About Afrekete

Afrekete – Australia’s Hub for Authentic Cuban Culture

Queensland’s premier community for genuine Cuban dance, music, art and storytelling. We bring together Australia’s top Cuban artists to create festivals and workshops that trace the journey from Africa’s rhythmic roots to today’s salsa.

The legend
Afrekete Inc. was founded in 2012 by Christina Monneron, Adrian Medina, and Israel Ortiz as a modest camp on Gumbaynggirr country; today, it’s an incorporated association (2022) linked with the Cultural Association of Cuban Heritage & Roots (NSW). The name “Afrekete” honours the Ocean Mother spirit of the Arara tradition from Benin and its connection to Yemaya/Mamiwata—African deities whose journey to Cuba gave rise to rumba, son, and salsa. We host vibrant Afro-Cuban festivals and intensive cultural events, provide authentic dance and music classes—especially in regional areas—and share the philosophy behind the rhythms, weaving together nature, self, and community.

What we do
We host vibrant Afro-Cuban festivals—like the flagship Afrekete Festival—and intensive cultural programs, deliver authentic dance and music classes (with a special focus on regional communities), and share the philosophy behind the rhythms, linking nature, self, and community into a cohesive cultural experience.

Our values
Afrekete is guided by our core values of Connection, Respect, Diversity, Intercultural Sharing, Deep Listening, and Community. – Connection, Respect, Diversity, Intercultural Sharing, Deep Listening, Community.

Vision & Mission
To be Australia’s leading gateway to Afro-Cuban culture, connecting people to nature, self, and community through movement and music.