Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor, a Cuban popular music group, is currently directed by prominent Cuban musician Maykel Blanco, who joined the group in 2004 and soon took over as its director, as it lacked a leader. Previously, the group was called Salsa Mayor, but the new director changed it to the name it holds today.

Maykel Blanco made several changes to the group’s musical concept and also brought in new musicians. Two years later, in 2006, Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor began to gain recognition among the public and popularity. The group’s first tour took place in 2007, when they traveled to Europe.

The music she performs is the work of her director. For her debut album, she auditioned with record producer Luis Domínguez of the label Envidia.

In 2011, the album Soy lo que te hala (I Am What Hails You) by Maykel Blanco and his most recent Salsa Mayor was released on the Bis Music label, which is their first under that label. Maykel was in charge of production, orchestration, and musical direction. ¿Qué tú cree? (What Do You Believe?), Se acaba el amor (Love Is Over), Arriba de lo mal hecho (Upstairs of Badly Done), Publish It, Rest It, Pa’ cualquiera (For Anyone), Soy lo que te hala (I Am What Hails You), and others are the songs the group offers on the album. The only guest is trumpeter Alexander Abreu.

The group made their first tour of Latin America earlier this year, where they achieved great success. They also toured Europe, after which they moved on to Colombia and then the U.S.

Maykel Blanco and Salsa Mayor’s plans for 2011 include a winter tour of Europe between September and October. They will also be touring Havana’s neighborhoods, ending at La Tropical (41st and 46th Avenues, Playa, Havana).

Among the orchestra’s recorded output, we can mention the albums that have been resounding successes: Recogida y vete (Collect and Go) and Ya llegado los cubanos (The Cubans Have Arrived).

Maykel Blanco and Salsa Mayor are one of the Cuban dance music orchestras with the most followers. They are also on the Cuban radio hit parade with the song “Se acaba el amor.”