About

Ricardo Lemvo blends Afro-Cuban rhythms with pan-African styles like soukous, kizomba and semba and has earned praise from the Los Angeles Times as “seamless and infectious.” Originally from M’Banza-Kongo, Angola and raised in Congo-Kinshasa, Lemvo was introduced to Cuban music through a cousin's collection of vintage LPs. After moving to the U.S. to study law, he instead pursued his passion for music and formed his Los Angeles-based band Makina Loca in 1990. Lemvo sings in multiple languages (Spanish, Portuguese, Lingala and Kikongo) embodying the Afro-Latin diaspora. He has performed worldwide at festivals, nightclubs and performing arts centers, and his music has been recorded by artists like Joe Arroyo and Orquesta Revé. His acclaimed albums, including Mambo Yo Yo and Rumba Soy Yo, highlight his vibrant fusion of African and Cuban traditions.