“Recogidito” a beautiful rumba written by the late Julián Mesa IBAE, is the song tittle for this episode of #musicacotidiana performed by Rafael Navarro Pujada “El Niño” for over 30 years the lead singer of the emblematic group “Los Muñequitos de Matanzas"(Founded in 1952). Niño is the voice of rumba in Matanzas and some say of Cuba, with an amazing career, he has multiple awards and collaborations with countless top artists around the planet, a dear friend, teacher and mentor to a new generation of rumberos. Joining him and equally amazing is Ana Pérez, master singer and dancer for “Los Muñequitos de Matanzas” also for more than 3 decades. Ana, a priestess, educator and a pillar of our community, has single handedly established an academy to teach children our musical traditions, she has an incredible musical family and hundreds of students around the world. She continues to be a champion for the arts in the province of Matanzas. On drums: Orlando Álvarez “El Yamba” master percussionist, lead drummer for the famous “Grupo Afrocuba de Matanzas”(Founded in 1957).
Since the early 1900s rumba continues to evolve, not exclusively Cuban anymore, the genre is now played and performed worldwide, mixing it in todays music scene with every possible style from European classical to urban styles like reguetón in the last few years. Regardless of the outcome, we feel as Matanceros that it is important to share it in its most basic forms so that the new generation of practitioners and performers can hopefully learn the “basics” of where this comes from.
We always heard “If you don’t know where you come from you won’t be able to know where you are going”. Our elders used to say: “El género no pelea con nadie” (The genre doesn’t fight with anyone) whether you are a student, academic or a professional artist we hope you take this to heart. #musicacotidiana marches on from Matanzas, 100% made in Cuba for the world. Enjoy!!