Excellent Cuban Music in Maikel Dinza’s Destino

This is not a matter of mystical divination, but rather the latest musical release from this talented Cuban musician, composer, and producer, who primarily identifies with the son genre that was born and continues to thrive on this island.

With his sixth album, Maikel Dinza commemorates the 10th anniversary of the creation of the orchestra Soneros de la Juventud, a group that stands out in the contemporary Cuban musical landscape.

Since May 28th, Destino has been available on all digital music platforms for streaming and purchase—a work that reaffirms his artistic evolution.

From the beginning, Dinza has successfully navigated the many facets of Cuban son, from its most traditional forms to daring fusions with timba, pop, and other modern genres. Previous productions such as Al compás del bailador, Regalando corazones, Pa’ que bailen to, Manigua, Retro Salsa, as well as his work on Vívelo with the group Compay Segundo, have paved the way for this new release, which defines him as a more mature, profound, and accomplished artist.

Destino is a double album featuring two volumes of eight songs each, all composed by Dinza himself. According to the artist, the sonic proposal embraces a more intimate and romantic aesthetic without losing the infectious rhythm and Cuban flavor that characterize his orchestra. In this production, innovative harmonies, contemporary melodic cycles, and a strong presence of Latin pop elements intertwine with the rich Cuban musical tradition.

The album’s title track, Destino, encapsulates the essence of the project in a single word: an emotional journey filled with feeling, poetry, and musical sophistication. The press release explains that throughout the album, Dinza is accompanied by various instrumental formats while maintaining a consistent romantic coherence that guides the entire production.

Among the collaborators are important international and Cuban musicians. From Colombia, renowned percussionist Caliche Sabogal contributes his rhythmic signature to more than half of the repertoire. Cuban percussionist Pombo Arcia, a frequent collaborator of Dinza, also returns on percussion.

Bass duties are shared by Yubel Téllez (Mexico) and Nelson Jerez (Cuba). Trombone parts are performed by Oscar O’Reilly, while trumpets feature young talents Kevin Peñalver and Yoandy Vera. The choruses include José Antonio Rodríguez, Rubén Rodríguez, Yailen Torres, and Camilo M. Dinza “El Kamy.”

According to Dinza’s team, Destino is a work that invites listeners to dream and dance, to rediscover the most intimate side of Cuban son without losing its rhythmic essence. It is also a clear demonstration of Maikel Dinza’s artistic growth, who is today one of the leading singers and producers of the new Cuban generation. With this release, he not only celebrates a journey traveled but also sets a new musical course.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff