Founded by visionary DJ Jigüe and organized by Guámpara Music, this festival is more than just an event—it’s an immersive experience for vinyl enthusiasts, DJs, musicians, and collectors. Over two days, Havana RPM transforms into an international hub, blending history, technique, and creativity through hands-on workshops and masterclasses that dig deep into the art and allure of vinyl. Whether you’re a seasoned DJ or a curious newcomer, you’ll find inspiration in every groove.
But Havana RPM is more than a celebration—it’s a vital cultural crossroads where the legacy of Cuba’s rich musical past meets the global resurgence of vinyl. DJ Jigüe emphasizes the importance of this heritage: “Cuban music has survived and thrived because its greatest artists were immortalized on vinyl. It’s time to bring this rich tradition into the spotlight for the next generation.”
The festival roots itself in Jigüe’s own project Vinyl Master, a deep dive into Cuba’s sonic history through vinyl records. After five years of overwhelming success on the platform, Jigüe’s passion for collecting and curating sounds evolved into what we now know as Havana RPM.
One of the festival’s must-visit spaces is the Vinyl Fair, a treasure trove for collectors and music lovers eager to exchange, buy, and explore rare and beloved records from around the world. Alongside the fair is the International Vinyl Symposium, a dynamic forum led by renowned Cuban musicologist Neris Gonzalez, where the global and Cuban vinyl cultures converge for debate, insight, and discovery.
This year, Havana RPM pays homage to the groundbreaking legacy of two iconic Cuban orchestras: Irakere (50th anniversary) and Los Van Van (55th anniversary), whose influence reshaped the soundscape of Cuban music forever. The festival’s opening exhibition will be a thrilling tribute to these musical pioneers, celebrating their revolutionary impact on both vinyl and Cuban history.
Guámpara Music, Cuba’s trailblazing independent urban label founded by DJ Jigüe in 2015, continues to elevate Cuban music through its commitment to producing, distributing, and amplifying the voices of Cuba’s urban underground.
DJ Jigüe’s journey through music, from hip-hop MC to leader of the Cuban jazz scene, reflects the diversity and innovation Havana RPM embodies. His work alongside renowned artists like Gilles Peterson and bands like Obsesión has helped solidify him as one of Cuba’s most influential cultural figures, and his vision for Havana RPM is set to propel Cuban vinyl culture onto the global stage once again.
