Mario Enrique Rivera Godines, better known as Mayito, is a prominent Cuban musician born on January 19, 1966, in the province of Pinar del Río. He began his percussion studies at a very young age, at the Raúl Sánchez school in his hometown. In the capital, he perfected this technique for fourteen years, first at the ENA and later at the ISA.

He began his career as a member of the group Moncada until 1992, when, on a tour of Italy, he met Los Van Van at a solidarity concert for Cuba. On that occasion, Moncada joined Tren de Cuba as a “disco” (a group of musicians). Recognizing his performing talents, Juan Formell invited him to join his orchestra. Specifically, the prestigious conductor wanted to find the swing and youthful presence the orchestra needed in the face of the imminent devastation of the Salsa Boom in Cuba.

Thus, Mayito Rivera made his first appearance at a concert at La Tropical, with his braids on his head, immediately creating a distinctive touch. From then on, he would become the voice that identified the iconic Cuban orchestra Los Van Van for almost twenty years. His first chart-topping hit was “La foto en la prensa” (The Photo in the Press). Later, he would also release other hits such as “Normal Natural,” “Un Socio Pa’ mi Negocio,” “Mándalo y Ven,” “De La Habana a Matanzas,” “El Tren Se Va,” “Llevalla a tu Vacilón,” and “Soy Todo.”

This well-rounded artist learned to play a variety of musical instruments, including bass, guitar, piano, and trumpet; he also excelled as an arranger and composer. Along with Los Van Van, he toured extensively worldwide; he has also recorded documentaries, DVDs, and music videos, and performed in hundreds of concerts.

In 2001, Mayito Rivera won a Latin Grammy for the album Yo soy la rumba, produced by Cary Diez and Joaquín Betancourt. He also earned another Latin Grammy nomination for an independent album recorded outside of Los Van Van.

Mayito Rivera left Tren de Cuba at the end of 2011 to pursue new musical horizons. This Cuban performer is one of Cuba’s most exceptional young musicians, possessing a voice unlike any other and a gift for improvisation.