Hiram Jiminez

Master Drummer in Afro-Cuban Rhythms and Dance

Born in 1954 in Havana, Cuba, Hiram Jimenez from the earliest age was immersed in the music and dance of his native country; both in its popular forms and through the Afro-Cuban religion Santeria.

During his years in Cuba he played with several music ensembles. These include Los Chicos Del Filin (1963-1966), Cajunto Casinos (1968-1979), and Grupo Chabalonga (1972-1980). Hiram performed throughout Havana in social clubs, cabarets, and annual Cuban Carnaval festivities.

In 1980 he immigrated to the United States and from 1980-1981 lived in New York City. There he played with Los Seis Del Solar, a group led by Ruben Blades and Willie Colon, two of the biggest names in Latin music.

Moving to Syracuse, New York in 1981, he played primarily in Syracuse with El Combo Latino (1981-1986).They played throughout central New York at clubs, festivals and community and college events.

From 1987-1990 Hiram lived in Los Angeles, California. He was a member of the Salsa band Las Maravillas which played extensively at clubs and festivals in southern California as well as in Texas and Louisiana. The band also played annually at the New Orleans Mardi Gras during Hiram’s tenure.

During his time in Los Angeles, Hiram taught workshops through the music department at UCLA in Afro-Cuban percussion and dance.

Hiram moved to Rochester, NY in 1997. From then until the summer of 2007 he directed and played with the Afro-Cuban percussion ensemble Bonyoko Guimileri, which performed throughout central New York at colleges and festivals.