Michelle Welchons

El Combo Rumbero, Barbaro Crespo aka Machito‘s Cuban rumba collective, is a dynamic new ensemble bringing the raw soul of Havana’s streets to Europe’s stages. It is an explosive expression of traditional Afro-Cuban music, driven by the creative vision of Machito — a renowned rumbero, arranger, composer, and leader with deep roots in the genre.

Among the group’s extraordinary performers are Joselier López (Timbalaye, Klimax), Tito Belén (Osain del Monte), and Sofía Ramos Morejón, formerly of the legendary Rumberos de Cuba. A vibrant ensemble, El Combo Rumbero channels the spirit of Cuban rumba — combining sacred rhythms, rich vocals, and powerful percussion — into a thrilling, modern performance. El Combo Rumbero honors the legacy of Afro-Cuban music while pushing it forward with original arrangements, live improvisation, and unstoppable energy.

Bárbaro Crespo aka Machito is a courageous explorer and original creator distinguished by his own musical language and master percussion skills. In his more than 20-year career, he has participated in numerous festivals, performed in theaters, on television, and in popular events in Havana, as well as internationally (throughout Europe, U.S.A., the Congo, etc.). After his professional start in El Solar de Los Seis, Machito became an integral and founding member of one of the most popular rumba groups in Cuba, Adonis y Osain del Monte.

Between 2017 and 2020 he participated in the Franco-Cuban afro-jazz musical project ¿Que vola?. He currently is the percussionist of the Poland-based Latin Grammy-nominated Ilú Trio. He has played and recorded with renowned artists such as Omara Portuondo, Alain Pérez, Harold Lopez-Nussa, Chief Xian aTunde Adjuah (Christian Scott), Diego Guerrero, Tony Succar, and Los Orishas. Now living in Europe, Machito performs extensively on international stages, and is sought-out for his individual and master classes on traditional Afro-Cuban music, where he shares his vast knowledge of its history, roots, and evolution.