My story
Here's my story
From my roots in Havana to where I am today — here you can explore my journey through Cuban rhythms, jazz, and beyond, and see the music that has shaped my life.
My Roots
Bárbaro Yordany Crespo Richard, known as Machito, was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1991.
Music runs in his blood — he is the son of the legendary conga and rumba master Sandalio Crespo Calderón, who served as his first teacher and mentor, guiding him through the earliest rhythms and techniques of the congas.
A Prodigy in the Making
By the age of 12, Machito was already performing with the Cuban folklore group Echu Alaboni. His extraordinary talent quickly led to his first professional contract at 17 with the Compañía De Danzas Tradicionales De Cuba JJ, immersing him deeply in traditional Cuban rhythms..
Beyond Tradition
By the age of 21, Machito joined El Solar de los Seis, marking his first venture beyond pure folklore into jazz, pop, and diverse collaborations with Cuban artists. Over the years, he graced countless festivals, theatres, television programs, and cultural events across Havana.
Osain del Monte
In 2013, Machito co-founded Osain del Monte with his cousin Adonis Panter Calderón. As lead percussionist, he helped modernize Cuban folklore with popular music. The band became Cuba’s top rumba ensemble and released two acclaimed albums (Pal Monte and Sin Comentarios).
¿Que Vola?
From 2017 to 2020, Machito explored new musical horizons with Trio Peligroso and the French-Cuban afro-jazz project ¿Que Vola?, contributing as percussionist and co-composer. Their debut album, released in January 2019, masterfully blends Afro-Cuban roots with jazz innovation.
Stages Around the World
Machito’s international career took off in 2016, performing at major festivals and events across the USA (New Orleans, New York), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), Morocco, and throughout Europe (France, Germany, Poland, Spain, the UK, Finland, Switzerland, and more).
Ílú
Since 2021, Machito has been part of Ílú, a Latin jazz trio that won the prestigious Jazz Juniors competition in 2022. In autumn 2024, they released their debut album, Ílú, featuring guest collaborations with Shai Maestro and Paquito D’Rivera.
Mein Percussion Ambassador
In August 2024, Machito was invited to join the Mein Percussion Family as a brand ambassador.
Lo Que No Pude Hacer Con Mi Papá
In tribute to his late father, Machito brought together veteran rumberos to celebrate rumba and folklore. In March 2024, he released his first original single, “Me Gusta el Guaguancó”, followed by his second single, “El Cisne Blanco”, in August 2025.
Today
Now based in Europe, Machito continues to create, collaborate, and innovate—working on diverse music projects, partnering with international artists, and sharing his expertise through percussion masterclasses worldwide.
My Roots
Bárbaro Yordany Crespo Richard, known as Machito, was born in Havana, Cuba, in 1991.
Music runs in his blood — he is the son of the legendary conga and rumba master Sandalio Crespo Calderón, who served as his first teacher and mentor, guiding him through the earliest rhythms and techniques of the congas.
A Prodigy in the Making
By the age of 12, Machito was already performing with the Cuban folklore group Echu Alaboni. His extraordinary talent quickly led to his first professional contract at 17 with the Compañía De Danzas Tradicionales De Cuba JJ, immersing him deeply in traditional Cuban rhythms..
Beyond Tradition
By the age of 21, Machito joined El Solar de los Seis, marking his first venture beyond pure folklore into jazz, pop, and diverse collaborations with Cuban artists. Over the years, he graced countless festivals, theatres, television programs, and cultural events across Havana.
Osain del Monte
In 2013, Machito co-founded Osain del Monte with his cousin Adonis Panter Calderón. As lead percussionist, he helped modernize Cuban folklore with popular music. The band became Cuba’s top rumba ensemble and released two acclaimed albums (Pal Monte and Sin Comentarios).
¿Que Vola?
From 2017 to 2020, Machito explored new musical horizons with Trio Peligroso and the French-Cuban afro-jazz project ¿Que Vola?, contributing as percussionist and co-composer. Their debut album, released in January 2019, masterfully blends Afro-Cuban roots with jazz innovation.
Stages Around the World
Machito’s international career took off in 2016, performing at major festivals and events across the USA (New Orleans, New York), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa), Morocco, and throughout Europe (France, Germany, Poland, Spain, the UK, Finland, Switzerland, and more).
Ílú
Since 2021, Machito has been part of Ílú, a Latin jazz trio that won the prestigious Jazz Juniors competition in 2022. In autumn 2024, they released their debut album, Ílú, featuring guest collaborations with Shai Maestro and Paquito D’Rivera.
Mein Percussion Ambassador
In August 2024, Machito was invited to join the Mein Percussion Family as a brand ambassador.
Lo Que No Pude Hacer Con Mi Papá
In tribute to his late father, Machito brought together veteran rumberos to celebrate rumba and folklore. In March 2024, he released his first original single, “Me Gusta el Guaguancó”, followed by his second single, “El Cisne Blanco”, in August 2025.
Today
Now based in Europe, Machito continues to create, collaborate, and innovate—working on diverse music projects, partnering with international artists, and sharing his expertise through percussion masterclasses worldwide.