If neon light magically shifted form to become music, it would sounds like Afrobeta -- Miami's infectious electro pop duo Christy "Cuci" Amador and Tony "Smurphio" Laurencio. The two have been spreading their dance-y syncopated sound on stages here at home and as far away as Ibiza.
HuffPost Miami spoke with front woman Cuci Amador about what caused her to spontaneously breakdance in the parking lot of Versailles.
Who are you: Cuci Amador
Years in Miami: 20-plus
Favorite childhood memory in Miami?
All the lights at Santa's Enchanted Forest and going upside down in the Doppel Looper at the Youth Fair.
Current neighborhood: Little Havana
Current gig: Interpretive dancer, vocalist and songwriter for Afrobeta
Favorite 'Only in Miami' moment?
Celebrating the Heat championship with at an impromptu breakdancing circle in the parking lot at Versailles to the beat of pots and pans.
What's your idea of a perfect day in Miami?
No traffic on the highway, 0% humidity, toes in the sand. And I didn't even have to use my AK. Today was a good day.
395 or 195?
395 for the view at night. 195 for the view during the day.
Where do you take out-of-towners visiting Miami?
Wynwood and the Everglades.
How would you describe Afrobeta's sound?
Fun, fresh funk
Who are your musical influences?
Freddie Mercury, Tori Amos, Björk and Celia Cruz.
Where's the best place to dance in Miami?
I like dancing in unexpected places when the music moves me. Like Adelita's Cafe. For club dancing, I like Electric Pickle and Grand Central.
Which Miami musician or band deserves more attention?
The Hongs just put out an amazing self-titled EP that is on repeat in my car. (Listen here.)
What are you listening to these days?
The new Big Boi album and The Helio Sequence.
What's the best gig you ever played locally?
Ultra. No doubt.
Last big project you did:
Still in progress is an amorphous music experiment called Beatmachines. It's all inclusive, live improvised music.
Upcoming projects you're working on:
A collaboration with the legendary Crystal Method.
Why do you hate Miami? Why do you love Miami?
I love Miami because it's a small town with big dreams. It still has its secrets. I don't hate Miami at all. The qualities that make Miami a challenging place to live have made me harder, faster and stronger.
What are three local meals you can't live without?
Dim Sum at Kon Chau, anything Giorgio makes at the Eating House, and the vegan brunches at Sweat Records.
In a word or two or three, Miami is...
magically delicious.
See images of Amador and listen to Afrobeta's 2011 "Under The Streets":
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