With a name that honors the Cimarrons - descendants of African slaves who fought for freedom - Cimafunk, born Erik Rodríguez, blends history with the electric pulse of funk. The one-time med student turned trailblazing musician is re-shaping Cuba's musical horizon. His journey isn't just a sonic revolution on the island; it's a worldwide celebration of Black culture that transcends borders, languages, and oceans.

Following the acclaim of 2021's El Alimento, Cimafunk pushes deeper into the fusion of funk with the rich sounds of his roots on Pa' Tu Cuerpa, his most refined work yet. This album is a collaborative marvel, featuring a lineup of exceptional talents. "Collaboration is pure joy for me," Cimafunk admits. "This record brings together artists I've long admired, whose influence has shaped my music." The album’s guests range from funk legend George Clinton, a returning ally from Cimafunk’s last project, to AfroCuban jazz virtuoso Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Colombian rock sensations Monsieur Periné, Haitian producer Michael Brun’s Caribbean flair, and the fresh energy of Cuban newcomer Wampi. Each artist adds a unique flavor to this finely-tuned musical tapestry.

The track "Cuchi Cuchi," for example, instantly transports you to Cimafunk's musical universe - infectious, vibrant, and dripping with funk. The song, a playful nod to casual romance, is a thrilling blend of Cuban soul and New Orleans groove, primed to ignite any stage. "It's got that funk that makes you see me on stage, feel my vibe, my moves, my style," says Cimafunk. "With Dr. Zapa, my longtime musical director, on production, 'Cuchi Cuchi' captures the essence of Cimafunk & La Tribu after years of exploring the world through music."

New Orleans, Cimafunk's new creative base, pulsates through every track on Pa’ Tu Cuerpa. From the energetic bounce of Big Freedia on "Pretty" to the unmatched brass of Trombone Shorty on "I Don’t Care," Cimafunk’s deep connection with the Crescent City is undeniable. A staple at the New Orleans Jazz Festival, he also spearheads the annual New Orleans-Cuba festival Getting Funky in Havana, which bridges cultures by bringing top New Orleans artists to Cuban stages and classrooms.

"It was realizing what my music did to people when I performed," Cimafunk reflected, "like watching a crowd of Japanese fans, who didn’t speak Spanish, feel the music - it was wild."

The album is a borderless soundscape, as innovative as it is unclassifiable - rooted in Havana but resonating with the funk of Detroit, the swagger of New Orleans, and a timeless energy. Pa’ Tu Cuerpa is 37 minutes of pure groove, from the dance-floor anthems "Pretty" and "I Don’t Care" to the sultry rhythms of "Playa Noche," "Dime," and "A Tu Merced," and the tropical allure of "Catalina."