Adonis y Osain del Monte

Music, tradition and ritual 

A performance by Adonis y Osain del Monte, a group of young percussionists, singers and dancers from Havana, founded by Adonis ‘Panter’ Calderón in 2012, is not only a musical event but also something akin to a traditional service of worship, firmly anchored in Afro-Cuban culture. It’s about rituals that have their roots in Africa, such as the Abakuá, an initiation ceremony in which young men become members of a secret fraternity. The drummers always get things moving with their layered, rhythmic beats.

Renewal with authentic instruments 

Then the booming voice of lead vocalist Rubén Bulnes García resounds through the space. As the other vocalists join in, a wonderful and complex harmony rises, usually in a question-and-answer form with the minister. You might think you are listening to pure tradition, but what you hear is not only a tribute but also adventure and innovation. However, the performers shun the use electronics and other fads and rely on authentic instruments only.

Line-up

Adonis Andrés 'Panter' Calderón – Percussion

Adonis Panter Fernández – Percussion

Rubén Bulnes García – Lead vocals

David Abreu Romero – Vocals

Damaris Driggs Rodríguez – Vocals

Jorge Enrique Salazar Madrigal – Vocals

Maykel José Falcon Aguiar – Percussion, vocals

Ramon Tamayo Martinez – Percussion

Luis Raydel Díaz Garrido –  Percussion 

Israel Barrero Artires – Percussion

Cristopher Yoel Portilla Valdez – Percussion

Juan Carlos Ruiz Valdez – Dance

Yenisey Peraza Segundo – Dance

Discover more!

Go behind the scenes with Osain del Monte in the Music Meeting Exposed, created in collaboration with Music Meeting's production partner AM:PM. 

This Cuban artist performed at Music Meeting Festival 2022 with the theme 'Cuba Upside Down'. Read more in our 'online magazine':

To the Cuba Upside Down page