Venezuela Tambor y Canto performs the music of coastal Venezuela, which reflects a mixed African and European heritage in such genres as parranda, fulía, tambor, and gaita. The group was co-founded by Nancy Martinez in 1994 in her home in Miami. Martinez serves both as a singer and the public relations liaison for the group.

Venezuela Tambor y Canto draws on Venezuelan music aficionados in Miami from various walks of life; all have day jobs apart from music. At present, the ensemble includes Gustavo García, lead singer and percussion; Nancy Martínez, Gasbeth “Gaby” Martínez (Doña Nancy’s daughter-in-law), Filomena García, and Elio Aponte, chorus; Delvis Demendoza, cuatro; Alexis Delgado, keyboard; Marcos Delgado, bass; and Manuel Padrilla, Edgar Martínez (Doña Nancy’s son), Andumo Sica, and Roberto Baltodano, percussion. Among the featured percussion instruments are the tambora (a double-headed drum), the cumaco (a long drum), Cuban congas, and a West African djembe drum.

In addition to appearing on television, Venezuela Tambor y Canto has performed in nightclubs, at public benefits, at Miami’s Calle Ocho and other festivals, and at parties for birthdays, weddings, and first communions.

From left: Delvis Demendoza, cuatro; Elio Aponte, vocals; Gasbeth Martínez, vocals; Nancy Martínez, vocals; Manuel Padrilla, conga; Gustavo García, lead vocals and charrasca (scraper).
Photograph by Richard Patterson.

Photograph Gallery
At Home with Venezuela Tambor y Canto.
Photographs by Richard Patterson.

Listen
“Botaste la bola” (“You Bounced The Ball”) (parranda).
Composed Jesús Rosas Marcano.
Used by permission of Serenella Rosas.
Recording used by permission of Nancy Martínez.