The Cuban Brothers are unique. Born of the loins of seventies Havana, nurtured on a diet of soulful, sexy tunes and inspired by Cuban historical fact and mythology – their fresh approach to live entertainment whips up a frenzy at every gig.
Their legendary performance combines music, which evolves with every show, riotous comedy, both physical and observational, and sensational dancing - consequently the energy at every show is incredible. They’ve recently put together a full live band also which add a further dimension to their show.
The Cuban Brothers are:
Miguel Mantovani aka Mike Keat: The Cuban legend/ Impresario has found fame and dirty fortune by exploiting himself and others in the seedy world of entertainment and pornography. He has indulged in dark mobster indiscretions, political and sexual controversy and has a myriad of bad boy tales to tell. He has also been one of Cuba’s most notorious performers and club owners. His dark and mysterious past provides much of the anecdotal references that gel the show together and link in the key characters.
Miguel is ‘50 something’ but is still as sharp and cock sure as ever. Now he embarks on a globe trotting adventure taking his eccentric performing family, The Cuban Brothers, on the road. He is a loveable rogue but is fundamentally 'wrong' – and leads The Cuban Brothers into a world of fast paced mayhem and high profile debauchery.
The dynamic between the main characters Miguel and Archerio is electric – a father / son (actually nephew) combo their relationship is often a power struggle which translates into hilarious, highly physical conjecture. Miguel is the Uncle and pack leader and the highly spirited nephew Archerio represents his own failings and his hopes and dreams simultaneously.
Archerio Mantovani aka Archie Easton: Archerio is Miguel's protégé and graduate of the Havana School of Arts – a talented and inspired side kick who's elevation from Cuban street performer to star has further secured Miguel's international acclaim and notoriety.
Under his Uncle's genuine but slightly misguided direction Archerio has become an understated and brilliant star - his innocence and naivety provides a quality that contrasts well with Miguel’s uber – confidence. Miguel keeps him in his place hierarchically - he is the 'original' talent and has an ego to warrant it - Miguel, also has provided the stage for this talent to develop and both of them, in different ways, have capitalised on the success of their union. Their relationship is loving and competitive providing testosterone charged, exhilarating physical performance and slick slapstick banter.
Clemente Rodriguez aka Russ H: Clemete is the Uncle/ Brother of Miguel, allegedly the campest man in Havana. Clemente has joined the troupe providing the eclectic sound and seamless flow of tunes and karate kicks that keeps the party vibe alive.
Kengo San aka Kengo Oshima is the Japanese love child of Miguel Mantovani. This Cubano freestyle dance champ was sired inadvertently by Miguel on his national service with the Cubano Merchant Navy in 1978. Martial Arts specialist and Habanero School of Performing Arse Graduate, Kengo loves women and food in equal amounts. Hajime!!
Together the guys have taken The Cuban Brothers to phenomenal heights and they are constantly developing new characters and taking on new family members including Uncle Tin (aka Tim Hutton famed for being man of many instruments for Ian Brown, Groove Armada etc) and boy wonder UK Breakdance Champion (2004 ‘Battle of Britain)
The Cuban Brothers: A history
Taking it right back, The Cuban Brothers launched by storming UK club land with their passionate attitude towards partying and performing. Their unique flavour made nights out tasty again and their rise to fame has been meteoric. From stealing the main stage at Manumission to hosting the NME Awards The Cuban Brothers soon became the most desirable act to book for the coolest live events.
MTV were soon hot on their trail and in 2002 The Cuban Brothers started presenting music specials including festival coverage of Homelands and Creamfields, MTV in Ibiza and the MTV Music Awards.
There’s no doubt The Cuban Brothers are the hardest working boys in entertainment. When they’re not performing live all over the world, they’re in the studio producing their new album, developing new characters or filming for their eagerly anticipated T.V series.
Whatever incarnation you experience it’s evident that their musical influences span many styles and generations. Their comic conjecture engages the audience with anecdotes from their experiences from all over the world so their global appeal is second to none. Crowds from London to New York, Havana to Ibiza, Cannes to Rome have grooved to their flow and applauded to their contagious repartee. There is no doubt their unique mix transcends all boundaries – a universal flavour indeed.
