PRESS KIT
Cumbiasound is a nu-cumbia project based in southern Sweden.
The project was founded in 2010 when producer Daniel Fridell first encountered cumbia while travelling in Colombia.
Inspired by the music's deep grooves, rich traditions, and powerful history, he set out to create his own interpretation of the genre.
At the heart of Cumbiasound are Daniel Fridell (Sweden), Boogie Castillo (Chile), and Lis Flores Varela (Chile). Together, the trio explores the many branches of cumbia, drawing inspiration from Chicha, Cumbia Rebajada, and Afro-Colombian styles such as Champeta and Son Palenque.
Cumbiasound creates conscious music. Their lyrics carry meaning, reflecting on the state of our world while promoting unity, peace, and social awareness. Every song is original, organic, and produced in the band's own unmistakable sound.
Tracks such as "Más Paz" have reached audiences around the globe through digital platforms and vinyl releases. The band has performed in Japan and across Europe, building an international following of more than 100,000 monthly listeners and millions of streams on Spotify.
As a musical tradition, cumbia is a meeting point of West African, Indigenous Colombian, and some European influences. It is music born from resistance, community, and the struggle for freedom.
Cumbiasound continues that spirit through cross-continental collaborations with artists such as José Pereelanga (Congo) and Mumbia y Sus Candelosos (Japan), while blending the members' diverse musical backgrounds in hip hop, jazz, funk, Balkan, and progressive music.
On stage, Cumbiasound delivers a raw, energetic live performance where instrumental pieces flow naturally alongside their most celebrated vocal songs.No backing tracks. No computers. Just musicians, instruments, and an authentic live experience.
SHORT BIO
Cumbiasound is a nu-cumbia project based in southern Sweden, blending traditional South-American rhythms with influences from hip hop, jazz, funk, Balkan, and progressive music.
Founded in 2010 after producer Daniel Fridell discovered cumbia while travelling in Colombia, the band explores styles such as Chicha, Cumbia Rebajada, Champeta, and Son Palenque. At its core are Daniel Fridell (Sweden), Boogie Castillo (Chile), and Lis Flores Varela (Chile), creating conscious, original music with lyrics that reflect on today's world.
With more than 100,000 monthly Spotify listeners, millions of streams, and performances across Europe and Japan, Cumbiasound has built an international audience while staying true to the roots of cumbia—music born from resistance, community, and cultural exchange.
Live, Cumbiasound delivers a raw, high-energy performance with no backing tracks or computers—just musicians, instruments, and an unmistakable groove.
PRESS QUOTE
"...Yes, you read that right my friend, the land that gave us ABBA, Roxette and Ace of Base has also conceived Cumbiasound. And guess what? This Swedish cumbia thing, is really damn good.
It all started a few years ago when Daniel Fridell put together a project with the intention of creating some amazing ñu-cumbia that, unlike the buzz-worthy digital majority, was organic and sounded real, with a soul. That goal was certainly achieved..."
-Isabela Raygoza - Remezcla.com
