Cimafest Returns to Miami With Two Days of Funk at ZeyZey

Cimafunk y La Tribu returns to Miami with his super-funky, self-curated music festival, Cimafest. The two-day event, taking place February 14 and 15 at ZeyZey, will feature an eclectic lineup of bands, DJ sets, and dance workshops.

In an era where live performances often feel like extensions of the streaming economy, Cimafunk recalls a time when the show was an art form itself. Since his 2017 hit single “Me Voy,” Cimafunk has electrified stages around the world, earning praise ranging from “must-see performer” to “some truly life-changing, James Brown-level shit!”

The success of Cimafest is not measured by star power. “The meaning of this thing is to give a really good show, enjoy the show, and to grow as a community,” Cimafunk tells New Times. Between the costumes and funky theatrics, Cimafest prioritizes communal release. “It’s a ritual. It’s an African thing. Getting your mind into some place where you are no longer by yourself, you are part of something, part of the groove. And that’s really healing,” he says.

This year, the festival promises a deeper fusion of electronic sounds, featuring Hong Kong DJ Gia Fu, known for her Afro-Latin, salsa, and Asian-influenced mixes, alongside New York City DJ Blu DeTiger, known for her high-energy live sets and genre-blurring performances. For those worried about their dance moves, the festival will also host on-site dance workshops led by Salsa Z and Cuban dancer Los Datway.

Joining Sunday’s set is Puerto Rican duo Buscabulla, who reached supernova status following their collaboration with Bad Bunny on Un Verano Sin Ti. Speaking with New Times, the band shared their excitement to perform new songs from their “unapologetically Latin love” album, Se Amaba Así. “We’ve been a band for 10 years. It’s really cool to showcase what our hits have been and how they sort of intersect with this new record, which is introspective but also unapologetically Latin. I think you guys are going to see that more romantic Latin side but also dancey,” says Raquel Berrios from Buscabulla. 

Each night will conclude with a signature Funky Cuban jam, led by Cimafunk himself, featuring acclaimed Cuban percussionist Yissy Garcia and virtuoso Cuban pianist Victor Campbell.

Cimafest.Noon to late, Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15, at ZeyZey, 353 NE 61st St., Miami; Tickets on sale now. Prices vary.