
PAUZA bring the heart and heat of Cuba to FLAMENCA Records
Hailing from Havana, Cuban duo PAUZA – Paula ‘Pau’ Fernandez and Zahira ‘Zahi’ Sanchez – have been critically acclaimed by the likes of Rolling Stone, LA Times, NYLON, Vice and DJ Mag LATAM. Infusing their work with Latin rhythms and Cuban sentiments the duo, Cuba’s first female DJ pairing, see their music as a natural and vibrant extension of the lifestyle they live every day on the island.
PAUZA’s latest outing is a brand-new remix of STBAN and Sandra Carrasco’s new single ‘PLAZA DE GLORIA’ on FLAMENCA Records. Leaning into a similar ideology of sharing the traditional music and folkloric styles of their homeland through modern electronica, the pair were always going to be a natural fit for STBAN’s FLAMENCA project, which aims to bring the rich heritage and sounds of flamenco culture to a new generation via the vector of dance music.
With their star very firmly on the rise, not least thanks to a mind-blowing set at Ibiza’s latest superclub UNVRS under the watchful eye of Mr Carl Cox, I House U thought it high time was sat down with the pair to learn more about what makes them tick…
IHU: You say your music represents the Cuban lifestyle. What makes that lifestyle so special?
PAUZA: The Cuban lifestyle is a mix of resilience, joy, tradition, and rhythm. It’s in the way people move, express themselves, gather, dance, and survive. There is always improvisation and warmth. Our music aims to capture that spirit: sensual, earthy, ancestral, and at the same time, electronic and contemporary. That vibrant energy is what makes Cuba unique.
IHU: What is the music scene like in Cuba? If we’re visiting, where would you recommend we go to hear good Cuban House and also traditional Cuban music?
PAUZA: The electronic scene is growing slowly, but with a lot of heart. For Afro House or Cuban House, there are events in alternative spaces in Havana: rooftops, private venues, and cultural centers like Fábrica de Arte Cubano. For traditional music, Casa de la Música, La Peña del Benny Moré, or La Zorra y el Cuervo are classics. The best way is to connect with local artists — that’s where the magic is.
IHU: How do you translate the island’s inspiration into your music?
PAUZA: We use Cuban percussion, Yoruba chants, and even street sounds. The rhythm of the island is unique, and we try to bring that into our productions. But beyond the sounds, it’s the energy: we make music that feels like a ritual, a celebration. Cuba is our constant sample library.
IHU: For you, what’s the difference between Cuban House and Latin House?
PAUZA: Latin House tends to draw more from salsa, cumbia, reggaetón, or other Latin American genres. Cuban House, on the other hand, is more connected to Afro-Cuban spirituality and drum-based rhythms. It’s more ceremonial, deeper. We want that Afro heritage to be present in every beat.
IHU: You’re among the few Cuban women DJs to break into the international scene. Is your success inspiring more women to enter the scene, or is it still a male-dominated space?
PAUZA: It’s still a male-dominated space, but there’s change. More and more Cuban girls believe they can DJ, produce, and tour. Visibility matters. When they see us out there, they realize it’s possible. We’re happy to be part of that change.
IHU: Which Cuban artists outside of house music inspire you?
PAUZA: From the classics to the contemporary: Beny Moré, Celia Cruz, Los Van Van, Síntesis, Daymé Arocena, Kelvis Ochoa, Interactivo… Cuban music is an endless source of inspiration.
IHU: What has been your favourite party in the world and why?
PAUZA: That’s a tough one! But probably Bahidorá Festival in Mexico — beautiful energy and an amazing crowd. Also, some parties in Ibiza, like UNVRs where we recently played with Carl Cox. But honestly, anywhere we feel a real connection with the crowd becomes special.
IHU: FLAMENCA invited you to remix STBAN’s track “Plaza De Gloria.” What drew you to the song?
PAUZA: We loved the idea and the emotional tone. It had a nostalgic vibe that really resonated with us. It was the perfect canvas to add Afro-Cuban elements and take it to a more tribal, groovy space.
IHU: How did you approach the remix, and how is it different from the original?
PAUZA: We took the vocal and melodic base from the original and added more congas, Yoruba drums, and a deeper bassline. The remix has a beautiful energy. It’s for the dancefloor, but it also has soul.
IHU: What’s next for you?
PAUZA: Summer 2025 is packed: shows all over Europe, new releases. We’re also preparing a short course for DJs and producers called “How to internationalize your career.” We want to share what we’ve learned with the next generation.