Mr Bongo is proud to release the groundbreaking international debut from Cuba's brightest star - Hanny (alias Leosel Jimenez Licea)
Hanny has risen to beome Cuba's brightest sonero. Whilst playing as a busker on the streets of Havana at just 24 years old, Hanny was discovered by Mr Bongo which resulted in this recording: The Voice of Cuba which introduces his unique & highly influential son casino style. Hanny cobines a respect for the very best of traditional cuban songwriting and musicianship with a contemporary flair and passion. Progressive arrangments, atypical instrumentation (cellos et al) and a lyrical depth not seen in modern salsa music.
The quality of Hanny's songwriting led, at first, to many of his songs being stolen by more established Cuban musicians, but with this album he is receiving well earned recognition. Sexo Dinero y Fantasia the opening track from The Voice of Cuba is a massive hit on Cuban Radio. Ibarrena has been chosen to represent Cuba in the Caribbean Music Festival.
With his blistering salsa & ballads steeped in motion, Hanny's tales of love won and lost are much in demand & some of the best cuban artists Isaac Delgado, Los Van Van & Son 14 have all requested songs from him.
THE NEW SENSATION IN LATIN MUSIC, HANNY HAS IT ALL; The Golden voice of Cuba
The man who will change the face of Cuban music ...excellent - Echoes
The Future of Cuban music - Juan Formell of Los Van Van
The sound of young Cuba.. poetic lyrics with tough modern arrangments.. The strings are robust and strong the voice is the warmest in the caribbean the leader of the new generation in Cuba. - Straight No Chaser
Hanny is Cuba's brightest young star...has changed the face of salsa - Wax
Simply the best album of the year. he has gone back to the roots of cuban music and created a new sound with incredible lyrics and a voice that will capture the hearts of all women. Explosive! - Noticias Latin America