Described as “a true pioneer” (Classic FM Magazine), award winning London-based Cuban guitarist, Ahmed Dickinson Cardenas, is one of the finest performers of the Cuban classical guitar school. Over the last 10 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 Ahmed transcribed Rojas’ extensive unpublished works during this period, and subsequent performances and recordings earned two prizes at the Cubadisco Awards 2009, Best Instrumental Soloist & Best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.

Dickinson Cardenas graduated from the Superior Institute of Art (ISA Havana) and was awarded a first-class honours degree on the guitar, completing his qualification a year early. In 2005, he moved to London to study with Carlos Bonell and Chris Stell at the Royal College of Music and was awarded prizes including the Royal College of Music Guitar Competition and the Ivor Mairant Guitar Competition. In 2006, supported by The Kramer-Chappell Scholarship and the Mad Hatters Club, he undertook further studies with Robert Brightmore at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama.

Passionate in his collaboration with other artists, Ahmed has released six albums. He has also worked with acclaimed soprano Laura Mitchell, flamenco Jazz guitarist Eduardo Niebla, Cuban percussionist Hammadi Rencurrell, violinists Emma Blanco, the Santiago Quartet, and led the Cuban Guitar Orchestra Sonatas Habaneras in Havana for two years.

Since his arrival in the UK, Dickinson Cardenas has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Ashley Stewart Arts Sponsorship 2011, Concordia Foundation 2008-2009 and Ivor Mairants International guitar Competition 2006.

Recent engagements include performances at the Royal Albert Hall and Barbican, as well as a tour to Spain, Malta, Azerbaijan, England, Scotland and Ireland promoting his sixth album “The Bridge” in collaboration with Grammy nominee composer Eduardo Martín.

Ahmed teaches classical guitar at London College of Music.