Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Francisco Aguabella is master of the Yoruba-derived bata drums and rumba form as well as contemporary traditions including Cuban son, salsa, and Latin jazz. He has recorded and/or performed with leading international musical artists such as Tito Puente, Cachao, Eddie Palimieri, Dizzie Gillespie, Cal Tjader, Lionel Hampton, and Celia Cruz. Aguabella has received a National Heritage Award from the National Endowment for the Arts and is the subject of a documentary film by Les Blank, Sworn to the Drum.

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