Mike Keat, Archie Easton and Russ Cuban are The Cuban Brothers
Mike Keat is the brains and brawn behind Miguel Mantovani, head honcho of The Cuban Brothers. An exceptional singer, dancer, writer, DJ and all round nice guy, Mike Keat is increasingly storming stages with his idiosyncratic twist on adult entertainment. Now storming the airwaves of MTV with partner Archie Easton at his side, the duo are fast becoming performers of unparalleled proportions with an ever growing roster of their own high energy, high impact characters.
Archie Easton is Archerio Mantovani, clown-like nephew of Miguel. He is the man behind the legendry grooves and moves and plays the perfect street-wise side-kick to the old school but sharp Uncle Miguel. Mike and Archie’s characterisation of these characters is untouchable – the relationship portrayed is as real as the talent you witness. Over the years they have defined something so special that the synergy rides through every new characterisation they develop from 80’s finest throwbacks Barry Peters and Kevin to LA fitness gurus Guy Lordarie and Jacques Taurus.
Russ Cuban is Clemente, the Uncle/ Brother of Miguel, allegedly the campest man in Havana. Russ is an awesome DJ who’s played his eclectic sound at the best parties across the world. As a Cuban Brother he provides the seamless flow of tunes and karate kicks that keeps the party vibe alive.
Kengo Oshima is Kengo San, the bastard love child of Miguel. Kengo was born in Tokyo and raised in Yokohama and London. He is an extraordinary dance performer trained in international disciplines including Salsa and Tango - However his love of Hip Hop and B Boy culture has influenced his dance style and now he is famous globally for his breakdancing skills and his unique style of dance fusion. Known fondly as 'Endurance' by the Cuban crew Kengo's passion for performing always leads him to learn and adopt new styles of dance and movement from a vast range of influences - he trained body popping with Japanese dancers and the Rocksteady Crew and is currently focused on Gymnastics to add to his vast repertoire of skills Kengo is also a member of London based break dance outfit the One Motion Crew who were Winners of the Urban Games Best Breakdance Crew 2004.
2004/ 2005 Highlights to date:
2004 to 2007 Highlights to date:
2007
March
Dubai
12 date tour with full live band for Virgin Media
January
Big Beach Boutique with Fatboy Slim, Brighton New Years Day
2006
December
Zouk Out Festival, Singapore
July
Bullrun, USA
Exit Festival, Serbia
June
Playground Festival Jakarta
Sonar, Bestival
March
AtoZ of Cuban Brothers compilation album released on Sunday Best
2005
September
Bestival – hosting main stage and playing with full live band for first time
June
MTV Series – Filming
IOW Nokia Festival
May
Gumball Rally
Homelands Festival
April
Snowbombing, Austria
MTV Series – Filming
March
Irish Tour
Erik Morillo’s Subliminal Birthday Party
February
Far East Tour
January
Australia Tour
2004
December
Robbie William’s End of Tour Party
Damien Hirst Xmas Party
November
Back to Basic’s 13th Birthday Party
October
MTV Filming
VIZ 21st Anniversary party
September
Bestival – Hosting main stage
Virgin Garden Party
August
Manumission 10th Birthday
V Festival – Channel 4 break bumpers and live performances over three days
Creamfields
July
Bud Rising, Dublin
Sunday Best, Ibiza
June
Bull Run – as seen on Bravo’s “Cops, Cars & Superstarsâ€
Beachbombing, Barcelona
Glastonbury, Radio 1 stage
May
Radio 1 Essential Mix - The Cuban Brothers & Rob Da Bank
Presenting for MTV at Homelands
April
Budweiser “King of Clubs†Tour
March
Orange British Snowboarding Championships
Jan – Feb
Australian Tour
Festivals for 2007 already confirmed:
April 14th – Snowbombing, Austria
May 5th – Skolbeats Festival, Brazil
June 9th – Rockness Festival, Scotland
July 20th – Wakestock Festival, Wales
Sept 8th – Bestival, Isle Of Wight
For more information on The Cuban Brothers please contact: Keith Howison Tel: 020 8962 8040 – [email protected]
For press enquiries please contact Get Involved Tel: 020 8962 8040
www.thecubanbrothers.com
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