THE BAND
The Story of MEKUADRA
Discover the story behind Mekuadra
An Afro-Cuban percussion ensemble formed by internationally acclaimed Cuban musicians blending tradition, innovation and powerful live rhythm.
MEKUADRA is an Afro‑Cuban percussion ensemble formed by internationally experienced Cuban musicians. The project was created with the vision of sharing the rhythmic richness of Cuban culture through a contemporary and energetic live performance.
Inspired by the roots of Afro‑Cuban music and the legacy of Latin percussion, the members of MEKUADRA combine virtuosity, improvisation and a deep connection with the audience. Their musical proposal celebrates tradition while exploring new global rhythmic fusions, creating a powerful and authentic sonic experience.
THE BAND
Meet the Musicians
Get to know the talented Cuban percussionists behind MEKUADRA, a dynamic ensemble known for its virtuosity, powerful stage presence and deep Afro-Cuban musical roots.
MEMBERS
The members of MEKUADRA are internationally recognized Cuban percussionists. Each musician brings a unique style, musical background and experience performing on stages around the world.
Yasmane Santos
A percussionist born in Havana, Cuba, trained at the School of Arts Instructors. He is widely recognized for his versatility and mastery of Cuban, Brazilian, and African percussion.
He has performed with international artists such as:
- Renesito Avich
- Chacal
- Lenni Stern
- Lokua Kanza
- Yuri da Cunha
- Haydée Milanés
- Ricardo Lemvo
He was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2023 for the album TRES by Renesito Avich.
He has performed at major festivals including:
- JazzCuba Festival.
- Luanda International Jazz Festival.
- Kizomba Festival Portugal.
- Canary Islands Jazz Festival.
José Álvarez
Cuban percussionist with over 20 years of professional experience.
He began his career in 2002 with Enrique Álvarez y su Charanga Latina, and later joined Adalberto Álvarez y su Son, where he remained until 2011.
He has collaborated with leading figures in Cuban music such as:
- Alexander Abreu
- Manolito Simonet
- Alain Pérez
- Haila
- Aymée Nuviola
His discography includes notable productions such as:
- El Son de Altura
- Beat Cubano
He received a Latin Grammy nomination for the 2011 album Son de Altura by Adalberto Álvarez y su Son in the category of Best Traditional Tropical Album.
He is a graduate of the National Academy of Folkloric Percussion, combining formal training with deep musical sensitivity.
Roberto Vizcaíno Jr.
One of the most outstanding percussionists of the new Cuban generation.
The son of legendary percussionist Roberto Vizcaíno, he grew up surrounded by music and sharing the stage with iconic artists such as:
- Chucho Valdés
- Giovanni Hidalgo
- Horacio “El Negro” Hernández
- Luis Conte
- Paquito D’Rivera
He has performed at major international festivals including:
- Montreux Jazz Festival
- North Sea Jazz Festival
- Hollywood Bowl
- WOMADelaide
He has been nominated for both the Grammy Awards and Billboard Awards, and won a Latin Grammy in 2023 alongside Chucho Valdés and the Reunion Sextet.
He is currently a member of the Royal Quartet, alongside Chucho Valdés, Horacio Hernández, and José Armando Gola.
Jorge Pérez
Cuban musician, multi-instrumentalist, arranger, producer, and singer, trained at the “Luis Casas Romero” Vocational School of the Arts and a graduate in viola performance from the “José White” Conservatory.
He plays a wide range of instruments, including piano, violin, viola, guitar, drums, timbales, congas, and electric bass.
He began his professional career at an early age, performing with groups such as Maracujazz and various jazz and son ensembles, appearing at festivals like the Tinajón Festival and the JoJazz competition, where he received an honorable mention (2018) and third place (2019).
He has been a member of renowned Cuban ensembles such as:
- Maravilla de Florida.
- La Cruzada.
- NG La Banda.
- Issac Delgado’s Orchestra.
He has performed at major events and venues including:
- Havana Salsa Festival.
- Jazz Plaza Festival.
- Timba Festival.
- Tumaco Carnival. (Colombia).
He has collaborated with prominent artists such as:
- José Luis Cortés.
- Alain Pérez.
- Mayito Rivera.
- Manolito Simonet.
- Tania Pantoja.
- Leoni Torres.
- Omara Portuondo.
- Issac Delgado.
He won first place in the TV competition La Banda Gigante in the piano category.