Who is Diplo?
On Sunday, a DJ known as Diplo made history by becoming the first American pop artist to perform a major concert in Cuba since the reinstatement of diplomatic relations there in December 2014.
"CBS This Morning" co-host Charlie Rose attended the event and noted that it seemed like every young person in Havana was there. They sang along to the lyrics. They danced to the beats made famous by Diplo's Electric Dance Music trio Major Lazer. And the excitement was clear on their faces.
"It's the first time they are getting connected," Diplo, whose real name is Thomas Wesley Pentz, told Charlie Rose. "I was surprised by how much they knew. How culturally aware the kids are, considering there is kind of a blockade of culture reaching Cuba."
The concert was a revolutionary event, not just for its historical context, but also for its sound.
"People are culturally aware. They've heard a lot of music," Diplo said. "The fans are out there and they are ready for something brand new, they're ready for something chaotic and exciting."
Diplo's "chaotic and exciting" sound has been burning up the airwaves for more than a decade. You just may not have noticed because the artists he taps to sing the songs' hooks often get the name recognition when the tracks take off.
But Diplo is the innovative musical force behind Justin Bieber's comeback hit"Where Are U Now"; M.I.A.'s breakout "Paper Planes"; and Sia's "Elastic Heart." He was even one of the writers on Beyonce's smash hit single "Run the World (Girls)."
So, while you may not know his name. You've definitely heard his music.
In fact, Major Lazer's collaboration with DJ Snake and Danish vocalist MØ reached number four on the Billboard Hot 100 this summer.
Born in Mississippi, raised in Miami and discovered professionally in Philadelphia, Diplo now has a global following. And he attributes much of his songwriting and producing success to the give-and-take with fans in places like Cuba.
"I think it's important to play in places like this where the music is still brand new. These are the guys who are going to change it," Diplo said. "The kids in Havana, the kids in Pakistan, the kids in India -- they're the ones who are going to bring it to a new level."
