Mayito Rivera & The Sons of Cuba: Cuba’s traditional rhythms at Stary Klasztor

There is no doubt that Mario “Mayito” Rivera, known as the “Poet of Rumba”, is one of the world's most important Cuban singers. For more than 20 years, his distinctive voice fronted the world-famous Cuban band Los Van Van, with whom he received the award most important to any musician, a Grammy.

International audiences also know him from Wim Wenders’s film “Sons of Cuba” (Buena Vista Next Generation), in which he played the leading role.

Mayito Rivera’s exceptional vocal timbre and characteristic tremolo always sound superb in every genre he performs, whether son, rumba, afro, salsa, bolero or timba.

Repeatedly honoured for his exceptional voice, he has an impressive collection of international awards. These include a Grammy won with Los Van Van and another nomination for the prestigious award, this time for his solo record “Negrito Bailandor” in the Best Salsa Album of the Year category. On his world tours, he has shared the stage with stars such as Pio Leyva, Osdalgia and Tirso Duarte.

After leaving Los Van Van in 2011, Mayito Rivera embarked on a new path with his own band, “The Sons of Cuba”, a sextet of young, highly accomplished musicians from his native Cuba. Together, they present a surprising mixture of impeccable arrangements and an original blend of modern and classic rhythms drawn from salsa, rumba, Afro, timba, jazz and funk. Unlike the usual Cuban ensembles of around 10–14 members, “The Sons of Cuba” are a small group. That makes the energy and freshness they bring to the stage all the more surprising, as well as the ease with which they create an electrifying atmosphere for audiences worldwide.

The Sons of Cuba perform with the following line-up:

• Mayito Rivera – vocals
• Sergio Rodriguez – drums
• Juan Alvarez – trumpet, vocals
• Jarian Gutierrez – trumpet, vocals
• Rafael Perez – piano, vocals
• Remis Lorenzo – bass, vocals
• Lezcano Martinez – congas

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