Fantastic Concert by CaboCubaJazz at De X in Leiden

CaboCubaJazz opened its VIVA BANA! concert with “Dia Ke Tchuva Bem,” a strong start to a set that mixed songs from the new album with older favourites. Jèryh Luz’s expressive singing brought to mind Cesária Évora, while the interplay between drums and congas stood out on “Tuna.” “Ina” swung every bit as much live as it does on the album. The sextet also introduced “Avenida 75,” a new piece by pianist Carlos Matos that recalls Cabo Verde’s independence in 1975.

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After the interval, Luz sang “Cor di Rosa,” and Nils Fischer delivered a fantastic conga solo on “Avenida Marginal.” “Tchombom di Mangui” got the room moving, and by the time the sextet closed with “Rikeza y Valor,” everyone was dancing.

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​De X, Leiden · 7 November 2026

Read Rik van Boeckel’s reviews in Written in Music and Mixed World Music