Erik Alejandro Iglesias Rodríguez (born 1989), known professionally asCimafunk, is a Grammy-nominatedCuban musician known for mixingfunk andhip hop withCuban andAfro-Caribbean music.[1] His most recent album,El Alimento, was released in October 2021.[2]
Cimafunk | |
|---|---|
 Cimafunk performing in Cuba, 2018. | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Erik Alejandro Iglesias Rodríguez |
| Born | 1989 |
| Origin | Pinar del Rio, Cuba |
| Genres | Funk,electronic,Latin,R&B[1] |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, producer |
| Years active | 2010-present |
| Labels | Terapia Productions |
Biography
editRodriguez sang in church as a child, and originally planned to become a doctor like several members of his family. He attended medical school in his hometown ofPinar del Río for two years, but moved toHavana in 2010 to pursue music. He worked as a session arranger and producer for Cuban musicians likeRaúl Paz andLiuba María Hevia, and was also in the band Interactivo from 2014 to 2016.[1] After leaving that band, he adopted the name Cimafunk, referencing thecimarróns, who were escaped slaves who formed self-sustaining communities in Cuba during the colonial era.[3] Cimafunk is also the name of his backing band, featuring a rotating cast of collaborators.[1] Cimafunk endeavored to blendAfro-Cuban andAfrican American music,[4] with a focus onfunk rhythms.[2]The New Yorker has since compared him toJames Brown.[5]
Cimafunk self-released the albumTerapia in 2017,[6] followed by the single "Me Voy" in 2018.[3]Billboard named him one of the "10 Latin Artists to Watch in 2019".[7] Cimafunk completed a successful tour of the United States and Europe in 2019, during which time he gained significant popularity in his native Cuba.[1] While on lockdown in 2020 during theCOVID-19 pandemic, Cimafunk released several stand-alone singles and the EPCun Cun Prá.[8] In October 2021, Cimafunk released the albumEl Alimento, featuring guest appearances byGeorge Clinton,Lupe Fiasco, andCeeLo Green.[4] BothRolling Stone[9] andNPR[10] namedEl Alimento as one of the best albums of the year. The album was nominated forBest Latin Rock or Alternative Album at the65th Annual Grammy Awards.[11][12]
Discography
editStudio albums
- Terapia (2017)
- Cun Cun Prá (EP, 2020)
- El Alimento (2021)
- Pa' Tu Cuerpa (2024)
References
edit- ^abcdeJurek, Thom."Cimafunk Biography, Songs, & Albums".AllMusic. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^abShapiro, Ari; Caldwell, Noah; Yu, Mallory (2021-10-08)."Cimafunk's 'El Alimento' blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with classic American funk".NPR.org. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^abLopez, Julyssa (2021-10-15)."Cimafunk's Ecstatic Collaborative Spirit".Rolling Stone. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^abMorales, Ed (2021-10-06)."Cimafunk's Quest to Create One Nación Under a Groove".The New York Times.ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^"Cimafunk".The New Yorker. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^Puga, Christina."From med school to megastar, Cimafunk's Afro-Cuban rhythms go international".NBC News. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^"10 Latin Artists to Watch in 2019".Billboard. 2019-01-17. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^"Cimafunk Releases Highly-Anticipated EP: "Cun Cun Prá"".Tigresounds - Music Platform for the Global Citizen. 2020-12-11. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^"The 50 Best Albums of 2021".Rolling Stone. 2021-12-03. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^"The Best Latin Music of 2021".NPR. 2021-12-13. Retrieved2022-02-25.
- ^"Grammy Awards: Cimafunk".www.grammy.com. Retrieved2023-02-22.
- ^Lopez, Julyssa (2022-12-14)."After a Surprise Grammy Nomination, Cimafunk Wants to Keep People Dancing".Rolling Stone. Retrieved2022-12-15.