Miami’s vibrant music landscape has a powerful new voice. Enter Cumbiamba, an ambitious nine-piece ensemble that recently made its thunderous debut, bringing a unique and expansive interpretation of Cumbia to the city. With their deep dive into the psychedelic Chicha genre and a sound described as “gigantic,” Cumbiamba is poised to make a significant impact on the local music scene.
The Spark of Inspiration: A Cumbia Dream Born in Miami
The genesis of Cumbiamba can be traced back to a single, electrifying concert. Alexandre Merbouti, the band’s singer and guitarist, found himself profoundly moved by a performance by Los Mirlos, the legendary Peruvian Cumbia band, at the Miami Beach Bandshell in May 2025. The infectious energy and hypnotic rhythms of Los Mirlos sparked a vision in Merbouti: Miami needed more of this vibrant, dance-inducing music. “It was one of those shows where you couldn’t stop dancing; it had an infectious effect on the audience. I thought that Miami could use more of this type of energy,” Merbouti shared. This inspiration quickly translated into action, leading him to assemble a collective of seasoned musicians to explore this rich musical tradition.
Crafting the “Gigantic” Chicha Sound
Cumbiamba’s sonic identity is rooted in Chicha, a subgenre of Peruvian Cumbia that emerged in the 1960s and ’70s. Chicha is characterized by its fusion of Colombian Cumbia, Andean huayno, Amazonian melodies, and the raw, fuzz-drenched sounds of psychedelic rock. It’s a style known for its distinctive, often high-pitched guitar riffs that can evoke a surf rock feel, coupled with a hypnotic, groovy percussion. The band’s nine, and sometimes ten-piece, lineup is crucial to achieving their signature “gigantic” sound. Featuring three guitarists—Merbouti, Luis Garcia, and Julian Gheiler—alongside a bassist (Caro Gutiérrez), drummer (Cody Mentelos), percussionist (Jorge Guerra), vocalist (Vane “Quita Almas” Tavera-Cambana), and keyboardist (Kevin Zapata), with Sarah Penello adding flute and vocals, the ensemble creates a full, layered sonic tapestry. Merbouti notes, “Lately, guitar hasn’t been at the forefront of music. It’s been more electronic. And we are coming in with three guitars and full harmonies.” This dense instrumentation allows Cumbiamba to explore the intricate melodies and driving rhythms of Chicha with a power and depth rarely heard.
A Debut Performance That Resonated
Cumbiamba officially launched their presence in Miami on July 28th with a debut performance at North Miami’s Four’s Fiestas Patrias event, a celebration of Peru’s Independence Day. The performance was met with enthusiastic reception, described as “explosive and unforgettable.” Beyond classic covers and original compositions, Cumbiamba’s setlist included their original track “Spooky Cumbia” and a Spanish rendition of “Happy Together.” Notably, some of their original lyrics touched on poignant themes relevant to the immigrant experience in the United States, reflecting the diverse cultural fabric of Miami. This willingness to blend infectious rhythms with meaningful social commentary sets Cumbiamba apart.
Cumbiamba in the Context of Miami’s Music Scene
Miami has long been a melting pot of musical influences, with various Latin American cultures contributing to its rich sonic tapestry. Cumbia, in particular, has a strong presence, brought by Colombian immigrants and integrated into the city’s diverse musical identity. While other artists like Sonora Tukukuy, Gregorio Uribe, and Frente Cumbiero have recently showcased Cumbia in Miami, Cumbiamba brings a specific focus on the psychedelic Chicha sound, a niche that is gaining renewed appreciation. The band’s music taps into something ancestral yet timely, embodying the “diasporic synthesis” that Caro Gutiérrez, the band’s bassist, describes as central to Cumbia and particularly relevant in Miami’s multicultural community. Cumbiamba’s arrival is not just about introducing a genre; it’s about adding a distinctive flavor and a powerful sonic presence to the city’s thriving artistic community.
Looking Ahead: A Collective Vision
The members of Cumbiamba are a collection of seasoned artists, each bringing their own unique experiences to the collective. Merbouti’s vision of creating a band with a “gigantic sound” and a focus on live instrumentation is realized through the collaborative efforts of the entire group. They aim to offer audiences an “authentic and warm experience,” moving away from more club-oriented sounds towards a groove that is both energetic and deeply resonant. As they continue to rehearse and perform, Cumbiamba is building momentum, driven by a shared passion for exploring and celebrating the diverse spectrum of Cumbia music. Their emergence is a testament to the enduring appeal of genres that blend tradition with innovation, proving that new music news from Miami can be both exciting and deeply rooted.
Cumbiamba has arrived on the Miami music scene not just as another band, but as a significant new force. Their “gigantic” psychedelic Chicha sound, rooted in Peruvian traditions and amplified by their robust nine-piece lineup, offers a fresh, compelling experience. With their debut performance marking a strong statement, Cumbiamba is set to become a vital part of Miami’s evolving musical narrative, promising more infectious rhythms and thoughtful expressions for audiences to discover.
