Saturday Night Special — September 6, 2025
Cubismo
Croatia's legendary salsa band brings authentic Cuban energy to Terra Magica. A live concert experience you won't forget.
About the Band
Founded in 1995 in Zagreb, Cubismo is named after jazz trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie's composition "Cu-bi Cu-bop" — one of the first fusions of Afro-Cuban rhythms with jazz. The name connects to Cuba, the spiritual home of their music.
The band's members come from Croatia, Slovenia, Cuba, and Ecuador, bringing a truly multicultural perspective to their sound. Their music blends salsa, Latin jazz, and Afro-Cuban rhythms with influences from hip-hop, funk, and rock.
Cubismo is widely recognized as the leading salsa and Latin jazz group in Croatia and this part of Europe. Their live performances are legendary — filled with enormous positive energy that moves audiences to swing and dance.
Notable Collaborations
Buena Vista Social Club
Their album Motivo Cubano was recorded in Cuba with members of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, placing Cubismo among the elite of Latin music.
Yolanda Duke
The renowned singer from the Tito Puente Orchestra appeared as a guest on their album Viva la Habana.
Nelson Hernandez
Ongoing cooperation with one of the best salsa arrangers and producers in the USA.
Croatian Legends
Collaborated with Josipa Lisac, Gabi Novak, Oliver Dragojević, Vlada Divljan (Idoli), Kočani Orkestar, and Šaban Bajramović.
Awards & Recognition
Porin Awards
Croatian "Grammy" — most awarded band in history
- 21 Porin Awards — most awarded band in Porin history
- 35+ Porin nominations
- Record 13 nominations for one album (Motivo Cubano, 2001)
- Record 7 Porin Awards in one year (Junglesalsa, 2003)
Discography
6 albums released, majority internationally distributed.
- • Cubismo (1997)
- • Motivo Cubano (2001)
- • Viva la Habana (2002)
- • Junglesalsa (2003)
- • Live in Lisinski (DVD)
- • Additional internationally distributed releases
Band Members
A multicultural ensemble of world-class musicians.
- • Hrvoje "Cacique" Rupčić — Congas, Vocals
- • Ricardo Luque — Lead Vocals
- • Davor Križić — Trumpet
- • Nenad Grahovac — Trombone, Vocals
- • Mario Igrec — Guitar
- • Mario Penton Hernandez — Piano, Vocals
- • Krešimir Tomec — Bass Guitar
- • Zdravko "Barba" Tabain — Drums, Timbales
- • Mladen Ilić — Bongos
Cubismo at Terra Magica
There is nothing quite like dancing salsa under the stars in a Croatian vineyard, with the region's most celebrated Latin band playing live. Cubismo's energy, musicianship, and decades of experience make them the perfect centerpiece for our Saturday night gala.
The live concert is included with every Full Pass. This is not a DJ set — this is a full live salsa concert that will have you on your feet all night.
Get Your Pass