The group Irakere was founded in 1973 by pianist Chucho Valdés. Irakere is a Cuban jazz group. Irakere means “vegetation” in Yoruba, and based on its name, they work based on Afro-Cuban musical roots.

The group Irakere has been made up of many musicians during its long existence as a group, among which stand out Armando Cuervo (Percussion), Fran Padilla (Percussion), Oscar Valdés (Vocals and Percussion), Jorge Alfonso “el niño” (Congas), Enrique Plá (Drums), Carlos del Puerto (Bass), Jorge Varona (Trumpet), Arturo Sandoval (Trumpet), Carlos Averhoff (Tenor Sax), Paquito D´Rivera (Alto Sax), Germán Velazco (Alto and Soprano Sax), José Luis Cortes (Baritone Sax and Flute), Orlando Valle ‘Maracas’ (Flute), Juan Munguía (Trumpet), Carlos Emilio Morales (Guitar) and Cesar López (Sax).

This group has its roots in the Cuban Modern Music Orchestra, as most of its members had previously been part of it.

Irakere made their first international tour, to Finland in 1976. They then participated in the Newport Jazz Festival and New York in 1978. At the latter, they shared the stage with greats such as Mary Lou Williams, McCoy Tyner, Bill Evans, Larry Corcel, and Maynard Ferguson.

The Irakere orchestra was characterized by the most daring innovations in composition and the most inspired improvisations, as it was made up of excellent Cuban instrumentalists.

The essence of the group’s originality, creating an unmistakable flavor in Cuban rhythms, lies in the introduction of instruments such as batá drums, abacuá drums, arará drums, chekeré, erikundis, maracas, claves, cowbells, bongos, tumbadoras, and güiro. This is in addition to the vocal contrasts employed, whether in chorus or individually.

In 1988, Chucho modified the sound of Irakere. He incorporated the most modern technology of the time; thus, he added the Jupiter 6 (a polyphonic synthesizer); the DX 7 (a programmed synthesizer); and the Yamaha RX 5 (which is a computer). Regarding the use of these instruments, Chucho Valdés said: “With them, I can obtain many elements that the group doesn’t have, practically write for an orchestra with all the sounds I can imagine, invent combinations, program certain accompaniments.”

They employ modern arrangements, very much in the style of Latin Jazz, and use electric instruments, but are based on more familiar Afro-Cuban foundations.

Irakere mixed and combined different styles and genres, such as classical, impressionism, jazz, rock, and various compositional techniques. Through these techniques, they cultivated all musical styles, including dance music, concert music, traditional music, and contemporary Cuban music.

The Irakere Orchestra was a Cuban musical group that developed important work in Cuban popular music and Latin Jazz. It revolutionized the concept of contemporary Cuban popular music. It was the first Cuban orchestra to win a Grammy.

Discography: Chekeré Son (1979), El Coco (1980), The Legendary Irakere in London (1987), Tribute to Benny Moré (1989), Great Moments (1991), Black Mass (1992), Dancing Like This (1995), Indestructible (1999), Pare Cochero (2001).