PROFILE

After graduating from the Escuela Nacional de Arte (ENA), Cuba’s most prestigious music school, Juan Carlos embarked on his full-fledged musical career. Combining the rich traditions of Latin music with a refined sense of rhythm, he quickly established himself as a one-of-a-kind percussionist. After moving to Japan as a member of Sandunga Tropical, he immersed himself in the local music scene by teaching and recording with Bonbon Blanco and participating in Antonio Koga’s national tour. He has performed with Cristina Mita, Salsa Swingosa, Getao Takahashi, Carlos Kanno, and others, emerging as a leader in Japan’s Latin jazz scene. His passionate sound—a fusion of Cuban traditions and Japanese sensibilities—attracts Latin music fans around the world. More than just technical mastery, his music bridges cultures and is creating a fresh new trend in Latin jazz.