Rumbaristas – Malabares:
a vibrant musical fusion
A breeze from the South and the Balkans is blowing through La Sala Rossa in Montreal
July 10, 2025
As part of their very first Canadian tour, the European group Rumbaristas arrives in Montreal for a vibrant and festive concert celebrating the sounds of the world. The band invites audiences to a joyful, inclusive, and socially engaged musical celebration—a true bridge between cultures. Presented as part of the Norté Tropical series by Traquen’Art, the quartet will showcase their albums Rumbaristas and Malabares on Thursday, July 17 at 8 pm. at the legendary Sala Rossa in Mile End, with Cumbia Control opening the evening.
This evening promises a total immersion in a world where celebration, diversity, and freedom take centre stage.
A bold and vibrant musical fusion
Formed in 2016 in Tournai, Belgium, Rumbaristas is the result of a passionate meeting around the shared roots of Catalan rumba and Balkan brass bands. The group brings together Willy Fuego (vocals, guitar – Spain), Thomas Morzewski, aka Don Tomasino (trumpet, keyboards – France/Italy), Tomas De Smet (bass – Belgium), and Roel Poriau (drums, percussion – Belgium).
From its inception, Rumbaristas set out to fuse the musical traditions of Southern and Central Europe, placing Catalan rumba—rooted in the Gypsy communities of Barcelona—at the heart of their identity. The group doesn’t stop at rumba: they incorporate elements of Balkan and Latin American music, offering audiences a journey through genres and exhilarating rhythms. On stage, the quartet’s infectious energy, carried by lyrics that explore travel stories, social reflections, and personal tales, invites both celebration and contemplation. Their inclusive approach aims to bring people together, regardless of background, and to build bridges between cultures through music.
Together, they embody the spirit of European musical fusion, skillfully blending Catalan rumba with Balkan music, Sicilian tarantella, ska, reggae, and cumbia. Their bold signature sound—described as “international rumba” or “new wave mestizo”—is built on rich instrumentation: acoustic guitars, percussion, brass, and keyboards intertwine to create a festive, danceable atmosphere.
Rumbaristas • Photo: Anthony Henry
Thanks to their electrifying stage presence and message of freedom, Rumbaristas have won over audiences at major festivals across Europe, including Sziget and Budapest Ritmo in Hungary, WOMAD and La Linea – London Latin Music Festival in the UK, and Couleur Café in Belgium. Their reputation as a festive and socially engaged band is well established.
Rumbaristas already have two major albums to their name. Their self-titled debut, Rumbaristas (2019, Via Lactae Vzw), produced by David Bourguignon (formerly of Manu Chao), laid the foundation for their effervescent, genre-blending rumba and opened the doors to stages across Europe. Their second album, Malabares (2023, Mamita Records), produced by Sergio Mendoza (Calexico, Orkesta Mendoza), confirms their talent and originality, featuring prestigious guests such as Majid Fahem (Manu Chao) and Joan Garriga (La Troba Kung-Fú). These albums demonstrate their ability to blend diverse influences and create music that is both socially conscious and universally appealing.
A must-see event
The July 17, 2025, concert at Sala Rossa promises to be one of the highlights of Montreal’s summer. Rumbaristas will bring their vibrant musical world and infectious joie de vivre to the stage, inviting the audience to dance, sing, and celebrate diversity. Whether you’re a fan of musical journeys or simply curious to discover something new, this evening will transport you to the heart of a borderless celebration, where music unites and sets you free.
Willy Fuego: guitar and vocals
Thomas Morzewski (Don Tomasino): trumpet, keyboards, accordion
Tomas De Smet: bass and vocals
Roel Poriau: drums and percussion
CANADIAN TOUR – JULY 2025
July 10 – Le Trou du Diable
Shawinigan, QC, 8 pm.
July 12 – Zones musicales, Berge des Baigneurs
Laval, QC, 7:30 pm.
July 15 – Aux Mardis du Monde
Pointe-Gatineau, QC, 7:30 pm.
July 17 – La Sala Rossa (Norté Tropical Series)
Montreal, QC, 8 pm.
July 19–20 – Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Jericho Beach Park
Vancouver, BC (multiple performances across the weekend)
Rumbaristas – Malabares
Sala Rosa
4848 St-Laurent Blvd.
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm. | Show at 8 pm.
Feature image: Vialactea Records
