By John Hood
For such a polyglot town, Miami’s a little short on ambassador types. Sure we’ve got a preponderance of people who can speak in a variety of languages (hence polyglot), but knowing the language of others is not same as being able to win friends.
Winning friends is a large part of what makes Cuci Amador such an asset to our town — and to our town’s place in the world-at-large. As the de facto face of Afrobeta, she’s front and center whenever the world arrives at the foot of one of Miami’s many stages, and no matter where they may come from, her and her co-conspirator Smurphio ensures each visitor leaves the venue — and this city — with a smile wide enough to bridge any divide. The same applies when Afrobeta takes to the road, wherever it may go, when Cuci serves as a de facto ambassador to the city she calls home.
That’s just what happened recently when Afrobeta crossed oceans for Ultra Music Fest’s first foray into Korea. And we can all be assured that’s just what will happen this Artwalk weekend, when Cuci plays Master of Ceremonies for Fordistas 10, a fundraiser put on by the great good folks at Product/81 in support of the great good cause championed by Autism Speaks.
Culture Designers got the gal to tell us a bit about UMF Korea, the latest on Afrobeta and why she and Smurphio spent 10 days holed up in La La Land.
Care to tell us a bit about UMF Korea?
It was amazing! We even heard a 3 oh 5 shoutout from the crowd!
How’d it differ from Miami?
It was hotter (if you can believe that). And they have a really great subway and private room karaoke. Getting lost in translation made every meal an adventure.
Any plans to make this an annual affair?
It would be an honor.
Word is you stopped off in LA between Asia and the MIA — what was that all about?
Yep! We’ve been in LA for 10 days recording new tracks with producer Andrew Dawson.
Any idea when those tracks might rack?
Soon! Sharing is caring.
Run into any Miami exiles while you were in La La Land?
Yes! Nabedi Osorio of The State Of and Romina Rey who edited our video for “Nighttime”.
How they faring out there?
Miami is a great balance of LA + East Coast cool, so Miamians are right at home here.
Nabedi wasn’t the only former Floridian you encountered, was she?
Nope. We also saw the ultimate wave shredder Kelly Slater surfing live in our eye-line in Malibu.
Wow! Are you ready to soundtrack his next surf film?
UM YES def! With guitars!
What’s your role in Fordistas Autism Speaks event?
I’m going to be the master of ceremonies.
Is this a cause you’ve championed before?
This is my first opportunity to work with this cause.
How’d this hosting all come about anyway?
Haha Alex and Bibi of Product 81 are great friends and they know I have a big mouth. We love to work on ideas together.
P/81 is just one of three things you’ve got popping this weekend, right?
U right! We are arriving Thursday for Fashion’s Night Out in the Design District and after our Artwalk event at Yo <3 305, we are playing at The Stage.
Aren’t you also playing some kinda anniversary party early next week?
Oh yeah, only the 10th anniversary of the dopest Funk soul Latin Horn-tootin band in Miami – Suenalo!
What else is on tap for September?
We have some touring dates in Miami and Ft. Lauderdale with two great outta-towners– French Horn Rebellion and Auto Body.
Can fans expect to hear some new tunes any time soon?
Yes, yes and yes. At the end of this month we’ll be dropping the Tiny and Crusty mixtape. Stay tuned!
Fordistas 10: A Fundraiser for Autism Speaks, features the art of Kevin Murray, the music of The Hongs, the sweets of Real Sorbet and the charm of Cuci Amador. For more information log on here.
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