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What's On Alt.Latino's Playlist? The Sounds Of Cuba Today

Naomi Diaz (left) and Lisa-Kainde Diaz of Ibeyi perform at the 2016 Coachella festival.
Mike Windle
/
Getty Images for Coachella
Naomi Diaz (left) and Lisa-Kainde Diaz of Ibeyi perform at the 2016 Coachella festival.

We've just enjoyed a short run of Alt.Latino episodes that dig deeper into Cuban music. We've heard a lot of history and met some experts, and I got to play some music from my recent visit to Havana. On this week's show, we'll hear a handful of tracks that reflect some of the musical trends happening in Cuba right now.

I've also assembled a Spotify playlist with more than 100 tracks; it's just the tip of the iceberg in terms of the sounds heard all over the island today. Our show this week cherry-picks a handful and celebrates the amazing mix of tradition, imagination and artistic vision.

Here at Alt.Latino, we're just getting started in exploring the music of Cuba. I've been a fan of Cuban music since I was a teenager, and what's happening there now is just as fascinating as anything from its glorious past.

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Felix Contreras is co-creator and host of Alt.Latino, NPR's pioneering radio show and podcast celebrating Latin music and culture since 2010.