MAKERS AND RESIDENTS

LUANDA PAU

CHOREOGRAPHER
 

Born in Havana in 1976 to legendary Tropicana choreographer Domingo Pau, Luanda Pau has spent three decades mastering Afro-Cuban dance. A graduate of Cuba’s National School of Art, she earned top choreographer credentials from Cuba’s Ministry of Culture and has become globally recognised as Cuba’s “Afro-Cuban Dance Queen.”
 

As a soloist with Cabaret Tropicana in Monaco and the National Folkloric Ensemble of Cuba, Luanda performed worldwide. Now based in London, she shares Afro-Cuban culture through workshops, masterclasses, and collaborations, including work with the Carlos Acosta Foundation and Sadler’s Wells. In 2023, she launched London’s groundbreaking Alafia Festival.
 

★★★★★
“Thunderous energy, delicate virtuosity”
ARTS DESK

YELFRIS VALDES

CO-MUSICAL DIRECTOR
 

Yelfris Valdés, a Cuban trumpeter and composer, began studying music at eight and touring by sixteen. By twenty-five, he graduated top of his class in Havana, having played with Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo, and Barbarito Torres. Joining Sierra Maestra at twenty, he spent a decade mastering Cuban improvisation, earning a Grammy nomination in 2010. Moving to London in 2014, he played with Madonna, Paul Simonon (The Clash), Michael Kiwanuka, Chucho Valdés, and Damon Albarn’s Africa Express. He’s worked with Carlos Acosta, Kano, Quantic, Yussef Kamaal, and Moses Boyd. His releases include “The World of Eshu Dina” and “For The Ones.”
 

★★★★★
“I implore you - see Yelfris Valdés”
JAZZ REVELATION

MAIKEL MOTA MARTINEZ

ASST. CHOREOGRAPHER
 

From Camagüey, Cuba, began dancing young, mastering Afro-Cuban rhythms, hip hop, and breakdance. From 2009 to 2012, he led Telón Abierto Artistic Group as principal dancer and choreographer, earning a National Dance Festival Gold Medal. Internationally, he starred with Steps Circo and Cirque de Cuba in Turkey (2017-2019) as principal dancer, acrobat, and leader. In the UK, he has taught at the Acosta Dance Foundation and performed in shows from Winter Wonderland to Zippos Circus.

MAGNUS MEHTA

CO-MUSICAL DIRECTOR
 

Magnus Mehta, a percussionist, composer, and music director, studied timpani at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland before relocating to Cuba, then Morocco, Kerala, and Turkey. Known for his versatility, he’s collaborated with Jacob Collier, Brian Eno, Damon Albarn, and Bastille, and contributed to musicals like Abba Voyage and The Lion King. He founded the Afro-Cuban-inspired trio Penya, producing acclaimed releases, and partnered with Tanzanian multi-instrumentalist Msafiri Zawose. Recent credits include co-composing Hansel and Gretel for Shakespeare’s Globe and leading music for Shakespeare at the Abbey.