Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas is a Cuban rumba and Folkloric group. It has been described by many as one of the most important such groups in Cuba. The group formed under the name "Guaguancó Matancero" in 1952, in Barrio Marina, Matanzas, Cuba. Their first record included the song "Los muñequitos en la calle"; a song which was based on comic strips in Cuba. Such was the popularity of this record that the public changed the name of the group to "Los muñequitos" (literally "little dolls", Cuban slang for cartoons). Three generations of the same family are represented in the band. They have also performed with percussionist Carlos Embale.

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas has been instrumental in the preservation of African traditions such as the secret society of the Abakuá and the Lukumí belief system (see Santeria), while simultaneously looking to their Spanish heritage for inspiration. The music of Los Muñequitos directly reflects the syncretism that exists in Cuba as sacred songs to the orishas often coexist with more secular themes and adaptations of Spanish songs in a single record or performance. Los Muñequitos received a Grammy Award Nomination in 2001.

elected discography

*"LIVE IN NEW YORK" (Qbadisc Records 1998)
*"ITO IBAN ECHU: YORUBA SACRED MUSIC OF CUBA" (Qbadisc Records 1996)
*"VACUNAO" (Qbadisc Records 1995)
*"CONGO YAMBUMBA" (Qbadisc Records 1994)
*"OYELOS DE NUEVO" (Qbadisc Records 1994)
*"CANTAR MARAVILLOSO" - Rumba Original (Qbadisc Records 1994)
*"RUMBA CALIENTE 88/77" (Qbadisc Records 1992)
*"TAMBOR DE FUEGO" (BIS Music Cuba 2007)