As a DancePapi.com reader, you care about dance steps and about the music that makes them possible. It is the inspired work of talented musicians that allows us to express ourselves through dance and, thankfully, those artists continue to produce excellent material for our enjoyment. Following are three recent releases that we know you’ll enjoy, whether you are a dancer or a percussionist.

Richard Bona & Mandekan Cubano
Heritage
(Qwest Records, 2016)

Musician extraordinaire Richard Bona is originally from Cameroon. Heritage is his eighth album, but his first in collaboration with the Cuban band Mandekan Cubano. This is a riveting recording that traces the roots of Cuban music back to Africa. At least six of its tracks are ready for the dance floor, there are two cha-chas in the mix, and the rest of the tunes, like the lovely and soft “Matanga,” are a gift to your senses. You can listen to a bit of each song on Quest Records’ Soundcloud by following this link, and you can buy your favorite tracks from iTunes here or directly from the artist’s website – www.richard-bona.com

Additionally, you may want to check out a live performance during Bona’s upcoming US Tour, which will take him to:

Boston, MA, (Sculler’s) – Sept 2nd

Washington, DC, (Howard Theatre) – Sept 6th

New York City, NY (Bonafide) – Sept 9th & 10th

Los Angeles, CA (Catalina’s) – Sept 13th & 14th

Monterey, CA (Monterey Jazz Festival) – Sept 16th

Seattle, WA (Jazz Alley) – Sept 20th & 21th