Line UpMayito Rivera / vocals Mayito RiveraAward-winning singer/composer with a breathtaking band Mario “Mayito” Rivera is undoubtedly one of Cuba’s most significant contemporary singers. For over 20 years, he was the distinctive voice and face of the most successful Cuban band, Los Van Van. Whether it’s Son, Rumba, Afro or Salsa, Bolero or Timba, when Mayito Rivera sings, it happens in a way that is fundamentally deserving of awards. With his outstanding voice and compositions, he won a Latin Grammy Award for “Best Salsa Album of the Year” together with Los Van Van. His solo album, “Negrito Bailador,” also earned him another Grammy nomination in the category of “Best Salsa Album of the Year.” The multifaceted talent of the “Poet of Rumba” is also appreciated by his fellow musicians worldwide, who regularly invite him for guest performances. These Latin greats include Oscar d’León, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Isaac Delgado, Son Como Son, Timba live, and many others. Since leaving Los Van Van in 2011, Mayito Rivera has been charting his own path with his band “Sons of Cuba” – top musicians straight from his homeland. Together, they present a powerful blend of perfect arrangements and an entirely new mixture of modern and traditional Salsa, Rumba, Afro, and Timba rhythms, as well as Jazz and Funk. Mayito played one of the leading roles in Wim Wenders’ film “Musica Cubana – The Sons of Buena Vista.” (This film offers interested event organizers the opportunity to host a free screening.) With his extraordinary singing talent and charisma, Mayito Rivera has left a lasting impact on the Cuban music scene and beyond. His expressive voice and energetic live performances are a true experience. Through his own projects and his unmistakable music, he continues the Cuban music tradition while simultaneously opening new doors for innovative sonic experiments. He is a living legend of Cuba. |