Few conga players in the history of salsa have shaped the sound and approach to conga playing as unmistakably as the legendary Papo Pepín. For decades, Papo’s playing has powered some of the most iconic recordings in Latin music—always marked by a tasteful groove, boundless creativity, and a pocket that feels both relaxed and aggressively electrifying at the same time.

In this CongaChops Masterclass, Papo sits down to break down his unique approach to conga playing and the musical concepts that have shaped his sound over a lifetime of performing and recording. Together, we’ll revisit a few of his most emblematic recordings and explore why his inimitable time-keeping feels so different from many other players—and why his parts always sound fresh, musical, and full of life.

Along the way, Papo shares stories and insights from his work with legendary artists and orchestras including Willie Rosario, Roberto Roena, Marc Anthony, Cheo Feliciano, and Issac Delgado. More than just technique and rhythms, this Masterclass reveals how personality, musical taste, and feel can be combined to create a voice on the instrument that is unmistakably one’s own.

To take full advantage of what Papo shares with us here, please make sure to spend some time mastering the material in our Conga 101 and Fundamentals Courses, as well as the variations and concepts shared in the Conga Quick-Tip Lesson Series, before you get started.

Get ready to sit down with a true legend and explore your own creativity on the congas!