Orchestra Mambo International

What to expect

Orchestra Mambo International is a 13-piece Latin big band formed in late 2022 by salsa DJ Lubi Jovanovic (DJ Lubi) and trombonist/composer Jonny Enright (Grupo X).

The group brings together top musicians from Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba, Spain, Brazil, and the UK.

It celebrates the golden era of mambo, salsa dura, and Afro-Cuban jazz with fresh contemporary energy.

It draws inspiration from Tito Puente, Machito, Eddie Palmieri, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, and Tito Rodriguez, and has become a force on the UK Latin and jazz scenes.

The band has played Glastonbury, Leeds Jazz Festival, and Musicport, and sold out The Forge (London), Brudenell Social Club (Leeds), and Band on the Wall (Manchester).

It has released four acclaimed original mambo, Latin jazz, and cha cha singles, championed by Gilles Peterson, Huey Morgan, Craig Charles, Jamz Supernova, Don Letts, and Cerys Matthews.

Its debut album Apúntalo is out September 2026 on Loft Recordings and features all original compositions.

Lead vocalist Carlos Peña from Venezuela was formerly a featured singer with Oscar D'León's orchestra.

Guest appearances come from Cuban singer Claritzel Miyares; the acclaimed performer also tours internationally with Puerto Rican superstar Olga Tañón.