Over the last 20 years, Ahmed has established a successful career in the UK, whilst maintaining a performance profile and strong links with Cuban Composers and musicians from the island and its diaspora.  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 Ahmed transcribed Rojas' extensive unpublished works during this period, and subsequent performances and recording earned two prizes at the Cubadisco Awards 2009, Best Instrumental Soloist & Best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.

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. 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 a Wigmore Hall recital with the Kyan quartet, performing Villa-Lobos Concerto with the Bath Festival Orchestra at Kings Place, solo recitals for IGF (International Guitar Foundation) as well as touring to Spain, Malta, Azerbaijan, England, Scotland and Ireland in collaboration with Grammy nominee composer Eduardo Martín.  

"You are left with the sensation of being touched to the core by exquisitely played pieces" Songlines

“A true pioneer” ... Classic FM Magazine

“And here Dickinson Cardenas' sweet, rounded tone and sensitive phrasing really come to the fore” Gramophone

LIVE MUSIC & HEALTH CARE

For over 15 years, Ahmed has been a Breathe Arts Resident Artist performing weekly in surprise pop-ups across wards and clinics at both Guy's and st Thomas Hospital as well as satelite various clinics in Lambeth. He is part of a thriving group of top musicians who contribute to a more welcoming environment across over 90 healthcare locations, offering high quality creative experiences whilst changing perceptions of hospital spaces.