Cuban percussion history

Percussion Profiles: Francisco Aguabella

Percussion Profiles: Francisco Aguabella

Francisco Aguabella (1925–2010) was one of the most revered Afro-Cuban percussionists ever to bring the sacred and secular drumming traditions of Matanzas to the world stage — a master conguero and batá drummer whose depth of knowledge Dizzy Gillespie once compared to John Coltrane.

Chano Pozo

Chano Pozo

Chano Pozo (1915–1948) was the Cuban conguero, composer and dancer who brought Afro-Cuban drumming into Dizzy Gillespie's big band, co-wrote "Manteca" and helped give birth to Latin jazz.

Percussion Profiles: Armando Peraza

Percussion Profiles: Armando Peraza

Armando Peraza (1924–2014) was one of the most traveled and widely heard percussionists in the history of Latin music — a Cuban master of conga and bongo whose career spanned nearly seven decades and ranged from Havana's conjunto scene to the stadiums of Santana.

Mongo Santamaría

Mongo Santamaría

Ramón “Mongo” Santamaría (1917–2003) brought the sound of the conga drum from Havana to the world stage. His work with Tito Puente, Cal Tjader, and Herbie Hancock helped define Latin Jazz and Afro-Cuban percussion for generations to come.

Tata Güines

Tata Güines

Tata Güines (1930–2008) is hailed as the godfather of modern conga playing: a Cuban master whose sound, vocabulary and technique shaped generations of congueros.

A Brief History of the Bongos

The bongos are arguably one of the most widely-used instruments amongst the world of hand drums. Many people buy bongos as souvenirs, household art, or just to have something fun to jam out on. However, as those of us who play bongos know, the drum is a powerful and complex instrument with a rich history.

The Curious History of the Timbales

The timbales, of Afro-Cuban descent, have become a ubiquitous instrument in percussion set-ups used in nearly every kind of popular western music, from Salsa to Pop, Funk, and Rock’n’Roll.

The History of Conga Drums: From Africa to Cuba

Along with learning how to play the conga drums, or any instrument for that matter, it’s important to have a general idea about where those instruments come from, and how they’ve evolved over time.