Rhythms del Mundo

Rhythms del Mundo is a collaborative musical project pairing Cuban musicians (including members of the Buena Vista Social Club) with international pop and rock artists to create Afro-Cuban reworkings of popular songs. The first major release was Rhythms del Mundo: Cuba (2006).

Recordings for Rhythms del Mundo: Cuba were made in Havana at Abdala Studios (April 2005–June 2006). The project features Cuban artists such as Ibrahim Ferrer and Omara Portuondo and includes reworkings of songs by artists like Coldplay, U2, Jack Johnson and Maroon 5. Proceeds were promoted as being donated to the Artists Project Earth (APE) charity.

The reviews criticize Rhythms del Mundo as a commercially driven, uneven mashup of Cuban musicians and international pop/rock artists. Critics call out minimal new vocal contribution, awkward musical fusions, and question the charity framing. The recording took place in Havana's Abdala Studios and features members of the Buena Vista Social Club.

For:Fans of world/Afro-Cuban music, listeners curious about pop/rock and Cuban crossovers, and readers critical of charity compilation albums.