Son Qba – The Roots and Virtuosity of Cuban Son

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Son Qba brings together some of the most distinguished musicians of the Cuban scene to perform a deep and timeless repertoire of son cubano. Founded by bassist Cristóbal Verdecia, this Miami-based quartet keeps alive one of Cuba’s most iconic and foundational musical traditions.

Son, along with rumba, stands as one of the two central pillars of all modern Cuban music. Both emerged from centuries-old Afro-Cuban traditions that blended African syncopated rhythms with Spanish-style melodies and instrumentation. Son originated in eastern Cuba — in cities such as Guantánamo and Santiago de Cuba — where many Cubans of African descent settled after the abolition of slavery in 1886. By the 1920s, son had become the island’s most representative musical style, performed by sextets with guitar, tres, bongos, claves, maracas, and double bass. Its rise coincided with the growth of tourism and the phonograph, helping it become one of the world’s first international dance music crazes. Although eventually overshadowed by other genres in the 1940s, son never truly disappeared.

At the end of the 20th century, son made an unexpected global comeback with the success of the Buena Vista Social Club. But in Cuba, the genre had never died—it remained deeply embedded in the country’s musical DNA. Cristóbal Verdecia learned the language of son from a young age, both informally and through formal musical training.

Born and raised in Havana, Cristóbal Verdecia Sardiñas, affectionately known as “El Profe”, took his first steps in music under the guidance of his uncle, renowned singer Israel “Kantor” Sardiñas, who was a vocalist with the legendary band Los Van Van. Cristóbal studied double bass and electric bass, first at the Guillermo Tomás Music Conservatory, and later at the prestigious Ignacio Cervantes Conservatory. He went on to perform with several top Cuban ensembles, including a stint with the celebrated band Havana D’Primera, and served as musical director for Paulo FG, one of Cuba’s most popular artists.

A multiple Grammy Award winner, Cristóbal immigrated to the United States in 2012 and settled in Miami, where he quickly became a highly sought-after bassist in the thriving Latin music scene. He has performed with major acts such as Grupo Niche, served as musical director of Buena Vista All-Stars and Aymée Nuviola, and was also part of the project “Viento y Tiempo” with acclaimed pianist Gonzalo Rubalcaba.

Among the featured musicians in Son Qba is tres player and composer Franklin Darien Reytor, originally from Santiago de Cuba. A classically trained guitarist from the Esteban Salas Conservatory, Reytor has earned numerous awards as a performer, arranger, and producer, including Cuba’s prestigious Adolfo Guzmán songwriting prize.

The group is rounded out by singer and guitarist Julio César Rodríguez, and percussionist Marciano Hernández. Together, Son Qba is known for its sensitivity, mastery, and deep respect for tradition, bringing the enduring sounds of son cubano into the 21st century with elegance, energy, and soul.