Hailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, Rolando Matias is a distinguished Latin percussionist and vocalist, known for his innovative spirit and artistic vision. Nearly three decades ago, he founded The Afro-Rican Ensemble, which has gained both national and international acclaim under his direction.

As a multi-talented musician, Rolando excels as a Master Percussionist, Afro-Caribbean musicologist, and ethnofolklorist.. His extensive travels across the U.S. have seen him perform with a diverse array of groups, showcasing genres from blues to Latin rock and everything in between.

A self-taught musician, Rolando has seamlessly integrated his formal architectural training into his musical education, always striving for that unique sound. Throughout his journeys, he has sought mentorship from musical greats to refine his techniques. He began his percussion journey at a young age in Cupey Alto, immersing himself in the local “Bembes,” where “rumberos” would gather to jam and improvise. “We started with percussion grooves, and pretty soon, a trombone player joined in, followed by a trumpeter; before we knew it, the place was alive with energy. It was an incredible scene,” he recalls.

Rolando’s performances range from the playful to the passionate, making him a captivating presence on stage. He has collaborated with notable artists such as Chuchito Valdez, Billy Harper, Benny Maupin, Ndugu Chancler, Azar Lawrence, Othello Molineaux, guitarist Mimmi Fox, percussionists Bobby Matos, Bobby Sanabria, Bill Summers, Greg Abate, Grammy Winners like Ray Vega and David Sanchez, and Lenny Castro. His blues collaborations include legends like Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, Kenny Neal, Duke Robillard, and Howard Scott, among others. Rolando has also worked with Grammy-winning artists such as David Sanchez, Brazilian reedman Carlos Malta, and the late pianist Roberto Ocasio.

Rolando leads a variety of projects that explore genres from Afro-Latin BeBop to Afro-Latin Hip-Hop. His ensembles includes Rolando Matias & The Afro-Rican Ensemble (Afro-Latin BeBop, Latin-Salsa & Jazz), R L J Q, Afro-Cuban Jazz (Afro-Jazz), and Rolando Matias & Cuba-son (Salsa na ma!!), as well as his innovative project “We Is” which delves into Afro-Latin Hip-Hop and spoken word, reflecting the full spectrum of the Afro-Latino Diaspora.

Rolando Matias is proudly endorsed by Gon Bops Percussion instruments, utilizing their exceptional range including Congas (Mariano Chrome), Bongos, Cajons, Timbales, and an array of hand percussion instruments such as claves, guiros, and maracas. Rolando is a member of the Central Ohio Federation of Musicians, Local #103.

 

THE BACKSTORY

BORN IN:
San Juan, Puerto Rico
LIVES IN:
Ohio, USA  
DRUMMING SINCE: 10 years old
CURRENT PROJECT(S):
R L J Q, Afro-Cuban Jazz, Rolando & Afro-Rican Ensemble

THE INSIDE SCOOP

BIGGEST INFLUENCE(S):
Jerry Gonzalez, Mongo Santamaria, Tata Guines, Milton Cardona  
FAVORITE ALBUM YOU PLAYED ON: “CuBop, Jazz the Afro-Cuban Way" - Latin, Soulsa, and Jazz Rolando & Afro-Rican Ensemble  
 

FAVORITE ALBUMS YOU DIDN’T PLAY ON:
"Grupo Folklorico Y Experimental Nuevayorquino" - Obatala-Jerry Gonzalez & Fort-Apache Band    
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS: Performing with some of my childhood influences, recording with Jerry and Andy Gonzalez who produced our 2nd albums, playing internationally is always exiting, performing with David Sanchez who came to stage to perform with my group at the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival.  
 

THE GON BOPS SKINNY

FAVORITE GON BOPS INSTRUMENTS/SETUP:  Gon Bops Mariano congas w/chrome hardware, Alex Acuna Special Edition Cajon & Acuna Djembe  
Website:

Rolando's site