Mario “Mayito” Salomón is a Cuban vocalist, songwriter, and percussionist best known as the founder and creative force behind Mario y Su Timbeko, a boundary-pushing Timba fusion project. Born and raised in Cuba, Mario brings a deep-rooted mastery of Afro-Cuban rhythm and storytelling to every performance, infusing traditional Timba with elements of R&B, gospel, jazz, and funk. His sound is bold, contemporary, and unmistakably Cuban.
After relocating to the Bay Area, Mario formed Timbeko in 2018, debuting at the Temescal Street Fair in Oakland. Under his direction, the ensemble quickly became one of the region’s most vibrant Cuban fusion acts, performing at Oaktoberfest, the Hayward Latin Jazz Festival, San Francisco Carnaval, Bimbo’s 365 Club, La Peña Cultural Center, and live on KPFA’s “Con Sabor.”
Mario’s artistic leadership has produced collaborations with notable Cuban musicians, including Yordys Larrazabal, lead singer of Maykel Blanco y Su Salsa Mayor, featured on Timbeko’s single “Nadie sabe nada / Se coge pa’ eso.” His work continues to spotlight the evolution of Timba, honoring its roots while pushing its sound into new creative territory.
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