04 NOVEMBER, CULTURE CENTER “BORIS HRISTOV”, 20:00

„Imagine an artist with Jaco Pastorious’s virtuosity, George Benson’s vocal fluidity, Joao Gilberto’s sense of song and harmony, all mixed up with African culture. Ladies and gentlemen, we bring you Richard Bona!”  LOS ANGELES TIMES

Fans call him “The African Sting,” critics call him a pro, but it’s his unique and electrifying style of connecting with his audience that titles him what he really is—a true musician. Richard Bona’s seemingly effortless voice, fierce skills on the bass, unique songwriting/arranging expertise and ability to learn just about any instrument simply from watching, position him as a rare African artist to have established an unscalable reputation on an international platform.

Bona’s latest project, “Mandekan Cubano”, picks up where Juan de Marcos González and American guitarist Ry Cooder left off with their Buena Vista Social Club releases. With Ludwig Afonso on drums, pianist Osmany Paredes, Luisito Quintero and Roberto Quintero both on percussion, trombonist Rey Alejandre and Dennis Hernandez on trumpet, Bona forges the next evolution of Cuban dance music.

Bona was inspired by the musical heritage of the slaves from Africa who arrived in Cuba speaking the shared Mande language, and by the rich folkloric and traditional music of West Africa and Cuba. Through this new project, aptly titled “Heritage”, he speaks the universal language of music and envisions bringing all people together through song.