HAVANA, Cuba.- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel congratulated this Wednesday the renowned Los Van Van Orchestra, on the occasion of its five decades of founding.

The group created by bassist, arranger and composer Juan Formell in 1969, reaches its half century with almost thirty records and important recognitions, as the Grammy Award in 2000 for his CD Van Van…  Arrived.

Songo rhythm, created by Formell together with Cesar “Pupy” Pedroso and Jose Luis Quintana “Changuito”, is the sonority that has distinguished the work of the orchestra, that have performed in several of the most significant stages of Cuba and the world.

Also known as The Train of Cuban Music, for many Los Van Van, currently directed by Samuel Formell, is one of the most important popular danceable music groups on the island.