DANIEL ALFONSO HERRERA

Daniel Alfonso died December 19, 2014, and the world lost a magnificent teacher. Daniel was a master bata player and gave lessons to many students in his home on Velardes, a few doors down from Esteban Vega Garcia (Chachá), with whom he studied and played for many years. He was a member of the Villamil family, was raised in the Cabildo Santa Teresa de Jesus, and was brought up on güiro, bembe, bata, and all the Afro-Cuban religions (Santeria, Palo Mayombe, Abakua).

He was a classically trained musician before turning to his true love, percussion. Daniel’s trademark cleanliness and clarity of style, his patience, his love of the Afro-Cuban traditions, and his willingness to share them with Cuban and foreigner alike, male and female, made him one of the most sought-after bata teachers in Matanzas.