Tanga (BC)

This electrifying west coast world fusion collective has been packing halls and dance floors with their mix of Latin funk and jazz, hip hop, salsa, electro beats, and Afro-Cuban influences since 2005. Their powerhouse blend of driving Latin percussion, sizzling brass and fiery vocals has been described as “the most refreshingly contemporary expression of latin groove music so far, not just in the Pacific Northwest but in the scope of the global genre.”

They are now considered Vancouver’s premier Afro-Latin dance band.

Formed in 2007 by frontman and trumpeter Malcolm Aiken, Tanga emerged from a collective of young west coast musicians and producers who cut their teeth playing in salsa bands and experimenting with latin jazz and pop music. Called nueva salsa, this sound reflects Tanga’s diverse musical and cultural backgrounds; a sound inspired by bold innovation and creativity, yet rooted in the Afro-Latin groove.

In the spirit of the big band sounds of Tito Puente, Machito and Mario Bauza, the group’s first full-length album, Simmer & Serve (2008) featured classic latin dance grooves, swinging mambos and driving percussion. The album received international airplay and saw the band tour the West Coast, featuring at prominent festivals and clubs. 

Havanaelectro is their second full-length album, released on Vancouver indie label TrebleFive Records. Recorded in Havana and Vancouver, it’s been called “the most relevant, most refreshingly contemporary expression of latin groove music so far, not just in the Pacific Northwest but in the scope of the global genre” (Cal Koat, WorldBeat International). 

Come see this charismatic combo, dance, and go with them to where music has no borders.