Israel “Toto” Berriel
Congas
Bio
A traditional Afro-Cuban percussionist and singer from Matanzas Cuba. Toto began his professional music career at the young age of 16 in Los Yumurinos a group composed of the children of the recognized traditional AfroCuban musicians of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas and AfroCuba de Matanzas.
In 1988 he joined AfroCuba de Matanzas, and in 1994 he recruited and became a member of the world-famous group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, joining his father, who is still an active member of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas. Toto is a naturally gifted vocalist and instrumentalist with a distinctive sound, easy charm, charisma and characteristic Cuban warmth. Although deeply steeped in the Afro-Cuban traditions, he is equally at home with popular Cuban music and American jazz, soul and funk.He has toured worldwide in countries such as, Canada, United States, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France and Korea, singing, playing and teaching workshops.
