The group, Carvajal y sus Tradicionales, was formed in 2005.  The majority of their repertoire are original compositions.  The genre is traditional Cuban music specific to Baracoa.  Between them all, they have about 700 songs, mainly of a political and social nature.  Recently they have recorded their first high quality CD in conjunction with the Radio Emissora.  You can find them performing at La Casa de la Trova and at La Casa Cultura, Baracoa.

Elieser (Carvajal) Leiva Martínez, Marimbula and director  

From a youngster Elieser (Carvajal) knew he was destined to be a musician.  At age 5, he began participating in neighbourhood singing contests and from this early influence has dedicated his life to music.  Carvajal formed his group in 2005 and has specialized in original music.  Most of their repertoire comes from the pens of the group’s members.  He has been active in the traditional music scene in Baracoa for 40 years and has either formed or been a part of these groups: Campo Alegre, Armónicos, Maravilla Yunqueña and now Carvajal y sus Tradicionales

Jesús Osvaldo Suárez Paumier, Guitar and composer 
Jesus learned the guitar at an early age.  He comes from a musical family and was taught how to play by his father and grandfather.  His family were country folk and introduced him to the traditional music of Baracoa.  He is also a composer and has had 20 years of experience composing and playing music.

Fernando Sourt Sánchez, Bongos and composer.
Fernando has been playing and composing music for 30 years since the age of eight.  He is one of the founding members of Carvajal y sus Tradicionales

Caridad Toirac Hernández, Singer, composer and administrator
From 6 years of age Caridad has been singing and playing the guitar.  As a strolling troubador, she won prizes in various festivals such as Festival Songs of my City 2004 and 2005.  As a composer and singer she has a repertoire of over 200 songs.  They are mainly of the traditional genres of son guarachas, boleros, nueva trova with political and social themes in style typical of Baracoa.  In the group’s recent CD, the song titles: “Colores de Libertad”, "Pueblo Querido", “Lindo Malecón", “Bella Naturaleza”, “Dos Enamorados”, “No te Apartes de mi Lado” and “El Caguairán” were composed by Caridad.  She is well known as being one of the most original and creative composers around. 

Adalberto Sánchez Monges, Singer and composer
Adalberto, accompanied by his guitar and maracas, began to perform traditional music at an early age.  He has been both a member and director of various choral groups, namely Pedro Garrido chorus.  The Diva of Baracoan Culture, Maria Court Hernandez, has been his piano teacher from 1999 to 2001.  In 2005 Adalberto joined the group Carvajal y sus Tradicionales and has penned such original songs as “Vicioso” and “Reflexión”.  For these two songs in particular he has received a big success.

Ilario Arcia, Singer and composer
Ilario began writing and performing his original songs when he was very young.  He has had practical experience in performing in local neighbourhood activites, events for children, and political/cultural activities.  In his repertoire, you will find these two popular songs, “El Gallo Del Solar” y “Soy Cubano”.

Musical Repertoire