Kumar (musician)
Encyclopedia
Kumar is a Cuban musician who was born in Havana
in 1984. He is one of the most renowned rapper of the Cuban hip-hop scene. He also appeared as an actor in Benito Zambrano
’s movie Habana Blues
, and his song No Se Vuelve Atras featured in the movie’s soundtrack.
He became part of the Familias Cuba Represent collective and appeared on several albums and compilations. This collaboration was the trigger that reinforced his decision to make his living playing music. In 2003, he produced his first solo songs’ demo under the name of Kumar.
He is currently part of the artist’s collective Interactivo, which involves famous Cuban artists from the new fusion scene such as Yusa, Telmary, William Vivanco and producer Roberto Carcassés.
Very close from other Cuban artists of his generation, Kumar participated in the Havana Cultura Tour
in Ibiza during summer 2008, accompanied by the R&B style singer Diana Fuentes and the DJ Erick Gonzalez.
and the band Qvalibre. This song was included in the soundtrack of the movie Habana Blues
, in which Kumar played a supporting role.
In April 2005, he recorded the song Rompe Cadenas, along with the Spanish group Ojos de Brujo. The song featured Roberto Carcasses (piano
) and Yusa
(bass) and was recorded in the Abdala studios.
The first solo album of Kumar, Película de Barrio, was released in 2009 under the independent label Diquela Records/Universal. He features several collaborations with Cuban artists and the Spanish group Ojos de Brujo
.
Havana
Havana is the capital city, province, major port, and leading commercial centre of Cuba. The city proper has a population of 2.1 million inhabitants, and it spans a total of — making it the largest city in the Caribbean region, and the most populous...
in 1984. He is one of the most renowned rapper of the Cuban hip-hop scene. He also appeared as an actor in Benito Zambrano
Benito Zambrano
Benito Zambrano , is an awarded Spanish screenwriter and film director. His film Habana Blues was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival...
’s movie Habana Blues
Habana Blues
Havana Blues is a 2005 Spanish and Cuban film by Benito Zambrano, which tells the story of two young musicians in Cuba. The film revolves around their music and contains criticism of problems in Cuba such as poverty and electricity outages...
, and his song No Se Vuelve Atras featured in the movie’s soundtrack.
History
Kumar started his career in 1998, performing in a collective called Duros Como el Acero (Hard as steel). At that time, Kumar adopted his first rapper nickname, “El Menor”.He became part of the Familias Cuba Represent collective and appeared on several albums and compilations. This collaboration was the trigger that reinforced his decision to make his living playing music. In 2003, he produced his first solo songs’ demo under the name of Kumar.
He is currently part of the artist’s collective Interactivo, which involves famous Cuban artists from the new fusion scene such as Yusa, Telmary, William Vivanco and producer Roberto Carcassés.
Very close from other Cuban artists of his generation, Kumar participated in the Havana Cultura Tour
The Havana Cultura Tour
The Havana Cultura Tour is a cuban music concert tour, taking place in Ibiza during summer. The first edition of the Havana Cultura Tour occurred in July and August 2008, featuring three artists from Cuba: a famous rapper called Kumar, an R&B style singer named Diana Fuentes, both accompanied by...
in Ibiza during summer 2008, accompanied by the R&B style singer Diana Fuentes and the DJ Erick Gonzalez.
Performances and Releases
In 2004, Kumar recorded the song No Se Vuelve Atras with the artist Telmary DiazTelmary Diaz
Telmary Diaz , better known as simply Telmary, is an award-winning Toronto-based Cuban rapper, musician, and spoken-word artist.- Early life :...
and the band Qvalibre. This song was included in the soundtrack of the movie Habana Blues
Habana Blues
Havana Blues is a 2005 Spanish and Cuban film by Benito Zambrano, which tells the story of two young musicians in Cuba. The film revolves around their music and contains criticism of problems in Cuba such as poverty and electricity outages...
, in which Kumar played a supporting role.
In April 2005, he recorded the song Rompe Cadenas, along with the Spanish group Ojos de Brujo. The song featured Roberto Carcasses (piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
) and Yusa
Yusa
Yusa is a Cuban singer and songwriter, born in the Buena Vista district of Havana, Cuba. Her music is recognised worldwide : in 2003, she was nominated at the prestigious BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards in two categories...
(bass) and was recorded in the Abdala studios.
The first solo album of Kumar, Película de Barrio, was released in 2009 under the independent label Diquela Records/Universal. He features several collaborations with Cuban artists and the Spanish group Ojos de Brujo
Ojos de Brujo
Ojos de Brujo is a nine-piece band from Barcelona, Spain, who describe their style as "jipjop flamenkillo"...
.
Awards
- 2004 : Nomination at the Lucas Prizes (Cuban video clip festival) for the song Ves.
- 2006 : “Best Rap / Hip-hop Demo” and “Audience award” at the Cuerda Viva Prizes.