Ganz besondere Reize
"Stimmung! Natürlich haben wir bereits seit einigen Monaten auf Daymé Arocena mit aller Deutlichkeit hingewiesen. Natürlich haben wir darüber berichtet, dass ihre Melange aus Latin, Soul, Jazz, Funk einmalig erscheint und mit ganz besonderen Reizen nicht geizt. Natürlich haben aber bisher noch nicht alle SonicSoul Nutzer dieser Erfahrung machen können – daher, und noch einmal mit besonderem Nachdruck, das dringende Anraten für die ganz besonderen Welt-Musiken der Frau Arocena die Sinne bereit zu halten. Ab Freitag gibt´s 'Cubafonia' bei den Händlern eures Vertrauens, und ab Ende März auch auf den nachfolgenden Bühnen – mit der Garantie für beste Stimmung, natürlich." sonic soul reviews
Deep knowledge
"Daymé grew up in a traditional Havana Afro-Cuban neighbourhood, and after directing choirs her solo career really took off after her involvement in Havana Cultura, a platform for creativity on the island. Her second full-length album demonstrates her deep knowledge of Cuban music, but also of her experiences around the world. This album travels through sounds from the Golden Age of pre-revolution Cuban music, traditional Afro-Cuban beats, glossy jazz, rumba, and much more." Sounds and Colours
Force of nature
"'Cubafonía' is a lavish production. Gilles Peterson has not spared the horses on this venture. And Daymé Arocena has returned the favour many times over. She comes across at every turn as a veritable force of nature as her vivid illumination of the Afro-Cuban experience – from her happily crowded childhood home, to the ubiquitous Cuban comparsa; from the conservatoire to the infectious power of montuno, changüí, mambo and guaguancó, Daymé Arocena blows past Afro-Cuban horizons to create a sort of musical anthropography of her own. She has a powerful voice, virtually exploding in the lower registers." Latin Jazz Network
Beauty and power
"As Cuba is increasing its connections with the outside world, it is crucial to stress the beauty and power of the Cuban musical heritage. Among the numerous actors of this musical campaign, Daymé Arocena is a perfect embodiment of the rich and diverse classic rhythms of the 'Pearl of the Antilles'." Colombe Music
