Born in Cuba in 1938, Lacho Rivero travelled regularly to Miami working with his father playing congas in a quartet before moving here permanently in 1980. He has been initiated into Regla de Ocha for 73 years; like many other Cubans who settled in South Florida in the 80s, he became an oricha musician once he arrived in the United States. He has his own folkloric show and continues to work as a ritual musician playing alongside some of his former students, who under his guidance have now become professionals.
Interviewed by Vicky Jassey with David Pattman, Miami: 14th March 2017 |
Lacho talks about his experience as a musician before settling in South Florida. He describes the difference between musical rituals now and when he first arrived. He expresses the importance of Orlando ‘Puntilla’ Rios and Juan ‘El Negro’ Raymat on the oricha community in the United States and why he has never returned to Cuba.
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Lacho Rivero's güiro group playing for Chango in a tambor, Miami:12th March 2017 (Filmed by Vicky Jassey)
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Lacho Rivero playing with his group at a tambor, Miami: 12th March 2017 (Photo by Vicky Jassey)