Joaquin Nuñez With Dayramir González & Natasha Roldán at Lula Lounge

Lulaworld Festival continues its vibrant celebration of global music with an explosive night of Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin folk, led by Cuban-born percussionist and bandleader Joaquin Nuñez and his dynamic ensemble Habana Safari. A cornerstone of Toronto’s Latin jazz scene, Nuñez has built his reputation through collaborations with Canadian greats like Jane Bunnett and Hilario Duran, and his work with Habana Safari bridges deep Cuban musical traditions with modern jazz expression. Their debut album Ruta de la Clave is a rhythmic journey through the history and future of Cuban jazz, brought vividly to life on stage with the help of very special guest Dayramir Gonzalez. Hailing from Havana and now based in New York, Gonzalez is one of the most exciting pianists in Afro-Cuban music today—known for his dazzling technique and his genre-spanning compositions that have graced both Carnegie Hall and global jazz festivals....

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Lulaworld Festival continues its vibrant celebration of global music with an explosive night of Afro-Cuban jazz and Latin folk, led by Cuban-born percussionist and bandleader Joaquin Nuñez and his dynamic ensemble Habana Safari. A cornerstone of Toronto’s Latin jazz scene, Nuñez has built his reputation through collaborations with Canadian greats like Jane Bunnett and Hilario Duran, and his work with Habana Safari bridges deep Cuban musical traditions with modern jazz expression. Their debut album Ruta de la Clave is a rhythmic journey through the history and future of Cuban jazz, brought vividly to life on stage with the help of very special guest Dayramir Gonzalez. Hailing from Havana and now based in New York, Gonzalez is one of the most exciting pianists in Afro-Cuban music today—known for his dazzling technique and his genre-spanning compositions that have graced both Carnegie Hall and global jazz festivals.

Opening the evening is Colombian-Canadian singer-songwriter Natasha Roldán, whose emotionally rich voice and poetic lyrics resonate with audiences across borders. Drawing from the folk traditions of her homeland and shaped by her experiences as a migrant artist, Roldán’s music explores themes of identity, resilience, and longing with exquisite intimacy. Her latest album, Ya No Estoy Aquí, earned critical acclaim and national airplay in Colombia, with a powerful live presence that leaves listeners deeply moved. Presented in collaboration with Latin Jazz Net and Lula Music and Arts Centre, this evening is a stirring exploration of Latin American soundscapes, told by three visionary artists who are each reshaping the traditions they carry. Full festival lineup at lulaworld.ca.

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