Yelfris Valdés

Cuban Trumpet Player | Composer | Innovator

Yelfris Valdés is an internationally acclaimed Cuban trumpet player, composer, and bandleader, celebrated for his distinctive sound that fuses Afro-Cuban traditions, jazz, and cutting edge electronic music. His powerful tone and agile improvisation have made him one of the most sought after trumpeters of his generation.

Starting his musical journey in Cuba, Yelfris performed and toured globally from the age of 16, collaborating with icons such as Buena Vista Social Club, Omara Portuondo, Roberto Fonseca, and Chucho Valdés. As a member of Sierra Maestra, he honed the deep rhythmic language of Cuban Son, contributing to their Grammy nominated album in 2010 “Son, Soul of a Nation”

Since moving to London in 2014, Yelfris has established himself as a key figure in the UK and European jazz scenes. His trumpet can be heard alongside a diverse range of international artists, including Madonna, Michael Kiwanuka, Paul Simonon (The Clash), Damon Albarn (Gorillaz, Blur), Yussef Kamaal, Yussef Dayes, Kano, Nubya Garcia, Charlie Hunter, Billy Harper, Afrocubism,  Dele Sosimi, Ariwo, and Carlos Acosta “Cubania”

Yelfris is a creative force both on and off the stage:

In 2024, he produced, arranged, orchestrated, and composed original music as bandleader for the first ever Tropicana show in London, “Paradise Under the Stars”, which has quickly become one of the best nights out in the city.

His debut album For The Ones (2019) was nominated for Jazz FM Breakthrough Act of the Year and is widely praised for its hypnotic blend of Cuban rhythms and Nu-Electronica.

His follow-up project For The Ones Remixed (2020) connected him with influential producers from the UK and New York’s electronic scenes.

He directed the Afrocubism Revisited project in conjunction with World Circuit’s Nick Gold, performing with West African legends Bassekou Kouyate and Sekou Keita. He was part of the acclaimed West End production Get Up Stand Up: The Bob Marley Musical in 2022. 

Throughout 2024 and 2025, he has toured extensively as a key member of Tom Odell’s international band, performing over 150 shows worldwide, while sharing stages with icons such as Billie Eilish, The Lumineers, The Scissor Sisters, and many more…

While touring internationally and collaborating with leading artists across Jazz, Pop Afrobeat, and Electronica, Yelfris is currently preparing his next original album for 2026, promising a deeper exploration of Afro Cuban rhythms blended with cinematic electronica and hypnotic textures.

As a Schilke Artist, Yelfris finds the perfect balance between precision, warmth, and versatility in his instruments, which are essential qualities to his genre crossing sound and dynamic performances.

Website: www.yelfris.com

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