Madrid is set to host a vibrant array of cultural events that celebrate the rich legacy of the African continent, focusing on three key elements: music, visual arts, and documentary film. These activities promise to cater to a diverse audience, offering unique experiences throughout the week.

The festivities commence on Sunday with an outdoor concert featuring the Habana Madrid Sax ensemble. Their performance will blend jazz with the soulful rhythms of Afro-Cuban music, creating an enchanting atmosphere in Hortaleza.

Throughout the week and extending until August 31, the Museum of Anthropology will showcase an exhibition by African American artist Ayana V. Jackson. Her work delves into themes of race and gender, spotlighting the museum's evolving narrative as it marks its 150th anniversary. Film enthusiasts can enjoy a screening of a documentary that chronicles the journey of two cyclists who endeavor to spread cinema across Africa on their bicycles.

Continuing the discourse on contemporary life, Chilean journalist and writer Cristian Alarcón will share his experiences at the Charlas con altura session held at the Faro de Moncloa. Lastly, the Ritornello Orchestra invites participants to immerse themselves in a hands-on experience, allowing aspiring conductors to step into the role of orchestra director.

Afro-Cuban Music in the Open Air

The sounds of Afro-Cuban music, which includes genres such as rumba and punto cubano—both recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage—will resonate on Sunday through the Habana Madrid Sax project. This ensemble, comprising Cuban and Spanish musicians, presents these rhythms through a jazz lens, incorporating Afro-Cuban percussion and wind instruments. The fusion of styles ensures an unforgettable experience for attendees.

Members of Habana Madrid Sax include Roberto Nieva on soprano saxophone, Román Filiú on alto saxophone, Sergio Bienzobas on baritone saxophone, César Filiú on tenor saxophone, and Jesús Catalá handling percussion and vocals.

Exploring African Diaspora Through Photography

The Museum of Anthropology is celebrating its anniversary with a provocative exhibition by artist Ayana V. Jackson. Collaborating with the PHotoESPAÑA festival, Jackson's display features unpublished photographs, garments, paintings, and an extensive visual installation. Her work critiques racial stereotypes perpetuated by colonialism, persisting into modern times.

The exhibition, titled Nosce te ipsum: Membrum Fantasma, symbolizes the museum's new direction, which diverges from its traditional roots. Jackson's artistic perspective on race and gender, captured through the elegance of her photography, reflects the institution's ongoing transformation.

Become an Orchestra Conductor With No Experience Required

No prior music education or formal title is needed to lead a group of 20 musicians in the interactive experience offered by the Ritornello Orchestra. This initiative, which has toured various Madrid districts, aims to break the barrier between musicians and the audience. A brief introductory session on conducting techniques precedes the event.

The musical selections for the upcoming gathering, held in Ciudad Lineal, will allow attendees to experience the thrill and responsibility of conducting such a substantial ensemble. Originating from former professors and students of the Montserrat Caballé Conservatory in Arganda del Rey, the Ritornello Orchestra has been promoting music enjoyment and education for over a decade in southeastern Madrid.

A Discourse on Masculinities

The latest edition of Charlas con altura, a series of discussions with cultural figures, is set to ignite debates on current global issues at the Faro de Moncloa. Monday's guest is Chilean Cristian Alarcón, an esteemed writer and journalist, who will tackle topics such as the intersection of science fiction and capitalism and the dominant masculinities shaping concepts of power.

Alarcón, a leading figure in Latin American storytelling and recipient of the Alfaguara Novel Prize for El tercer paraíso, will guide attendees through reflections on the new world order, examining its contradictions and complexities. The session will include sign language interpretation, and prior registration is required for all participants.

Pedal-Powered Cinema Across Africa

A decade ago, cinema enthusiasts Isabel Segura and Carmelo López embarked on a journey from Spain to Africa, realizing a long-held vision of theirs. Their mission was to bring films to remote areas of Africa, some lacking electricity. This was made possible by the cinecicleta, a device generating electricity through pedaling, sufficient to project films.

Their adventure inspired the documentary África en Cinecicleta, produced by TCM (Turner Classic Movies), available for viewing on Friday in Villa de Vallecas. Attendees must pedal in 10-minute shifts to power the projection equipment. After the film, the protagonists will engage in a discussion with the audience, inviting inquiries and dialogue following this epic journey across a frequently overlooked continent.

Collage Against 'Horror Vacui'

The realms of fashion, femininity, and mass consumption are explored through collage by artist Carmen Figaredo. Society's Horror Vacui is portrayed through her art. Figaredo will open her Madrid studio doors on May 31 and June 1 to showcase her recent works, featuring magazine clippings and other media.

Having earned her degree in Fine Arts from the Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Figaredo's passion for photography led her to study at the International Center of Photography in New York, where she began experimenting with collage. Her works focus on the image of women, fashion, and mass media as starting points. The open studio will be located on Calle del Elfo, 124, welcoming visitors from 11:00 to 18:00.