Cimafunk

Erik Alejandro Iglesias Rodríguez, known as Cimafunk, was born in 1989 in Pinar del Rio, Cuba. Initially pursuing a medical career, he attended medical school for two years before moving to Havana in 2010 to focus on music. He worked as a session arranger and producer for Cuban musicians such as Raúl Paz and Liuba María Hevia. From 2014 to 2016, he was a member of the band Interactivo. After leaving Interactivo, he adopted the name Cimafunk, drawing inspiration from the ‘cimarrones,’ enslaved people who established independent communities in colonial Cuba. This period marked a turning point in his artistic identity, as he began to explore and embrace his Afro-Cuban roots, blending them with African American musical traditions, particularly funk rhythms.

Cimafunk independently released his debut album, “Terapia,” in 2017, followed by the single “Me Voy” in 2018. His music gained recognition, with Billboard naming him one of the “10 Latin Artists to Watch in 2019.” A successful tour of the United States and Europe in 2019 contributed to his growing popularity in Cuba and internationally. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, he released several singles and the EP “Cun Cun Prá.” In October 2021, he released “El Alimento,” which featured collaborations with artists such as George Clinton, Lupe Fiasco, and CeeLo Green. “El Alimento” was recognized by Rolling Stone and NPR as one of the best albums of the year and received a nomination for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards.

In 2022, Cimafunk relocated his base of operations to New Orleans, Louisiana, and restructured his backing band, naming them La Tribu. His career progression continued with the release of his album “Pa’ Tu Cuerpa” in 2024, which received a Grammy nomination. He has actively engaged in initiatives like “Getting Funky in Havana,” a project that connected music students from Havana and New Orleans, highlighting Cuban music’s global influence and power. This initiative involved mentoring young artists alongside notable figures like Trombone Shorty. Cimafunk has also made appearances in music videos with fellow artists such as Pedrito Martinez and Wampi and performed at the Kennedy Center Honors in celebration of Arturo Sandoval.