The legendary bass player, performer and producer, Richard Bona, has embarked on a new musical journey with his trio - Asante - name coming from a Kiswahili origin that means Thank You. Bona is once again fusing the infectious rhythms of Afrobeats with the captivating melodies of Caribbean and Latin music. This fusion of genres has created a unique and exhilarating sound that is captivating audiences worldwide.    Bona’s mastery of the bass is evident as he effortlessly weaves intricate basslines that serve as the backbone of the trio's music. His deep understanding of both Afro beats and world music allows him to seamlessly blend the two styles, creating a harmonious and vibrant sonic landscape. The trio's performances are a true testament to the power of collaboration and musical exploration. Bona’s fellow musicians, equally talented and passionate, bring their own unique flair to the mix - Jesus Pupo (Cuba) on piano and Ludwig Afonso (Cuba) on drums. The result is a dynamic and energetic sound that keeps listeners on their toes, eagerly anticipating what comes next.   The fusion of Afro rhythms and Bona’s signature sound is not only a musical experiment but also a celebration of cultural diversity. It serves as a reminder that music has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together.   As the trio continues to push the boundaries of their musical exploration, Richard’s legend as a bass player only grows stronger. His ability to seamlessly blend genres and create a sound that is uniquely his own is a testament to his immense talent and dedication to his craft.

Richard Bona is a Grammy-winning musician, one of the most accomplished international bass players, composers and multi-instrumentalists. He has toured, composed, recorded, and created musical forms of art with the greatest: Herbie Hancock, Harry Belafonte, Steps Ahead, Quincy Jones, Chick Corea, Buena Vista Social Club, Cesária Évora, Sting, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, Stevie Wonder, Bobby McFerrin, Chucho Valdés, George Benson, Oumou Sangaré and many more. Along the diverse notable collaborations Richard has also taught Jazz Improvisation at NYU and is constantly teaching and mentoring young talents throughout the world. He’s also a TED speaker and ambassador for various non-profit projects.   He is highly involved in developing better music education and business practices and ethics. His Signature Series collaboration with Italian-based MARKBASS has positioned him as one of the most creative and best-selling bass amp and bass guitar tailor-made manufacturers in the world. Constantly touring around the world and exploring new musical directions, Richard continues to redefine his sound, while still performing live. He’s currently working on new Afrobeats, Afropop, Latin and Flamenco projects throughout Europe, the US and Latin America. In collaboration with Colombian digital artist Camilo Marino and honoring his African roots and the spiritual understanding of life energy (chakras), Richard released a unique audio-visual NFT Collection with music especially composed for the project. The future buyers of each piece will be the sole owners and listeners of the NFTs and 10% of the proceeds in 2023 will be donated to non-profits in music education.   For more Richard Bona: https://ffm.bio/richardbona

Ludwig Afonso is a Cuban-born, Miami-raised jazz drummer known for his dynamic versatility and international acclaim. A graduate of the University of Miami, he holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Studio Music and Jazz Performance. Ludwig began his career performing with artists such as Maria Schneider, Bob Berg, Nestor Torres, and Ira Sullivan, and later moved to New York City in 2003, where he toured with Spyro Gyra and appeared on four Grammy-nominated albums. He has shared the stage and studio with a wide range of jazz greats including Joshua Redman, Chris Potter, Giovanni Hidalgo, Arturo Sandoval, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, and Richard Bona, among others. His global performance credits include major venues like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl, as well as premier festivals such as North Sea, Tokyo Jazz, Monterey, and San Francisco Jazz. In addition to his performance career, Ludwig is a passionate educator, having conducted workshops at institutions such as the University of Miami and Escuela Fernando Sor in Colombia.

Pianist and composer. Musical director Born in Havana. Graduated from the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory, Cuba, receiving outstanding classes from teachers such as Violeta Hemsy de Gainza, Jorge Luis Prats, Andrés Allen and Arturo O Farrill. His musical productions range from symphonic formats, jazz bands, chamber formats, jazz trios, solo piano and a wide spectrum of avant-garde electronic music. Due to their cinematographic projection, their works have been synchronized in multiple documentaries and premiered with the National Symphony Orchestra of the Washington Kennedy Center. He has worked with artists such as Danay Suárez, Romeo Santos, Gente de Zona, Carlos Varela, the Rhythm Portal Miami Project and at Premios lo Nuestro. His Album ''Nevando en la Habana'' is a journey of experiences and impressions that connect the Divine and the natural.