At the heart of this Barcelona‑based all‑female sextet’s music is a next-gen version of rumba catalana, an addictive flamenco, Afro-Cuban, traditional music and rock fusion born post WW2 in Romani communities and introduced to global audiences in the 1990s by The Gipsy Kings.

Maruja Limón honours a rich tradition while bringing the genre into the 21st century, pairing joyful rhythms and virtuosic musicianship with often sly, humorous lyrical observations that swing between emotion and irony, celebration and statement.

While the band has resisted telling audiences what the name means, “Maruja” is translated as an affectionate diminutive of Maria. So “Maruja Limón” can be understood as something like “zesty little Maria.” Zesty is probably an understatement. Six musicians, blazing vocals, driving percussion, trumpet and bass with flamenco guitar playfully thread it all together create irresistible grooves.

- Shereen Samuels