Papa Changó

Papa Changó formed in Havana in the early 1990s, during Cuba's Special Period. The group started with Alfredo Rodriguez, Emilio Veitía, and Jonathan Powell blending traditional Afro-Cuban percussion like congas and batá drums with funk and hip-hop. They built a following playing underground venues when their approach wasn't widely accepted.

Their song "Negrita" from 1998 became an international dance track, bringing them wider recognition. Other songs like "Al Viento" and "Niña 1983" show their mix of Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary sounds. Some critics questioned whether they were diluting traditional music by incorporating other genres.

They released albums including Tributo a Chano Pozo: El Tambor de Cuba in 1997 and La Rumba Soy Yo in 1999. Later members like Eduardo Martinez and Lazaro Valdes joined the original trio. Their music draws from Cuba's musical heritage while engaging with global styles.