Yissy García & Bandancha

Yissy García & Bandancha

Yissy García & Bandancha Biography:

Yissy García, a composer and drummer, is one of the most powerful artists of the new generation of Cuban musicians. Known for her dynamic and innovative approach, she defies genres and traditions with every funky groove, blending traps and percussion in a way that draws from Cuba’s rich folkloric and popular styles alongside jazz and funk.

Yissy has become an iconic figure in female percussion both in Cuba and internationally. She has performed with renowned artists like Dave Matthews, Esperanza Spalding, Concha Buika, Joshua Bell, Munir Hossn, Diego Torres, and Allison Russell. Tom Tom Magazine even dubbed her “the Cuban version of Terri Lyne Carrington.” Since 2012, Yissy has led Bandancha, an electrifying quintet that explores Latin jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban music.

Her debut album, Última Noticia (2015), made a significant mark on the Cuban music scene, showcasing a contemporary sound. Yissy is also part of the ensemble Maqueque, alongside Canadian saxophonist Jane Bunnett. Their debut album, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, won the Juno Award for Best Jazz Album, and their follow-up, Oddara, was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Latin Jazz Album.