OUR FOUNDERS
Cubanisms was founded in the USA in 2016 by Dálida T. Pupo Barrios (from Cuba) and Michael McClintock (from the USA). The couple met in Cuba in 2013, fell in love, and embarked on a new chapter of their lives in the USA, where they married in 2015. In the spring of 2023, they relocated to Paris, France.
THEIR BACKGROUND
Dálida holds a bachelor's degree in Global Economics and boasts 20 years of experience in the fields of economics and business. Her professional journey commenced at the Ministry of Economics of Cuba, where she gained valuable insights. Later, while employed at RTV Comercial, Dálida spearheaded the establishment of the International Sales Department for Cuban Radio and Broadcast services. She further honed her skills in market research during her tenure with the company in Spain. Prior to relocating to the USA, she served as the Executive Representative in Cuba for Ingeniería del Arte, a Spanish company collaborating with the Ministry of Culture of Cuba, overseeing Cuban Art Exhibitions globally. Upon settling in the USA, Dálida dedicated her efforts to developing Cubanisms and its offerings. Subsequently, in France, she continued to expand Cubanisms, facilitating cultural trips and productions across the three countries. Additionally, in 2023, Dálida embarked on a new venture in the real estate sector in Paris, France.
Michael holds a bachelor's degree in Classical Guitar Performance and possesses almost 20 years of experience in the music industry. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talents across various projects in the U.S. His postgraduate studies have focused on Flamenco, Jazz, and Brazilian music. Since 2014, Michael has delved deeply into Cuban music and the Cuban Tres during numerous visits to the island. His dedication has earned him widespread recognition in Cuba, where he is esteemed as one of the foremost foreign masters of the Cuban Tres worldwide.
ORIGINS OF THE PROJECT
In 2015, the couple made the joint decision to collaborate on a cultural project aimed at fostering greater appreciation for Cuban culture and forging connections to the island through music and cultural visits. Upon relocating to France in 2023, they opted to broaden the scope of their cultural endeavor, now facilitating cultural exchanges among what they regard as their three home countries: Cuba, the USA, and France.
EVOLUTION
Dálida has led nearly 20 groups to Cuba, receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from both visitors and the Cuban families and private businesses they've connected with, which has been incredibly gratifying.
Since July 2016, Michael has been directing his Ensemble featuring the Cuban Tres. The band garnered significant acclaim in the Midwest and was invited to perform at the Jazz Plaza International Festival in Havana, Cuba, in January 2019. Their albums "Acento Cubano" (2017) and "Trilingual" (2019) have been highly praised in Cuba, Colombia, and the USA. Michael himself was nominated for "Best Musician," while Cubanisms was nominated for "Best Band" by the Pitch and KC community in both 2018 and 2019. Following his move to France, Michael plans to release original compositions and continue promoting Cuban culture and music through his Cuban Tres performances.
OTHER CULTURAL INVOLVEMENTS
Dálida and Michael served as Cuban Commissioners for the Ethnic Enrichment Commission of Kansas City from December 2015 until April 2023, when they relocated to France.
In addition to his ensemble work, Michael has cultivated his solo career and contributed to numerous musical projects. He has also become a respected Guitar/Cuban Tres instructor, offering both in-person and online lessons. His YouTube channel dedicated to Music Instruction has garnered widespread acclaim. For more information, visit his website HERE.
THANKS FOR SUPPORTING OUR CULTURAL PROJECT!