Maykel Blanco, a prominent Cuban orchestra conductor, was born on January 21, 1981, in Havana. He enrolled at the Amadeo Roldán Conservatory (Calle Rastro No. 1, Old Havana, Havana) with a percussion major, but due to indiscipline, he had to abandon his studies. He later took up piano.

When Maykel was 17 years old, he began his professional career, forming the La Constelación orchestra. He later joined other Cuban music groups and founded the Suprema Ley orchestra, with which he recorded two albums.

In 2004, he joined the Salsa Mayor orchestra, which was lacking a conductor, and took over the position. He made several changes, such as changing the name to Maykel Blanco y Salsa Mayor, transforming the musical concept, and incorporating new artists.

In 2006, the orchestra began to gain recognition among the public and popularity. Their first tour with Salsa Mayor took place in 2007, when they traveled to Europe. The music performed by the group is their own work.

For his first album with his group, he auditioned with record producer Luis Domínguez of the label Envidia.

Maykel Blanco is influenced by prominent figures in Cuban music such as pianist Juan Carlos Alfonso and Juan Formell, as well as Nueva Trova greats such as Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés.

In 2011, Maykel Blanco released his most recent album, titled Soy lo que te hala (I Am What Pulls You Over). He produced, orchestrated, and directed the album. The tracks featured include ¿Qué tú crees? (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 Pulls You Over), and others. The album features trumpeter Alexander Abreu as its sole guest.

Earlier this year, the orchestra embarked on its first tour of Latin America, where it enjoyed great success. They also toured Europe, then moved on to Colombia and then the U.S.

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

Despite his young artistic career, he has produced numerous albums, totaling twenty to date. Among his Salsa Mayor hits are Recoge y vete; and Ya llegado los cubanos.

This young Cuban musician has already earned several awards and recognitions, both national and international, such as 4th place for Best Song and 3rd place for the album Soy lo que te hala, both at La Fiesta Cubana in France.

His musical group is one of the most popular Cuban dance music orchestras, and has also been featured on Cuban radio’s Hit Parade with the song “Se acaba el amor” (Love Is Over). Maykel Blanco is considered by critics to be one of the emerging talents of salsa and Cuban music.