to Cimarrons, or Cubans of African descent who resisted slavery—continues to expand his globally inclusive view of Afro-Cuban music through new cultural lenses, whether that means mingling with the bounce music of Big Freedia and the Big Easy on “Pretty”, sampling George Clinton‘s psychedelic funk presence and Trombone Shorty‘s weeping horn on “I Don’t Care”, or veering into wistful Latin jazz on “A tu Merced”. Despite interpolating different views of funk music and Black culture from around the globe, the groove remains a universal language.
“This album is a result of my good fortune to be surrounded by beautiful cultures and truly talented people,” Cimafunk said Pa’ tu Cuerpa, which also includes guest spots from Keyon Harrold, Nik West, Eric Krasno, Maurice Brown, Anjelika “Jelly” Joseph, Wampi, and more. “It’s a reminder to live day by day with positivity and happiness. Each song is a story; an experience that was lived and that’s what I like the most. The sounds, rhythms and musical details transport you to the emotions of that moment. The collaborating and learning and sharing with other artists is special. And, of course, having the Afro Cuban and Funk rhythms in my veins and finding the right blend and expression for each groove. It’s a new sound with new grooves, but the same spirit.”
Listen to Pa’ tu Cuerpa, the new album from Cimafunk, on the platform of your choice here of stream it via the Spotify player below.
Along with the album release, Cima has shared the official music video for the album’s opening track, “Cuchi Cuchi”, a playful term for “hooking up.”
As Cima said of the video, “It’s really funky and you can envision me on stage with my band and feel the way I dress, dance and live life just by playing the track,” says Cimafunk. “My musical director Dr. Zapa is the producer and he’s been with me since the beginning. ‘Cuchi Cuchi’ is Cimafunk & La Tribu after a few years of exploring the world thru festivals, venues, dressing rooms and parties.”
Watch the official video for “Cuchi Cuchi” by Cimafunk below.
Cimafunk and La Tribu will celebrate the release of Pa’ tu Cuerpa with an extensive tour of North America and Europe this year. For a full list of upcoming Cimafunk tour dates near you, head here.
