Papo Angarica

Papo Angarica, born Mario Angarica Díaz on July 18, 1942, in Havana, Cuba, was a celebrated Afro-Cuban rumba legend and percussionist deeply rooted in the Yoruba traditions. He learned his craft from his father, Nicolás Angarica, who gave him his first drum at the age of four, sparking a lifelong dedication to Cuban percussion and the cultural heritage of the Yoruba religion. Papo Angarica is especially known for his contributions to rumba and for his influential album *Osun Lozun*, among other works. Up until his passing in July 2015, he directed the group Son Yoruba and served as an advisor to many Cuban and Latin American folklore ensembles, passing down the fundamentals of Yoruba music and spirituality through his songs and performances.

His discography includes significant releases such as *Fundamento Yoruba*, *Fundamento Yoruba, Vol. 1*, and their remastered versions, which showcase his role in preserving and sharing Afro-Cuban folkloric music. Through his music, Papo Angarica played a vital role in educating new generations about Yoruba culture, blending ritualistic spiritual elements with vibrant rhythms that have left a lasting mark on Cuban music.

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