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Amid Cuba's dire economic crisis, a vibrant wave of young musicians is breathing new life into the island's storied music scene, as exemplified by teenage brothers Fabio and Diego Abreu.
The 19- and 17-year-olds captivate audiences with traditional jazz at Havana's Fabrica de Arte Cubano, a former factory turned cultural hub.
Their rise comes as established performers emigrate or remain abroad, creating opportunities for emerging talents.
Fabio expressed gratitude for sustaining themselves through music they love.
Journalist Michel Hernandez notes the scene's complexity, with hybrids blending rock, pop, electronic, and Afro-Cuban styles like son, birthing genres such as reparto—known for explicit lyrics from Havana's working-class areas.
Without a formal record industry, artists leverage social media, available widely since 2018, and low-budget videos shared via phones.
Melanie Santiler, a 23-year-old pop singer with 248,000 Instagram followers and 73,000 on YouTube, credits online platforms for her success, viewing this as a pivotal moment for Cuban music.
Dasiel Mustelier, aka Wampi, a 22-year-old reparto star and saxophonist with 712,000 Instagram followers, highlights Cuba's musical legacy while urging youth to seize opportunities.
His upcoming European tour and collaboration with Cimafunk underscore his influence.
This resurgence occurs in small private venues opened over the last decade, fostering experimentation with timba, salsa, electronic, and hip-hop.
As Hernandez observes, migration has left voids now filled by hybrids, enriching Cuba's cultural tapestry despite hardships.
These young artists not only preserve traditions but innovate, using digital tools to reach global audiences, symbolising resilience in adversity.