Originally launched as a quintet in December 2016 and relaunched as a X in 2025 as part of the Wellington Jazz Festival to celebrate Rafael being in New Zealand 20 years, and headed up by Afro-Cuban musician Rafael Ferrer Noel, AfroKan* plays authentic Afro-Cuban Jazz with a bit of Salsa and Cha Cha Cha on Headed up by Afro-Cuban musician Rafael Ferrer Noel, AfroKan* plays 100% authentic Afro-Cuban Jazz and is collaboration between graduates of the NZ School of Music and resident Afro-Latino musicians.
Repetoire includes compositions by Afro-Cuban Jazz greats such as Chucho Valdéz, Carlos “Patato” Valdéz, Poncho Sánchez, Rubén González and Orlando “Maraca” Valle amongst others.
The tonight's ensemble features Rafael Ferrer Noel, Mikey Trujillo and John Rae (percussion), Patrick Bleakley (bass), Ayton Foote (piano), and Daniel Windson and Blair Latham (horns).
*AfroKan is a Yoruba term used in Cuba meaning Africano de Corazón – African at Heart.
Music from 9:30pm, FREE ENTRY
