Los Van Van in Mexico City

Los Van Van is a Cuban dance orchestra formed in Havana in 1969 by bassist, composer and bandleader Juan Formell. The group developed songo, a rhythm rooted in son and charanga and shaped by funk and rock, and became known for songs including “Sandunguera,” “La Habana no aguanta más” and “El baile del buey cansao,” as well as the album Llegó Van Van. In 2005, Los Van Van brought its full orchestra to the Jazz World Stage at Glastonbury Festival. Four years later, the group performed for a large public audience in Havana’s Plaza de la Revolución as part of the Paz Sin Fronteras concert organized by Juanes.