Argentina-Cuba Friendship House Opens Its Doors to Timba and Songo

The Argentina-Cuba Friendship House hosted an evening of music and dance celebrating Cuban culture, lasting well into the early hours of Sunday. The event featured lively rhythms of timba and songo, along with Cuban cocktails and a fusion of Argentine-Cuban cuisine.

The band "STremenda Guapería," led by Lucho, provided the soundtrack for the night, while a solidarity kitchen—with Leo as the chef and volunteer helpers—prepared a simple yet flavorful Argentine-Cuban menu. Mercy and her son Luis kept the drinks flowing, serving up highly requested Mojitos and Daiquiris made with authentic Cuban rum.

Rubén Zaccaro, one of the leaders of this political-cultural institution in Buenos Aires—a hub for the Argentine Movement of Solidarity with Cuba—addressed attendees during the "Winter Carnival" gathering. He emphasized that the "House," as it is commonly called, actively promotes and defends just causes.

In particular, he highlighted the ongoing denunciation of the U.S. economic, financial, and commercial blockade against Cuba, now in its 65th year and intensified under the current U.S. administration. He also condemned the massacre of the Palestinian people in Gaza and reaffirmed their right to an independent state.

When asked by Prensa Latina about the event’s artistic focus, Zaccaro explained that members of the band, who had previously visited the House, requested the opportunity to perform there. He added that any activity promoting Cuban culture and garnering sympathy and support for the island’s people is always welcome.

Lucho, the director of "STremenda Guapería," told Prensa Latina that the band specializes in timba and songo because these genres resonate strongly with Latin American communities in Argentina. The group includes musicians—and two vocalists—from Argentina, Colombia, Uruguay, Venezuela, and Cuba, all based in the country. "These rhythms really energize the crowd, get them moving," he said.

Songo is a Cuban musical style that emerged in the 1970s, evolving from son montuno. It is credited to percussionist José Luis "Changuito" Quintana and bassist Juan Formell, founder of the legendary band Los Van Van. Known for its rhythmic complexity, jazz and rock influences, and innovative instrumentation, songo has become a staple of Cuban music.

Similarly, timba is a high-energy genre that developed in the 1990s as an evolution of salsa, blending son, funk, jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms. Pioneered by NG La Banda, led by José Luis Cortés ("El Tosco"), and later popularized by Los Van Van, timba is characterized by its fast, infectious beats.

The evening at the Friendship House also included salsa lessons, with many attendees eagerly taking their first steps to the contagious rhythms of Cuban music.