Cuban Group Vocal Sampling Performs First Tour in China

At a press conference, held at the Cuban embassy in Beijing, Baños announced that they have three concerts scheduled on August 7, 8 and 9 in the cities of Shenzhen, Dongguan and Guangzhou, respectively, all of Guandong Province.

During this tour in China, Vocal Sampling will present to the public a new album that includes pieces of Cuban popular music and a series of traditional Chinese songs adjusted to their vocal style.

It is a great privilege for us to have the opportunity to share our way of making a capella music with the people of China, Baños said.

Both in Cuba and China, where music is one of the most important elements of culture, efforts are made to rescue sound traditions and we are very pleased to participate in that process in both nations, he added.

On the experience of visiting this ancient nation and taking in its vast cultural history, Baños expressed that it has been a wonderful adventure for Vocal Sampling to try to reproduce and mix elements of Chinese and Cuban music.

He stated that in addition to the four Chinese songs that are already on the record, they are recording other pieces of the musical repertoire of China.

Baños highlighted that these actions in China also serve to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the 60th anniversary of the triumph of the Cuban Revolution and the 30 years of the group.

On the other hand, Lisbet Quesada, charge d’affaires at the Cuban embassy in Beijing, pointed out that Vocal Sampling’s visit to China is very important for the cultural exchange between both nations as it reinforces the links in a sector that has been of great impact and priority for both socialist countries.

Before their statements to the press, the group offered a small concert where Chinese and Cuban guests enjoyed some of the best known songs of the Vocal Sampling repertoire and pieces of Chinese folk music included in their new album.

Tracks such as Negra Tomasa, Quiquiribu Mandinga, El carretero, Hay gente and El lunes que viene empiezo, were enjoyed by those present.

A special moment of the evening was the performance of Tian Mi Mi (Sweet as honey), one of the most famous and representative songs of China and Asia in general.

Vocal Sampling previously performed in China in 2013, specifically at the World Music Festival held in the city of Shanghai. (Taken from Prensa Latina)