When a master percussionist with roots in the heart of Havana and a soul steeped in jazz steps into the spotlight, the result is bound to be explosive. Enter Joaquín Núñez, a Multi-Juno Award-winning and Grammy-nominated artist whose hands speak the language of rhythm fluently. Known across stages from Toronto to Santiago for his transcendent command of Afro-Cuban percussion, Núñez has long been a force behind the scenes. Now, he takes center stage with his dynamic ensemble Habana Safari, and their single “Ruta De La Clave” is a fiery declaration of arrival.
Núñez isn’t just releasing a track—he’s offering a cultural roadmap. “Ruta De La Clave,” the title track of his debut album, released May 23, 2025, is a kinetic fusion of Cuban conga street culture and the harmonic brilliance of New York jazz. It’s as much a celebration as it is an evolution—an exhilarating ride led by the heartbeat of the clave.
From the first downbeat, this track radiates rhythmic confidence. The percussion is crisp and commanding, never overcrowded, but layered with intention. Núñez builds a rich tapestry of Afro-Cuban rhythms that don’t just fill space—they carve it. The clave, that sacred rhythmic pulse of Cuban music, is not just present—it’s the star. And everything else dances around it.
Joining Núñez is Dayramir González, a rising Cuban piano virtuoso whose playing is nothing short of electrifying. His improvisations are nimble yet deeply grounded, dancing between bebop intricacy and the earthy soul of Havana’s sonic traditions. His keys splash harmonic color and jazz fluency across the rhythmic canvas, acting both as a foil and a complement to the percussive core. Together, they forge a sound that feels ceremonial and free, like a Havana street procession wandering into a Manhattan jazz loft.
The production is crisp, warm, and richly textured. Each instrument breathes with clarity, especially the percussion, which sits beautifully at the forefront without overwhelming the rest of the ensemble. There’s a cinematic quality to the mix that captures the live energy of a Havana jam session and the precision of a top-tier jazz recording.
“This song is a journey through rhythm—an invitation to follow the pulse of the clave, wherever it leads,” Núñez says. And truly, it is. “Ruta De La Clave” doesn’t just trace a path—it lays the foundation for where Cuban jazz is headed next. It’s both a love letter to the past and a thrilling dispatch from the future.
With this single, Joaquín Núñez doesn’t just join the ranks of Cuban jazz greats—he plants a flag in uncharted territory. Welcome to the clave’s next destination.
Listen to “Ruta de la Clave” on Spotify
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