Many thanks to Peter Jordens for sharing links to a four-part travel documentary film on Cuban music directed and produced by Irish award-winning percussionist, composer, and filmmaker Ruairi Glasheen.
Glasheen writes, “In February 2026, I travelled to Cuba at a moment of deep political tension and economic hardship to explore a question that has fascinated me for years: how does music survive — and even thrive — in times of crisis?” Below, we share links to his series, which includes the episodes “Cuba Is in Crisis. Why the Music Never Stops” (February 26, 2026); “Visiting the Birthplace of Cuban Rumba” (April 26, 2026); “The Secret Society that Shaped Cuban Music” (June 20, 2026); and “Can Cuba’s Sacred Music Survive?” (June 27, 2026).
Ruairi Glasheen writes: In February 2026, I travelled to Cuba at a moment of deep political tension and economic hardship to explore a question that has fascinated me for years: how does music survive — and even thrive — in times of crisis?
From the streets of Havana to the birthplace of Afro-Cuban rumba, this first episode follows my journey into the rhythms, history and resilience of Cuban music. As a percussionist, I’ve long been drawn to clave — the rhythmic foundation of Cuban music — and this film begins to uncover the coded heartbeat at the centre of it all.
Along the way, I meet extraordinary musicians keeping tradition alive against the odds. This is not just a travel film — it’s a documentary about Cuban music, culture, survival and the enduring spirit of a nation under pressure. [. . .]
This second episode of the series takes me to Matanzas — widely considered the birthplace of Afro-Cuban rumba. Here, I explore the legendary Barrio Simpson and spend time with the iconic group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, custodians of one of Cuba’s most important musical traditions.
Through rhythm, conversation and performance, this film explores the history of rumba, the resilience of Cuban culture, and the communities keeping these traditions alive under immense pressure. [. . .]
In this third episode of the series, I remain in Matanzas to explore one of Cuba’s most influential and misunderstood cultural traditions: Abakuá. Often described as a secret society, Abakuá traces its roots to the Cross River region of present-day southeastern Nigeria and neighbouring Cameroon. Carried across the Atlantic during the transatlantic slave trade, it has survived in Cuba for generations, preserving its own rituals, music, language, and traditions. Special thanks to Luis Bran for facilitating my visit to Eficondo Iremo in Matanzas. [. . .]
In this final episode of the series, I return to Havana to explore one of the most sacred and profound musical traditions in Cuba: batá drumming.
Guided by master percussionist Miguelito León, I visit the home of renowned batá drummer Irian López Rodríguez — a member of the legendary folkloric family Los Chinitos de la Corea. Through conversation, demonstration and reflection, we explore the deep spiritual foundations of batá, the relationship between music and religion, and the uncertain future facing Cuba’s cultural traditions today.
At a time when many young Cubans are leaving the island in search of new opportunities, this film asks an important question: what happens when the custodians of a tradition begin to disappear?
Cuba Is in Crisis. Why the Music Never Stops
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lm4e6S3wfs
Visiting the Birthplace of Cuban Rumba (Featuring: Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Diosdado Enier Ramos Aldazábal ‘Figurín’, and Diosdado Ramos Cruz)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PdtOfwfDsEo
The Secret Society that Shaped Cuban Music (Featuring the members of Eficondo Iremo) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xklPb2QxDkM
Can Cuba’s Sacred Music Survive? (Featuring Irian López Rodríguez Miguelito León and Diosdado Enier Ramos Aldazábal ‘Figurín’.)
For more on the director/producer, see https://www.ruairiglasheen.net/
[Photo above was posted by Ruairi Glasheen on Facebook, July 4, 2026. “Irian López and Miguelito León introducing me to the world of Batá drumming. These sacred drums lie at the heart of Afro-Cuban musical and religious tradition.” For more information, follow https://www.facebook.com/RuairiGlasheenMusic.]
Many thanks to Peter Jordens for sharing links to a four-part travel documentary film on Cuban music directed and produced by Irish award-winning percussionist, composer, and filmmaker Ruairi Glasheen. Glasheen writes, “In February 2026, I travelled to Cuba at a moment of deep political tension and economic hardship to explore a question that has fascinated
