Prince Edward Island-based Latin ensemble aims to connect audiences worldwide through rhythm, dance and cultural exchange
Prince Edward Island Latin music group Montuno Cubano has released its latest single, “Baila Mi Guaracha,” a vibrant new track that blends traditional Cuban musical influences with a message of global unity, as the band prepares for a busy summer schedule of performances across Canada.
Led by Santiago de Cuba-born songwriter, singer and requinto player Jorge Luis Peña Acosta, the new release draws inspiration from the energetic Cuban guaracha tradition, a genre known for its lively rhythms, spirited vocals and strong connection to dance culture. The single arrives as Montuno Cubano builds on the momentum generated by its debut album, Frágil de Cristal, released in October 2025.
A song shaped by international experiences
According to Peña, the origins of “Baila Mi Guaracha” stretch back to his time performing in Spain before he later settled in Canada. While the song was initially conceived overseas, it gained new meaning after his move to Prince Edward Island, prompting him to revisit and re-record the track with a broader audience in mind.
“The world is changing, so I changed the song and recorded it again to engage people living in today’s world,” Peña says.
The updated version transforms what began as a regional dance tune into a more universal musical statement, emphasizing shared experiences through music regardless of nationality, language or culture.
The track was recorded at Crabbe Road Productions in Prince Edward Island, where producer Sergey Varlamov worked closely with Peña to refine the song’s audience-focused approach. Together, they introduced an interactive “¡Guaracha!” call-and-response section intended to encourage participation during live performances.
The production team also incorporated references to different countries throughout the song, reinforcing its central theme that music can serve as a common language across borders.
Music as a source of optimism
For Peña, the song’s message reflects both personal experience and a broader outlook on life.
“People are always asking me about my family in Cuba and how they are doing,” he explains. “Music and dance have always helped people through difficult times. That is true in Cuba, and it is true everywhere.”
Peña says the project is rooted in optimism and the belief that music can help bring people together during challenging times. He often summarizes that perspective through a phrase that highlights the linguistic connection between the English and Spanish words for optimism, choosing what he describes as optimismo over pesimismo.
The artist’s journey from Cuba to Canada has played a significant role in shaping Montuno Cubano’s identity. Raised on a coffee plantation in the mountains outside Santiago de Cuba, Peña developed a deep connection to traditional Cuban music before eventually making Prince Edward Island his home.
Today, as a Permanent Resident of Canada, he has built Montuno Cubano into a project that bridges Cuban musical traditions and Maritime culture. The band’s repertoire incorporates styles including salsa, bolero son and guaracha while maintaining strong ties to both its Caribbean roots and Canadian base.
Building on the success of ‘Frágil de Cristal’
The release of “Baila Mi Guaracha” follows growing recognition for Montuno Cubano’s debut album, Frágil de Cristal. The record attracted coverage from several Canadian music publications and introduced listeners to the close vocal harmonies shared by Jorge and his brother, who have performed together for 25 years as Hermanos Peña.
On the new single, Peña and Varlamov took an unusually hands-on approach to the recording process. Every instrument featured on the track was performed by the two collaborators, creating a tightly coordinated production that reflects their shared creative vision.
Summer tour brings Latin rhythms across Canada
The launch of the new single coincides with a series of performances that will take Montuno Cubano to audiences across Ontario, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
Upcoming appearances include headline performances at Stratford Summer Music and Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre, along with additional stops in Toronto, Kensington, Charlottetown, Sussex and Summerside.
For Peña, the goal of the song remains simple and universal.
“If the song gets people dancing and smiling, and they know people in other countries are enjoying that same positive experience, then it has done exactly what I hoped it would do,” Peña says. “We want to live in a happy world.”
Upcoming Tour Dates
- July 11 – Stratford Summer Music, Music Barge, Stratford, Ontario
- July 12 – Summer Music in the Garden, Harbourfront Centre, Toronto, Ontario
- July 14 – Drom Taberna, Queen West, Toronto, Ontario
- July 21 – New Glasgow Resort, New Glasgow, Prince Edward Island
- July 27 – Kensington Rail Station, Kensington, Prince Edward Island
- September 2 – “Montuno Cubano: Bringing the Heat of Latin Music,” The Guild, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- September 11 – “The Taste of Tantramar,” Levee on the Lake, Sussex, New Brunswick
- October 10 – “Montuno Cubano: Cuban Soul, Maritime Spirit,” Scott MacAulay Theatre, College of Piping, Summerside, Prince Edward Island