Orchestra Mambo International

Good to know

Orchestra Mambo International is a powerhouse 13-piece Latin big band formed in late 2022 by salsa DJ Lubi Jovanovic (DJ Lubi) and trombonist/composer Jonny Enright (Grupo X). Bringing together top musicians from across Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Brazil, and the UK, the group celebrates the golden era of mambo, salsa dura, and Afro-Cuban jazz, while delivering it with a fresh, contemporary energy. Drawing inspiration from Latin music legends Tito Puente, Machito, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, and Tito Rodriguez, OMI have quickly become a force on the UK Latin and jazz scenes. Their thrilling live shows have lit up festivals such as Glastonbury, Leeds Jazz Festival, and Musicport, and sold out venues including The Forge (London), Brudenell Social Club (Leeds), and Band on the Wall (Manchester). They also featured in a celebrated BBC 6 Music session for Cerys Matthews at the legendary Maida Vale Studios. Individual members have performed with a diverse range of international stars, including Joe Bataan, Jimmy Sabater, Tito Allen, Adalberto Santiago, Elbow, Gregory Isaacs, Corinne Bailey-Rae, The New Mastersounds, Julian Lennon, and Fairground Attraction, reflecting the band’s outstanding musical pedigree and stylistic breadth. Following four acclaimed single releases of original mambo, Latin jazz, and cha cha – championed by Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Craig Charles, Jamz Supernova, Don Letts, and Cerys Matthews, alongside airplay from Jazz FM, One Jazz, and Worldwide FM – the band now step forward with their debut album Apúntalo, out September 2026 on Loft Recordings. Featuring all original compositions, the album showcases the group’s dynamic sound with lead vocalist Carlos Peña from Venezuela, formerly a featured singer with Oscar D’León’s orchestra, and guest appearances from Cuban singer Claritzel Miyares, an acclaimed performer who also tours internationally with Puerto Rican superstar Olga Tañón. Orchestra Mambo International bring together exciting up-and-coming musicians such as Olivia Cuttill (trumpet) and Gustavo Andrade (baritone sax) with experienced Latin players including Jimmy Le Messurier (timbales) and Andrzej Baranek (piano), creating a vibrant blend of youthful energy and seasoned authenticity. The band continue their mission to bring the fire and sophistication of classic mambo to a new generation of UK listeners – not only from the salsa dance floor, but from the wider worlds of jazz, funk, and global music.