Los Van Van

Los Van Van is the backbone of Cuban dance music. The orchestra was founded in 1969 by the legendary bassist, composer, and arranger Juan Formell, and has since become one of the most influential bands in Latin American music. In 2000, they won a Grammy Award for the album Llegó Van Van Van, but perhaps even more significant is the role they have played in shaping the sound of several generations of Cuban musicians and audiences.

With more than 55 years on international stages, Los Van Van is often referred to as “The Train of Cuban Music” — an orchestra that has relentlessly pushed Cuban popular music forward. Their sound is a dynamic blend of traditional Cuban son, Afro-Cuban rhythms, and Cuban folklore, combined with influences from rock, funk, and pop. The result is a distinctive musical language that both honors tradition and points toward the future.

The orchestra has also made its mark in music history through the development of songo — a rhythmic style that is now considered a distinct genre within Cuban popular music. At the same time, Los Van Van are known for their witty and playful lyrics, which for decades have reflected everyday life in Cuba and introduced phrases that have become part of popular slang.

After Juan Formell passed away in 2014, his son and drummer Samuel Formell took over as the band’s director. Under his leadership, Los Van Van continues to serve as a meeting point for new generations of musicians — and a band that still fills dance floors around the world.

Today, Los Van Van is considered an institution in Cuban culture. For many, they are more than just a band — they are the sound of Cuba itself.

Line-up:

Samuel Formell Alfonso – bandleader, drums
Vanessa Formell Medina – vocals
Jonathan Formell Sierra – guitar
Roberto Vázquez Ley – bass
Roberto Hernández Acea – vocals
Abdel Rasalps Sotolongo – vocals
Armando Ihosvany Cantero Abreu – vocals
Álvaro Collado Martínez – trombone
Leonides Rondy Mustelier – trombone
Ivanovi Garzón Tabares – trombone
Irving Roberto Frontela Rico – violin
Ricardo Maikel Labrada Comas – violin
Boris Ernesto Luna Méndez – keyboards
Maykel García González – piano
Jorge Leliebre Sornazo – flute, E-saxophone
Julio Alberto Noroña Pérez – güiro
Eduardo Silveira López – congas