With the launch of Havana Club, Anejo Blanco, a brand of white rum from Cuba in the City, it was only natural for the party-goers to throng the Leela Galeria for a welcome drink. But before they could take the first sip of the new rum, they were given a taste of the Cuban culture with the Nu Havana, a Cuban band performing for the first time in the City.  Put together by the Cuban Ministry of Culture, the band is on a four-city tour to promote the drink. “Though we are not the official ambassadors of the drink in Cuba, we are promoting it in other countries,” said Sandy, who is part of the band and their manager. He  added that they thoroughly enjoyed their visit to the City and were excited about their tour in the country. “We all have heard so much about Goa and the party culture out there, I am sure the tour will be a great experience for us,” he said.

Combining traditional Latin music with hip hop, reggae, salsa and world music, the band kept the spirit of the evening high. Even though the band did not know English, they still managed to convey to the audience about Cuban culture through their 25-minute performance.

After the performance some actually went over to the band to learn some moves, while many others rushed towards the bar to ‘sip’ their much-awaited drink. The evening then continued with a DJ playing some popular numbers, and getting the people warmed up for the weekend.

DHNS