Finding Home in Tijuana: Cuban Musicians Blend Tradition and Innovation in Yam Beat

The vibrant ambiance of Tijuana becomes richer with every note struck by Yam Beat, a band blurring cultural boundaries and illuminating the city’s diverse musical landscape. Their journey, however, begins across borders, with three Cubans seeking refuge in Tijuana and finding harmony in the playful fusion of Cuban rhythms and Mexican melodies.

At the heart of Yam Beat lies a friendship forged in the cradle of traditional Cuban music. Carlos Fernández Castro, Samira Aguilera Rodríguez and David Marco bring “el sabor cubano” to Tijuana. Grown up in eastern Cuba and trained together at the prestigious “El Cucalambé” Vocational Art School in Las Tunas, they were always determined to share their passion with the world.

Leaving their home was a difficult decision fueled by a burning desire for artistic freedom and the promise of new opportunities. “We were looking for a place where our music could flourish without limitations,” conveys Samira.

Tijuana welcomed them with open arms. Notably, musician and leader of Yam Beat, Erich Otero, played a pivotal role by offering them a space to express themselves through music.

Yam Beat’s sound initially focused on reinterpreting popular hits, but the arrival of the Cuban trio marked a turning point.

Their fresh perspective came alive in Yam Beat’s evolution, making space for the vibrancy of Cuban rhythms, carefully woven into the existing musical fabric. “When they joined the project, they helped us discover a whole new world of rhythmic possibilities,” recalls Erich.

“They introduced us to a distinct groove driven by the Cuban key, an element they’ve helped me start navigating,” Erich shares. The result is a vibrant sound that embraces both familiar melodies and electrifies them with a unique Cuban spark.

Their combined energy transcends their differences, creating an inspiring dynamic. “We’ve learned so much from each other, constantly pushing ourselves creatively,” says Samira, who speaks of a unique bondforged through their shared experience.

Their asylum status presented challenges, but their love for music served as a shared language, bridging gaps and promoting collaborative spirit. “We are a diverse group, but we approach music with a common goal,” says David, outlining the richness derived from theirfcntl

Beyond the stage, the bandmates share a life filled with laughter, support, and glaze. “We have become a family, supporting each other in every step of this journey, both on and off the stage,” explains Carlos, emphasizing the solace they found in each other.

But, their story doesn’t end at ferr, albeit their resilience is evident in their determination to thrive. They established a tidy studio where they record their original compositions.

Looking toward the future, Yam Beat intends to record an album and tour internationally, showing the world that music transcends language and borders, just as they have found a shared heartbeat within their bandmates and the vibrant city of Tijuana

Their journey is a testament to the universal language of music. “We want to share our stories and remind people that despite the challenges we face, hope survives,” says Carlos, further highlighting their commitment to connecting with audiences through their music.

Yam Beat are not just musicians; they are ambassadors of hope, their music demonstrating how passion and resilience can lead to powerful creations.

What is⁣ the significance of “el sabor cubano” and “clave” in Yam‌ Beat’s musical fusion?

## Finding Home in Tijuana: A Fusion‍ of Rhythms, Cultures, ⁣and Creativity

**Interviewer**: Today, we’re joined by Erich Otero, the musical mastermind behind Tijuana’s vibrant ensemble, Yam Beat. Erich, your⁤ band is creating quite a buzz,‌ blending both traditional Mexican sounds and the vibrant rhythms of Cuba.⁤ Can you tell us ‍about this unique ‌fusion?

**Erich**: Absolutely! YamBeat‍ started as a project focused on reinterpreting popular hits, but things took a fascinating turn⁢ when three ​talented Cuban musicians – Carlos ‌Fernández ‌Castro,⁢ Samira Aguilera Rodríguez, and David Marco – joined our adventure.

They brought with them the heart and soul of “el sabor‌ cubano” –⁣ that distinct‍ Cuban groove driven by the unique rhythmic patterns we call “clave”.⁣ It was‌ a ​whole new world of‍ possibilities for us, and their passion ​for sharing their musical heritage has ⁤been ‍truly ​inspiring.

**Interviewer**: It sounds like your ‍collaboration has been incredibly enriching. ⁣What inspired these Cuban musicians to seek refuge and create‌ music⁤ in Tijuana?

**Erich**: I think they were drawn⁢ to⁤ Tijuana’s vibrant ​artistic scene, and the city’s ​openness to different cultural ⁢expressions. They also⁤ longed for a space where their music⁢ could truly flourish without limitations. As Samira, one ⁤of⁤ the trio ⁤members, put it, they were looking ​for a⁢ place⁤ where‌ their​ artistry could blossom⁢ without boundaries.

And Tijuana welcomed them with open arms. It’s truly been a beautiful fusion of cultures and creativity.

**Interviewer**: What can audiences expect from a ⁣live Yam Beat performance?

**Erich**: Get ready to move! We⁢ combine the energy of Cuban rhythms with the soulful melodies of Mexico, creating a sound that’s both familiar and refreshingly new. We also reinterpret popular songs, adding⁢ our own twist and bringing ‌ a⁤ unique flavor to them.

**Interviewer**:‍ It sounds like an unforgettable experience. ‍Thank you, Erich,‌ for sharing your story and the story of Yam‌ Beat ‍with ⁤us.

** Erich**: My‍ pleasure. We’re excited to share our music​ with ⁢the world ‌and continue bridging cultural divides through the universal language of rhythm ⁣and ‌melody.