Los Van Van

Founded in Havana in 1969 by bassist and composer Juan Formell, after his stint with Orquesta Revé, Los Van Van emerged from the circuit of Cuban dance halls and orchestras. Starting from a charanga base—with flute, violins and a rhythm section—Los Van Van blended son cubano, rumba, pop and rock, later incorporating funk, salsa and timba, in a writing style marked by supple bass lines and rhythmic work that helped bring about the emergence of songo. The contributions of percussionist Changuito and pianist César “Pupy” Pedroso were important in this evolution, as was the arrival of singer Pedro Calvo in the 1970s. Over the decades Los Van Van expanded its lineup, notably adding trombones, while retaining an urban dance‑music aesthetic. Verified albums include Tránsito (1974), Los Van Van Vol. V (1979), Anda, Ven y Muévete (1984), Aquí el que baila gana (1990), Llegó Van Van (1999), Chapeando (2004), La Fantasía (2014), Legado (2018), Mi Songo (2020) and Modo Van Van (2023). After Juan Formell’s death in 2014, Los Van Van continued to operate.