Focus on: Toto Berriel
Vancouver, BC
Israel (Toto) Berriel, is a traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist and vocalist from Matanzas, Cuba. Toto began his professional music career at the young age of 16 in Los Yumurinos, a group formed by the children of the famous groups Los Muñequitos de Matanzas and AfroCuba de Matanzas, two well recognized traditional AfroCuban groups.
In 1988 he joined AfroCuba de Matanzas. He worked with AfroCuba de Matanzas for two years until he was invited to join the world's best-known Rumba group, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.Toto worked with the Los Muñequitos for twelve years learning the entire AfroCuban repertoire.
A naturally gifted vocalist with a distinctive sound, his easy charm, charisma and his Cuban warmth, make Toto an exceptional and approachable music teacher. His classes are both comfortable and challenging; and the combination makes for a productive working environment. Although Toto is deeply rooted in the AfroCuban traditions, he is also comfortable in different musical environment such as jazz, modern music, soul and funk amongst others.
Toto has toured worldwide in countries such as, Canada, United States, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France and Korea, singing, playing and teaching in various workshops.
Toto Berriel has presented:
- Between the Beats: The magic of rhythm lies in the space between (2016)
- Wake Up Singing: Yoruba songs for early risers (2016)
- Boom! The sound of worlds colliding (2013)