Los Muñequitos de Matanzas

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas is a Cuban rumba and Folkloric group. It has been described by many as one of the most important groups in Cuba.^{[citation needed]}

The group formed under the name "Guaguancó Matancero" in 1952, in Barrio Marina, Matanzas, Cuba. Among their first recordings was the song "Los muñequitos" (Esteban Lantri) which made reference to comic strips in Cuba. Such was the popularity of this record that the public changed the name of the group to "Los muñequitos" (Cuban term for comic strips, literally "little dolls"). Three generations of the same family are represented in the band. They have also performed with singer Carlos Embale.

Los Muñequitos de Matanzas has been instrumental in the preservation of African traditions such as the secret society of the Abakuá and the Lukumí belief system (see Santería), while simultaneously looking to their Spanish heritage for inspiration. The music of Los Muñequitos directly reflects the syncretism that exists in Cuba as sacred songs to the orishas often coexist with more secular themes and adaptations of Spanish songs in a single record or performance. Los Muñequitos received a Grammy Award Nomination in 2001.

Selected discography

• Guaguancó - Con Papin Y Sus Rumberos (Antilla)
• Rumba Abierta (WS Latino 1958, reissued 1999)
• Cantar Maravilloso - Rumba Original (Globestyle 1990)
• Rumba Caliente 88/77 (Qbadisc Records 1992)
• Guaguancó — Vol. 2 (Antilla, reissued 1993)
• Congo Yambumba (Qbadisc Records 1994)
• Oyelos De Nuevo (Qbadisc Records 1994)
• Vacunao (Qbadisc Records 1995)
• Ito Iban Echu: Yoruba Sacred Music of Cuba (Qbadisc Records 1996)
• Live In New York (Qbadisc Records 1998)
• Rumba De Corazón (Bis Music 2002)
• Rumberos de Corazón- 50 Aniversario (Bis Music 2003)
• Tambor De Fuego (Bis Music 2007)
• De Palo Pa' Rumba (Bis Music 2009)