Michelle Welchons

Barbaro Crespo aka Machito, is a distinguished musical pioneer and original creator, recognized for his unique musical language and exceptional mastery of percussion. With a career spanning over 20 years, he has participated in numerous festivals and has performed in theaters, on television, and at popular events, both in Havana and internationally, including Europe, the United States, and the Congo, among others. Following his professional debut with El Solar de Los Seis, Machito became a founding and integral member of Adonis y Osain del Monte, one of the most renowned rumba groups in Cuba.

Between 2017 and 2020, he participated in the Franco-Cuban afro-jazz music project “Que vola?” He is currently the percussionist of Ilú Trio, nominated for the Latin Grammy Awards. 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 based in Europe, Machito regularly performs on international stages and is sought after for his individual lessons and master classes on traditional Afro-Cuban music, where he shares his extensive knowledge of its history, roots, and evolution.

El Combo Rumbero, the Cuban rumba collective led by Barbaro Crespo aka Machito, is a dynamic new ensemble that transports the raw soul of the streets of Havana to European stages. It is an explosive expression of traditional Afro-Cuban music, driven by Machito’s creative vision as a renowned rumbero, arranger, composer, and leader deeply rooted in the genre.

A vibrant team composed of seasoned rumberos from Cuba and Europe, El Combo Rumbero embodies the spirit of Cuban rumba, blending sacred rhythms, rich vocals, and powerful percussion in a modern and thrilling performance. El Combo Rumbero honors the legacy of Afro-Cuban music while continuing to breathe life into tradition through original arrangements, live improvisations, and infectious energy.