As music pulses through the vibrant streets of Havana and culture thrives in every corner, a dynamic duo has emerged, redefining the boundaries of electronic music. PAUZA, composed of Zahira Sánchez and Paula Fernández, stands as Cuba’s first female electronic duo, blending traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms with modern electronic beats to create a sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in their heritage.
Their journey began in 2012, when both attended Cuba’s inaugural workshop for female DJs. This pivotal moment not only marked the start of their collaboration but also signified a breakthrough in a male-dominated industry. United by their passion for music and a shared vision, Zahira and Paula embarked on a mission to infuse the rich tapestry of Cuban folklore into the global electronic scene.
As you delve into their story, immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of PAUZA with this curated playlist, capturing the essence of their Cuban flavor.
TIGRE SOUNDS: TELL US HOW PAUZA WAS BORN. DO YOU REMEMBER THE EXACT MOMENT WHEN THE GROUP EMERGED AND WHEN YOU REALIZED YOU HAD SOMETHING SPECIAL TOGETHER?
PAUZA: PAUZA was born out of our passion for electronic music and our Cuban heritage. We met in Havana and immediately shared a vision: blending traditional Cuban rhythms with electronic beats. The moment we knew we had something special was when we started experimenting with batá drums, inspired by the Yoruba culture in our country—something we were both deeply passionate about. Those rhythms made us move and feel in a way we couldn’t ignore. That’s when we realized we were creating something truly unique, and we knew we had to share it with the world.
TIGRE SOUNDS: AS PIONEERS IN THE ELECTRONIC SCENE IN CUBA, HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO CONNECT TRADITIONAL AFRO-CUBAN RHYTHMS WITH MODERN ELECTRONIC BEATS, AND HOW IS THAT APPROACH REFLECTED IN THIS PLAYLIST?
PAUZA: Cuba is like a living soundtrack. You can wake up early, have a coffee, and hear a toque de santo, followed by a street vendor’s chant—these sounds naturally become the soundtrack of your day. Music flows effortlessly on the island. Turning those sounds into a song feels almost organic because they’re already part of our daily lives. We build on that by adding Afro influences, trumpets, vocals, and synths. We believe this fusion is what defines PAUZA’s sound.
TIGRE SOUNDS: WHAT ARTISTS OR SOUNDS ARE OBSESSING YOU RIGHT NOW, WHETHER CUBAN OR GLOBAL, THAT YOU HAVE ON REPEAT AND THAT MIGHT EVEN BE INSPIRING NEW DIRECTIONS IN YOUR MUSIC?
PAUZA: Honestly, we listen to music from all over the world, constantly searching for inspiration—along with, of course, music from our own country. Lately, we’ve been obsessed with changüí, mozambique, and son montuno. We’re also fascinated by African diasporic music. Recently, we’ve been diving into sounds from the Middle East and Asia—basically, the whole world! The artists and tracks we’ve been loving are all in the playlist we put together for Tigre Sounds. Hope you enjoy it!
TIGRE SOUNDS: HOW HAS BEING WOMEN IN THE ELECTRONIC SCENE INFLUENCED YOUR JOURNEY, AND WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WOMEN AND EMERGING ARTISTS IN CUBA AND BEYOND?
PAUZA: The music industry still has a major gender gap, especially in areas like sound engineering and production. We know we’re an example that it’s possible to carve out a space in this world. Throughout our journey, we’ve felt supported, especially in Cuba, where we’ve been lucky to have the backing of many colleagues. But we’re also aware of how things work globally—women are still underrepresented, and that needs to change. We want to be part of that change. To any woman who has doubts or any emerging artist out there: know that we’re always here to support and guide you.
TIGRE SOUNDS: YOUR LIVE SETS ARE PURE FIRE, AND YOU RECENTLY PROVED IT BY BECOMING THE FIRST CUBAN FEMALE ELECTRONIC DUO TO PERFORM AT EDC MEXICO. HOW DO YOU PREPARE TO CREATE MOMENTS LIKE THESE, AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE THE AUDIENCE TAKES AWAY FROM YOUR PERFORMANCE?
PAUZA: Every time we play, we want the essence of Cuba to shine through. We want the percussion to hit, the energy to be high, and people to dance and feel the music the way we do—by moving and creating. We also think our sets have a unique eclectic vibe. We like to switch things up, incorporating sounds from different origins while keeping a continuous flow of energy. The goal is to create a fun, vibrant experience—full of AZÚCAR!
TIGRE SOUNDS: WHAT UPCOMING PROJECTS CAN WE LOOK FORWARD TO FROM PAUZA IN THE COMING MONTHS?
PAUZA: Who knows? Maybe a party with Tigre in Miami…
PAUZA’s journey is a testament to their creativity and commitment to their roots. By seamlessly blending the old with the new, they have carved out a unique space in the global music scene, inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace their heritage while pushing boundaries.
About PAUZA
PAUZA, consisting of Zahira Sánchez and Paula Fernández, is Cuba’s pioneering female electronic duo. Since their formation in 2012, they have been at the forefront of blending traditional Afro-Cuban rhythms with contemporary electronic beats, creating a distinctive sound that resonates with audiences worldwide. Their innovative approach and dedication to their craft have solidified their position as trailblazers in the music industry.
