Manny Cepeda / Members
Manny Cepeda
Composer Lyricist Percussionist VocalistBased in the City of San Diego, this determined and enthusiastic composer, singer, percussionist and bandleader is an avid national touring performer who has amassed a devoted fan base, due in large part to his engaging live shows and personal connection to his listeners through his music. Manny sings and performs with a fiery resonance that, combined with his catchy melodic songs and his classic salsa expressive vocals, capture his audiences whenever he performs. While he’s been compared to household names such as Hector LaVoe, Ray Ruiz, and Marc Anthony, Manny has the charismatic musical style all his own wherein his classic salsa genre and his distinct percussive “Soneo” style with sparkling and memorable melodies. This new album, Padre Querido, was recorded at City Recording in Carolina, Puerto Rico, and engineered by Juan Manuel Calero (Latin Grammy Winner for Gilberto Santa Rosa’s Irrepetible CD). Padre Querido is Manny’s first full length Salsa release of all new compositions since his well know Puerto Rican Folkloric CD Roots/Raices of Bomba and Plena music.
Henry (Kiko) Jimenez
PercussionistKiko hails from Santurce, Puerto Rico. He has been playing conga drums with the Manny Cepeda Orchestra since it started in 2005. Kiko has played in New York and Puerto Rico with various Salsa Bands.
Andy Fraguela
PercussionistAndy hails from the country of Panama, South America. Coming to the US in 1980. In 2006 Andy joined the Manny Cepeda Orchestra as a Bongo/Percussionist. Later he added vocals to his skills and now is a full blooded percussionist and vocalist.
Aico Simon J-Latina
VocalistOriginally from Japan, Aico Simon is our female lead vocalist. She sings in Spanish, English and Japanese in the band and perform Latin-Percussion instruments.
