Diplo and Kristof Konrad in rehearsalsKristof Konrad coached D.J. and Producer Diplo for his voice and physicality for Red Bull TV’s Diplo Presents: @LARGE. The series follows influential modern artists through their creative process as they make new large-scale public works. The whole learning experience was deeply appreciated by Diplo and the series producer, David Solomini.

On March 6th, the New York Times published an article in the Music-Arts section about Diplo and his free concert with his Caribbean-influenced electronic group, Major Lazer. “I know you’ve been waiting a long time for a party like this!” Diplo called out to an estimated 450,000 pulsating young Cubans at the waterfront plaza known as the José Martí Anti-Imperialist Platform in Havana.

This was Diplo in Cubathe first concert in Cuba by a major pop act from the United States since the reinstatement of diplomatic relations between the two countries in December 2014. Unlike the presumably pan-generational concert in Havana by the Rolling Stones later this month — days after President Obama becomes the first American president to visit in 88 years — this concert was very much oriented to youth culture.

Last month, Diplo won two Grammy Awards for his work with Jack Ü (a collaboration with the producer Skrillex), before setting off for Cuba, one of the few Caribbean nations where Major Lazer, with its reggaeton and dancehall influences, had yet to perform.

Bravo, Diplo!