The sounds of Cuban resilience

The sounds of Cuban resilience

June 17, 2026 · 22 min

About this episode

This episode explores the intersection of Cuban music and the geopolitical relationship between the United States and Cuba, featuring new releases from various Cuban artists.

We're living in a moment when the geopolitical intersects with the personal in a profound way. The relationship between the United States and Cuba is once again in the news, and it happens at a time when there are a handful of new releases from Cuban artists on the island and around the world. The sounds of the albums are vastly different, but they all draw from the same deep well of inspiration that has always fueled Cuban music: a deep love for the intersection of cultures. The music we share this week is a reminder of the very real lives of the people caught in the middle of a situation with an uncertain outcome. It is joyous, contemplative, rhythmically sophisticated and lyrically profound. Just like all Cuban music. Artists & songs featured in this episode: (00:52) OKAN, "Ajé (Owo Nla Nla)" (03:30) Ibeyo, "Aset" (06:45) Orquesta Akokán, "No Me Voy" (11:50) Cimafunk, "Cocinarte" (15:47) X Alfonso, "Unicornio" This podcast episode was produced by Noah Caldwell. Suraya Mohamed is the executive producer of NPR Music. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. NPR Privacy…

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