Tumbao Experience Shares “Love Me Or Leave Me” in celebration of Nina Simone's Birthday

A legendary voice returns — re-imagined through Afro-Cuban jazz by the musical director of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club.

On February 20, Tumbao Experience releases “Love Me Or Leave Me”, featuring the original, unmistakable vocal performance of Nina Simone, re-imagined through a rich Afro-Cuban jazz arrangement created by Demetrio Muñiz of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club – listen here.

The project was developed in close collaboration with Dr. Samuel Waymon — Nina Simone’s brother, longtime musical collaborator and manager — who performed on more than ten of her albums, accepted her Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction on her behalf, and also contributes vocals to the track, singing with his sister as a duet. His involvement ensures that the integrity, spirit, and emotional truth of Simone’s work remain intact.

This release is not a remix, nor a reinterpretation through imitation. It is a cultural re-contextualization, allowing Simone’s voice — recorded decades ago — to resonate inside a rhythmical world deeply connected to the Afro-Cuban and jazz traditions that shaped 20th-century music.

“Nina always believed music should travel — across borders, across cultures, across generations. This project honors that belief while protecting the integrity of her voice,” said Dr. Samuel Waymon.

Under the musical direction of Demetrio Muñiz of the legendary Buena Vista Social Club, “Love Me Or Leave Me” becomes a dialogue between African-American musical heritage and the Afro-Cuban rhythmic continuum, a space where Nina Simone’s voice feels naturally at home.

The timing of the release is intentional. February, a month globally associated with Black history and cultural reflection, provides the perfect context to reintroduce Nina Simone’s voice not as nostalgia, but as a living cultural presence.

ABOUT TUMBAO EXPERIENCE:

The Tumbao Experience is a landmark collaboration that unites two musical worlds that have long admired each other — now brought together in one extraordinary project. For the first time, the performances of iconic American jazz legends — including Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Carmen McRae, Jimmy Scott and Joséphine Baker — are reimagined through the rhythm-rich lens of classic Latin and Afro-Cuban traditions.

At the helm is Demetrio Muñiz, the renowned musical director and arranger behind the Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban All Stars. His visionary leadership brings together a powerhouse ensemble of master musicians, including:

Moises Porro (Pablo Milanés, Herbie Hancock, Wynton Marsalis)
Ariel Bringuez (Chucho Valdés, Alejandro Sanz, Marcus Miller)
Yaure Muñiz (Afro-Cuban All Stars, Buena Vista Social Club)
and many more.

Together, they create a sound that is not a fusion, but a conversation — between jazz and son cubana, mambo and improvisation, swing and tumbao. This is music that honors heritage while boldly reshaping it. Elegant. Powerful. Timeless. Each track on Tumbao Experience is a journey — weaving the familiar melodies of jazz history with the vibrant heartbeat of Afro-Cuban rhythms.

The debut single features the legendary Nina Simone in a newly recorded Cuban version, enriched by a special guest appearance: her brother and lifelong musical collaborator, Dr. Samuel Waymon. An award-winning composer, pianist and singer who contributed to more than ten of Nina’s albums. His presence brings a deeply personal dimension to the track. Their sibling harmonies intensify the emotional resonance, creating a soul-stirring blend of voice and rhythm.
Samuel, who accepted Nina Simone’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on her behalf, also serves as the official spokesperson for the acclaimed Rolling Stone podcast on Nina Simone’s life and music. He will likewise represent the Tumbao Experience release — sharing the story behind the music and celebrating Nina’s enduring legacy.

Author Profile

Al Mega: I'm Al Mega the CEO of Comic Crusaders, CEO of the Undercover Capes Podcast Network, CEO of Geekery Magazine & Owner of Splintered Press (coming soon). I'm a fan of comics, cartoons and old school video games. Make sure to check out our podcasts/vidcasts and more!