Manley ‘Piri’ López

Master Afro-Cuban Percussionist

Manley López is the youngest member of the "Los Chinitos" family, creators of Guarapachangueo, a rhythm that has evolved from Cuban Rumba. He began his career at a very early age immersed in Afro-Cuban religious and folk music. He had the opportunity to grow up and interact with the greatest Afro-Cuban folk musicians of the last century, such as Pedro Pablo Valdéz "Aspirina," Francisco Hernández "Pancho Quinto," and Mario Jáuregui, to name a few. As a result, he has become one of the most experienced percussionists and is currently an international reference for exploring Afro-Cuban musical roots.

Over the years, Manley López has developed his batá drum technique, influenced by folk music from around the world, such as the percussion of Guinea, India, and Brazil, among others. He has consolidated his sound and perfected his batá drum playing. This is reflected in the creation of his original set "Guarabatá," which expresses a modern, complex, and versatile musical language.

In his native Cuba, he was part of the folkloric company "Raíces Profundas" and the group "Aspirina y Guaguancó." He also recorded one of the most important discographies of Afro-Cuban religious music: Abbilona.

During his international career, he has played and taught in France, Belgium, Italy, the Czech Republic, and the United States. He currently resides in Mexico City, where he has performed at the Esperanza Iris Theater, the Roberto Cantoral Cultural Forum, the Blas Galindo Hall at CENART (as a special guest of the National Jazz Orchestra of Mexico), and the National Auditorium. He has also appeared at festivals and forums around the country, such as the Raíces Festival (Xalapa, Veracruz) and the anniversary concerts of the Xalapa Percussion Ensemble.

His more than 25 years of teaching musicians from around the world have made him one of the most distinguished teachers of Afro-Cuban folklore.