BIO

Rafael "Beto" Sarmiento, Music and Artistic Director of Rebellion, Makondo and RLB, is a recognised international percussionist and Gaita player. He comes from a family of long-standing musical tradition: his cousin, "Michi Sarmiento", arranged Joe Arroyo’s top salsa hit of all, “La Rebelion”. Originally from Cartagena Colombia, he travelled the world with a variety of artists. At the age of 18 he was part of the Colombian National Ballet's orchestra under the lead of Sonia Osorio.  By the age of 20, he was touring internationally as part of Toto La Momposina, featuring in the "Pa' Canto" album that was nominated to the Latin Grammys in 1996. Rafael played at many great world music festivals and recognised theatres in Latin America and Europe including the International Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba and La Habana, alongside the famous singers Celina Gonzales and Toto La Momposina, and at the Womad Festival in Reading UK. He has been a key player in the Latin music scene in London playing at top venues and events like Carnaval Del Pueblo, London New Year Day Parade(LNYDP), the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Jazz Café and the Houses of Parliament.