UNFIT APAP Showcase

Experience the UNFIT Global Music Showcase at DROM—a vibrant celebration of global sounds, diversity, and musical discovery.

About the Artists:

Jonathan Ferr is a pianist, composer, filmmaker, fashion icon and dedicated consciousness raiser, a pioneering exponent of urban jazz in Brazil. He mixes hip-hop, r&b, candomblé ritual, Afro-futurism and the universal African spirits invoked by John Coltrane in A Love Supreme into paradigm-shifting compositions. Growing up in Madureira but discovering jazz in a Rio conservatory, he wondered why he was often the only Black person in jazz clubs. He answers this segregation with a fusion of symphonic African jazz and contemporary urban attitudes, lyrically and ritually extending the storytelling in his short films.

Branko is at the epicenter of contemporary Portuguese music. With his album Soma, João Barbosa (Branko) presents his versatile universe of musical composition, inviting musicians into the studio to add harmonies and melodies. For Soma, Branko traveled between Lisbon, London and Rio de Janeiro. Tracks include “Nuvem” (feat. BIAB), “Agenda” (feat. Bryte), “Found My Way” (feat. Carla Prata) and “Slide” (feat. Jay Prince). He brings musicians on stage to recreate the atmosphere of the album, performing across Portugal and international stages such as London, Amsterdam, Manchester, Berlin, Copenhagen and Gothenburg. Founder of Buraka Som Sistema and curator of festival line-ups and Club Atlas, Branko has been the focal point of an identity sound increasingly breaking down barriers.

Pahua is a Mexican producer, percussionist, vocalist and DJ that bridges alternative electronic and Latin rhythms. 15M+ streams, featured on Spotify and Amazon Music playlists, and Apple Music’s Arrullos Mexicanos Vol. 1. Member of the US and Latin Recording Academy, with 4 EPs, 1 LP on Nacional Records, and 20+ collaborations. She has toured Mexico and performed in New York, London, Lisbon, Madrid, Ibiza, Munich, São Paulo, Havana, Bogotá and Medellín. Coverage includes Colors, KEXP, Remezcla, NPR, BBC Radio 1Xtra, Radio 3, Shock, Indie Hoy, Indie Rocks! and Rolling Stone.

La Sra Tomasa created their own signature style by breaking musical boundaries and combining a range of different influences and genres in an innovative way. By skillfully merging electronic and live instruments, they offer a fusion of Latin flavored music - ranging from funk, reggae and hip hop to trap and drum ‘n bass – respecting the Latin musical traditions and infusing them with fresh new urban influences and electronic sounds. This explosive mix is what has helped them build a rapidly growing fanbase both locally in Barcelona, and internationally.​The aim of the project is to create something different and original, not only musically but visually as well (as they perform a group of 7 musicians onstage) in order to bring back the “soul” of live music which can sometimes get lost in some modern tracks.

Toronto-based group – The Battle of Santiago – combines classic Afro-Cuban rhythms and vocals with a distinctly Canadian art-rock spirit and sensibility. While Canada is well-known for its thriving indie rock and electronic scenes, the country is seldom thought of as a Latin music hotbed. Toronto hosts many thriving immigrant communities, including one of the largest Cuban expat communities in North America. The Battle of Santiago is strongly rooted in the city’s wealth of Cuban musical talent. The band’s recent release La Migra dives deep into Afro-Cuban waters, mixing Afro-Cuban Yoruba chants with subtle electronica and rumbas with post-rock experimentalism. The sound is more than just Radiohead meets Fela Kuti – there’s some cumbia tinged with dub anthemic Latin rock and even smooth funk.

Making Movies takes you on a psychedelic musical journey with an original sound Rolling Stone describes as “an eclectic blend of rumbero percussions, delicate organs and grungy fuzz rock.” Founded by Enrique Chi, the Latin Grammy-nominated band is the primary platform for Chi’s creative mission, interweaving cumbia, blues, salsa, soul and rock’n’roll into their own sound. The quartet has turned heads as a Tiny Desk newcomer, a voice for immigrant rights with “I Am Another You” (#3 Billboard Latin Pop Album), and co-writer with Rubén Blades on “No Te Calles.” In 2025, they will release the followup to XOPA and a live EP from Rocky Mountain Folks festival, while Chi produces AMERI’KANA TV, exploring an alternate history of American music.

About UNFIT Music

UNFIT is a global music multinational promoter, producer, and event management company dedicated to discovering, curating, and presenting the next wave of international artists. We believe in the power of music to cross borders, build community, and start the party. We connect vital, on-the-ground artists with the global stage.

The UNFIT Global Music Showcase is a two-tiered event built for discovery.

Industry Professionals: Access is free for all conference-badged attendees (APAP, ISPA, Jazz Congress, etc.). An RSVP is essential and guarantees one pass for both venues. Guest list space is limited. Secure your spot: Sign up (Free)

General Public: A very limited number of tickets are available to the public, offering a rare chance to see this international lineup in one night.

This is the one showcase that understands your time is valuable and your cultural palate is sharp. Don't miss the essential taster for the next wave of global music.

For more information or interview requests, please contact:

UNFIT Music: music@unfitmusic.com