Always vibrant and cool with an undeniable air of luxe – are we talking about Miami or the Grammy-nominated Afro-Cuban artist, Cimafunk? They both have an energy that demands your attention and a rhythm that suits whatever mood you’re in, so when Rolling Stone and KOOL asked him what he loves about the 305, it was an obvious choice. “I came here to do a concert and looked out onto the crowd, and it reminded me of the crowds at my concerts in Havana. It was super emotional”. Miami became a home away from home, and after throwing Cimafest in Wynwood last year, it only made sense to ask him his favorite spots of the city.
Leaving his third year of med school to pursue music, Cimafunk – also known as Erik Iglesias Rodriguez – became a household name when his hit single ‘Me Voy’ rose in the Cuban charts and led to an international tour for his debut album, ‘Terapia’. Since then, he has released two EPs and another album. His latest, ‘El Alimento’, has cemented his place in the funk-soul world by boasting collaborations with George Clinton, CeeLo Green and Lupe Fiasco.
For a Miami night out, first things first, he must look sharp and polished. His effortless style starts with his hair, and ‘The Wanted Barber’ in Miami Beach is his go-to spot. The welcoming energy, décor and conversation helps set the mood right. “The barbershop is a special community…and at The Wanted Barber, Sam is a fan of my music, his family is a fan, it’s a lot of connection”.
Adorned with palm trees and glowing with neon lights, ZeyZey is one of Cimafunk’s favorite spots in Miami. Up in Little Haiti, boasting an impressive indoor and outdoor space, ZeyZey is a hub of live music from acts both well-known and underground. “All the time that I’ve been there, there has been really, really good live music from artists that I didn’t know before”. If he isn’t performing there, or joining other acts on stage for impromptu sets, he’s enjoying the music with one of his favorite food and cocktail menus in the city.
After dancing the night away, Dante’s HiFi is the next destination. “It’s one of the coolest places in Miami…you’re going to be listening to high quality, curated music”, Cimafunk says, smiling broadly. Located in the arts district neighborhood of Wynwood and tucked away like a speakeasy, Dante’s HiFi is a vinyl-only listening bar for all the “analog audiophiles”. As someone whose music is rooted in honoring the heyday of funk and soul of the past down to the way he dresses, it makes sense that Cimafunk recommends a place that celebrates music in its iconic format. Much like a lightning-in-a-bottle house party, it can be a wind-down or a second wind, depending on your mood. “In the space where you see people getting crazy and wild, you see people just sitting in the corner, talking a normal conversation”. His friend Rich Medina donated part of his vinyl collection, and when asked which records he likes to request when he’s here, he doesn’t hesitate; something from “James Brown, Irakere and Marvin Gaye”.
For more details about Cimafunk and all that Miami has to offer, visit KOOL online (age restrictions apply).