The creator of the songo rhythm along with Juan Formell and other musicians of the Grammy winner Los Van Van band, Changuito received the Percuaction Lifetime Achievement Award, the first one granted by the institution.
Renowned Colombian percussionist Tupac Mantilla, director of the Tekeye experimental group, gave the trophy to the Cuban artist, "for his invaluable contribution to percussion and world music and for his tireless work as professor and interpreter," the Prensa Latina news agency reported.
Danilo Perez, creator of Panama Jazz Productions and of the annual festivals of this music genre, had words of praise for the Cuban maestro, who expressed his appreciation for his participation in the Festival and in the lectures given at clinics and music workshops.