José Luis Quintana Fuentes, better known as Changuito, is an important Cuban musician and percussionist. He was born on January 18, 1948, in Casablanca, Havana. He owes his nickname Changuito to the pianist, conductor, and composer Felipe Dulzaides since 1964. At the age of eight, he made his debut at the famous Tropicana cabaret (Calle 72 No. 4504, Marianao, Havana City), with the Habana Jazz orchestra.

In 1970, along with Juan Formell, he founded the Los Van Van orchestra, where he remained until 1992. Together with the group’s director, he developed the rhythm songo. In 1992, his first solo recording opened the door to world stages. Ten years later, Changuito received his first honor for being the youngest tumba player in Cuba at the time.

José Luis Quintana has taught renowned percussionists such as Giovanni Hidalgo, Karl Perazzo (Santana), and Patricio “El Chino” Díaz. He is a Full Professor of Music at the Instituto Superior de Arte (ISA) (1110 Calle 120 between 9th and 13th, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana) and is the recipient of the Alejo Carpentier Medal. He has lectured at the University of Puerto Rico, the School of Modern Music in New York, and Berklee University in Boston.

Changuito possesses great professionalism and a unique and masterful percussion technique. He is admired worldwide by prestigious musicians.

This Cuban percussion maestro has participated in important recordings, accompanying artists such as Flora Purim, Robert Trunz, Amampondo, Airto Moreira, and Chucho Valdés. Among his other contributions is his work with singer-songwriter Diego El Cigala on the album Lágrimas Negras, which won a Latin Grammy in 2004.

His 2006 album, Telegrafía sin Hilo, released on the Cacao Música label, seeks to express the ancestral communication between tribes through the path of drums, as a religious and human bond between sister cultures. According to the Cuban percussionist, this was the idea that inspired the entire creative process. This album-book also includes a biographical report on the artist written by Venezuelan journalist Ramón Navarro, exploring Changuito’s life to provide an original perspective on his significant professional contribution to music.

Among his accolades are: Grammy nomination for the CD “Ritmo y Candela” (1996); Grammy Award for his participation in the CD “Habana” (1998); Nomination for the National Music Award (1999); and Grammy Award for the CD “La rumba soy yo” (2001).