Eliel Lazo Concerts

Experience Eliel Lazo

Eliel Lazo is a Cuban percussionist, composer, and educator internationally recognized as a master of *batá* drumming – a sacred tradition within the Yoruba religious practice of Santería. Born in Havana, Cuba in 1978, Lazo began his musical training at age five, deeply immersed in Afro-Cuban rhythms. He graduated from the Instituto Superior de Arte de La Habana with a degree in Percussion.

Lazo’s career spans collaborations with prominent artists including Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Lila Downs, and the Silk Road Ensemble led by Yo-Yo Ma, prominently featured on their album *Tiger Balm*. He’s a founding member of the innovative ensemble, Okana, blending traditional Cuban music with contemporary jazz and electronic elements.

Beyond performance, Lazo is dedicated to preserving and teaching *batá* traditions globally through workshops and masterclasses. His pedagogical approach emphasizes not only technique but also the cultural and spiritual context of the music. He has released several albums showcasing his virtuosity and compositional skills, consistently earning critical acclaim for his authentic interpretations and innovative arrangements within the Afro-Cuban musical landscape. He currently resides in Los Angeles where he continues to perform and teach.