Arnaldo y su Talisman, a Cuban popular music orchestra, founded in 2002 by Arnaldo Rodríguez, who serves as its director and lead singer.

El Talismán was formed by graduates from various schools and conservatories in the country such as the National School of Art (120th Street between 9th and 13th, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana), the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory (Rastro No. 1 and Espada, Centro Habana, Havana) and the Higher Institute of Art (1110 120th Street between 9th and 13th, Cubanacán, Playa, Havana). Among its founding members we can mention Miguelito (Timbal), Anabel (Keyboards), Rafael (Trombone), Danerys (Vocalist), Jennifer (Vocalist), Dargel (Tenor Sax), Tamara Baby (Bass), Osvaldo (Guitars), Gustavo (Trumpet), Berta Elena (Piano), Dayan (Congas) and Eduardo (Drum).

Acelera’o and Tú me dijiste que sí were the group’s first two recordings, which placed them on the hit lists of both Cuban radio and television.

Arnaldo y su Talismán’s first CD began to take shape just three months after the orchestra’s founding, at the EGREM Studios (1008 3rd Street between 10th and 12th Streets, Miramar, Playa, Havana). They also co-produced the documentary “Cómo nace un grupo” (How a Group Is Born) and the video clip “Acelera’o” (Accelerate), which was used to promote the group on several Italian television channels.

In December 2002, Arnaldo y su Talismán performed their first concert in the province of Ciego de Ávila, as part of the “Federico Sariol” Composition Festival, as its director had been invited to lead the jury for the event.

El Talismán’s repertoire includes numerous songs with engaging lyrics and themes that speak to everyday life, chronicling Cuban traditions blended with current events. Among the songs they perform are “Pa’ mí no hay café,” “La lucecita,” “La maraña,” and “Tras la tormenta.”

In 2009, El Talismán’s fourth album, Mango, was released. The album’s musical direction was led by pianist Berta Elena. It features songs composed and arranged by members of Arnaldo y su Talismán. Arnaldo’s compositions include La Maraña and El Parrandero. Also featured on the album are Me Gusta, by guitarist Osvaldo Montero, and Hoy, a pop ballad composed by singer Eilén Remón and Alfredo Felipe.

In August 2010, the group performed in the municipality of Melena del Sur, where thousands of spectators gathered. The performance, held in the municipality’s central plaza, concluded the activities for International Youth Day in the area.

Among the discography of Arnaldo and his Talismán, a popular dance music group, are titles such as Viste lo que te dije and La lucecita.