Cuban Singer-Songwriter Ronkalunga Releases "La Chiva" Album With Emilio Estefan and Debuts at The Fillmore Miami Beach

August 30, 2026

Cuban singer-songwriter Ronaldo Rodríguez Hernández, known professionally as Ronkalunga, has released his new album "La Chiva," produced alongside renowned producer Emilio Estefan at Crescent Moon Studios in Miami. The record, the artist has said, aims to preserve traditional Cuban genres such as changüí, son, trova and bolero while presenting them with a contemporary sound.

Born in Baracoa, in Guantánamo province, Ronkalunga has cited Beny Moré, Celia Cruz, Miguel Matamoros, Compay Segundo and the Buena Vista Social Club project as influences that shaped the album's rhythmic backbone and arrangements. "I sing to heal and to heal myself," he said of his creative philosophy, one built on a deliberately gradual career path rather than commercial shortcuts.

On August 21, 2026, Ronkalunga performed for the first time at The Fillmore Miami Beach, inside the historic Jackie Gleason Theater, in a show designed to keep the audience dancing all night. "I'm very happy to bring my show to the people of Miami," the singer-songwriter said of the performance.

The release of "La Chiva" comes shortly after Guatemalan singer Ricardo Arjona invited Ronkalunga to share the stage with him at Miami's Kaseya Center, a nod fans see as recognition of his growing impact within Latin music.