Ahmed Dickinson and the guitar world of Maria Camahort

Ahmed Dickinson is one of the finest performers of the Cuban Guitar Movement. He is a sophisticated virtuoso on his instrument and an ambassador of Cuban culture. Since graduating from both the Royal College and Guildhall School of Music and Drama he has performed in prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, toured extensively around Europe, presented innumerable UK premieres, and released several critically acclaimed recordings.

Over the last 15 years, Ahmed has established a successful career in the UK, whilst maintaining a performance profile and strong links with Cuba.

Dickinson Cardenas is widely recognised as an ambassador both for the music and musicians of his native country. In 2008, Ahmed founded Cubafilin Records – a record label dedicated to the exclusive promotion of Cuban musicians and their original works. For nearly ten years, Dickinson Cardenas enjoyed the great privilege of collaborating with the prolific late guitarist and composer - Jose Antonio (Ñico) Rojas. Ahmed transcribed Rojas' extensive unpublished works during this period, and subsequent performances and recording earned two prizes at the Cubadisco Awards 2009, Best Instrumental Soloist & Best Instrumental Album. The same album was nominated for Best Artist & Best Newcomer in Songlines World Music Magazine, and Best Album & Best Single at the Latin American Music Awards UK.

Passionate in his collaboration with other artists, Ahmed has released seven albums. In his concert at the Clothworkers Centenary Concert Hall in Leeds, Ahmed will play pieces inspired by the world of Maria Camahort. Dickinson Cardenas will play the following songs Alba Nova, Ponent, Avenir, Agua Pura, Changó, Abril, Oshun, Marzo and Elegguá. For example, the song Alba Nova was composed for a guitar solo during the lockdown period of Covid-19. The title expresses the search for hope in that uncertain period and the sonorities of the song are always trying to reflect light, positivity and determination.