“The Cuban Brothers – Yo Bonita: The debut album from this trio lives up to everything their name promises. Havana-infused latin grooves meet stonking hip hop beats and reggae shuffles with guest appearance from people as diverse as KT Turnstall and Tenor Fly. This is an album that glows with the vibrancy of its country of origin, something to truly brighten up your January. There’s also a fantastic cover of ‘Ace Of Spades’ on there.”
Gigwise have voted “Yo Bonita” as one of their favourite albums so far. Good on us, good on them, good on everybody!
We return to Mayrhofen where we have been coming for 10 years, whether it’s the Brits or the Snowbombing parties – this time in January! The vibe was on and we had a blast alongside DJ Stocky – resident at the Arena for 35 years! A true music legend who’s been in the business since 15 years old (yes, he’s 50 years old and still SMASHING it).
Thank you to Eric, Manuel, Manfred and family at Mannis for their hospitality and for Mario at the Seeker for sorting us out with EVERYTHING (you know what I mean). Big shout out to the Strass crew and everyone for getting naked in the spa. Thank you, it’s a nice feeling.
It’s only apt that as the best dressed counts in the industry that we should be invited by Berlin Fashion Week to host the afterparty for 10 years of Premium – the trade show of truth.
Held in a venue that is part of the subway (or U-Bahn as they say in Berlin) station the venue had an open bar til close (I left at 5am and it was still going). Only in Berlin!!! Thanks to Anita and crew for inviting us! We had a blast!
Mike for President video being played on repeat on a 10m screen! Hola Macau!
What a year 2012 was. Having sold out Jazz Cafe twice (thank you everyone for the support – we were emotional after the show), some very great festivals and working with amazing people, we ended the year, and welcomed 2013 with an Australasian Tour. It was great to return to the Falls Festival in Lorne and Tasmania as well as our favourite Melbourne institution Espy. We counted down the midnight on NYE with the boys from Funk Club (thank you Jimmy and crew!) which was a great vibe and the aptly named Cuban club hosted us for an afternoon/evening New Year’s Day Jam. An awesome party with great people. Thanks Mike and crew for inviting us down.
After an evening with Pacha at the Ivy Pool, we headed out for Bangkok to play at Bed – one of our favourites. Second last stop was Hong Kong’s Socialito bar putting on the first live PA. Thanks to Buzz crew, Benedict and Francisco! Last but not least was Macau’s super club Cubic. Shout outs to Jason and Alan for inviting us! Big thanks to Stuart from Ministry of Sound for looking after us on our Aussie leg and Chris Atherton of Champion Sound (happy birthday) for the Asian leg. Thanking vous, thanking vous!
Once again we have another Bestival under our belt. Now in its 9th year – meaning it’s also our 9th Bestival – this year’s monster headlines were Florence and the Machine, New Order and Stevie Wonder.
We were blessed with sunshine for our slot straight after Sister Sledge and made for a HOT show! Miguelito was recovering from a dance injury so was brought onto stage on a throne by 6 men in kilts.
The audience was big (always great), smiling (amazing) and up for the party (the best).
Opening with some tracks from the album, we were joined half way through the set by one of our favourite singers of all time, Omar. After a rendition of “Ohms” a track featuring Omar on the chorus, he blessed us with a performance of “There’s nothing like this”.
The set came to a climax with a breakdance performance from Miguel’s Habanero School of Performing Arts.
Right from the beginning to the fireworks after Stevie Wonder on Sunday, all I experienced was good vibes – people helping, looking out for each other, being polite, and smiling all the way through. That’s what makes Bestival such a pleasure to do every year!
Many of you have asked us if we are doing something for the Olympics. We have had to keep it under our hats until now but YES WE ARE!!!!
We have been chosen to be the goodwill ambassadors along with such people as Daniel Craig so everyday in the arenas, you will see us on the screens welcoming you and getting up to our nonsense to provide you with some light entertainment. See you all there!
It’s that time of the year again for a good ol’knees up in Dorset!
The Cuban Brothers’ CBs experience will be happening on the Main Stage at 9pm! Don’t miss this!
Also check the Barry Peters doing a special Bazlympics on the main stage from 1540 on Saturday. See you all there! Hi De Hi!!!
While everyone in the UK was busy celebrating the Diamond Jubilee, the Brothers were Rocking and Running in Amsterdam. An event that combines music with a 6K run, The Jacks kicked off the stage in the early afternoon as the runners took to the course.
We did a special afternoon set including a tribute to Donna Summer. R.I.P to a true disco icon! Thanks to Dimitri, Henk and team for a great event!
Nowhere else do you get a festival that is 5 days long and we were yet again in for another week of fun and action. The line-up was strong with Dizzee Rascal headlining the Forest Stage and Fatboy Slim hosting the Street Party.
Shout outs to Tayo, Ben Westbeech, Barry Ashworth, Soul Clap, Heidi, Artwork, NUMBRS crew, Urban Nerds Crew for entertaining in and outside the DJ booth.
My personal favourite was Norman Jay’s Good Times Sound System transported from Notting Hill to Mayrhofen – pure good times classics in the sun and snow. Beautiful!
Also special thanks to all the Snowbombing crew for being wonderful and accommodating, and most importantly a good laugh! Gareth, Harriet, Paul, Hugo, Ciara, Julie, Judith, Anna, Jason… thanks again and we’ll be back!
At the wrap party of Let’s Dance for Comic Relief, Kengo san made a drunken promise to some attractive ladies from Sport Relief in a moment of inebriated enthusiasm. So the Sunday after the Let’s Dance finals (which we didn’t win, but managed to raise over a million pounds – hurrah!!!) Kengo San found himself on the starting line along with Jeff Brazier, Masood Ahmed from Eastenders (or Prince Pondicherry from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Olympians Dalton Grant, Philips Idowu and our partner in crime Fatima Whitbread.
On this beautiful sunny Sunday, Kengo San ran the mile to Buckingham Palace along with over a million other runners and also went an extra mile just for good measure.
The Sport Relief fundraising total (on Monday 26th March) stands at a staggering 52 million pounds! Good on everybody!
Thank you for the Olympic training tips Dalton Grant!
