THE VOICE OF SALSA-SOUL

Cubano, cubano – Roberto Santamaria is the cuban voice of Soul. Frank Sinatra, Bob Marley or James Brown, the great hits of the 70ies-90ies are all in his repertory – todo en Salsa. The nephew of the percussion legend Mongo Santamaria is a creative conga player in Percusion Cubana but also singer and composer. And even more: Roberto is the frontman of his band and an entertainer with impressive talent to improvise. He enjoys and brings his feelings to every audience.

Roberto Santamaria Gonzales has been working for fifteen years as a professional and official percussionist in La Habana, the capital city of Cuba. He is a bongo and conga player. His way of playing is the typical Cuban percussion: fast, powerful, flexible. He creates every sound he wants.

Roberto performed with many well known bands in La Habana (Marcos Barnes Show, Los Caribenos). In the 90s he played in the band „Caribbean“ in Dubai – whichever style the guests wished for: jazz, blues, funk, rock. Back to Cuba, he started his percussion school and own band.

„WHY I LOVE CONGA“

In the 80s, Roberto started to become a professional percussionist. First he learned how to play the bongos, then the conga, the cuban drums. „At Cuba, you can not escape the music”, he says. „Skin on skin is he most original sound you can create. If you are really good at playing you will be able to produce every sound you want. It is magic. When I sit behind the congas and start moving my hands it is pure pleasure. The conga and me – we are one.“