Jesus M. Cepeda Brenes

Jesús M. Cepeda Brenes, a renowned folklorist and folklorologist, is the son of the Patriarch of Bomba y Plena, Don Rafael Cepeda Atiles, and Doña Caridad Brenes (R.I.P.). He is an expert in all aspects of this major art form within Puerto Rican folklore. Jesús has distinguished himself as an educator both within and outside of Puerto Rico, training expert musicians, researchers, music students, and the general public. He has delivered lectures at universities, high schools, and elementary schools on the fundamentals of Bomba and Plena. His artistic education is deeply rooted in the traditions passed down from parents to children and grandchildren over more than a century, creating a classic folklore within the native musical line, with a particular emphasis on Puerto Rican Bomba and Plena.

Jesús was a member of the Ballet Folklórico de la Familia Cepeda, a group that serves as a representative sample of Puerto Rican folklore, recreating the Bomba and Plena in their performances without losing the authentic flavor of our grandparents’ dances. His work has transcended the borders of Puerto Rico, bringing his presentations to many countries, including France, England, Italy, Spain, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Cuba, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. He has performed in numerous cities, universities, and venues across the United States, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Central Park in New York City, Tampa, Chicago, Connecticut, and California.

Maestro Jesús Cepeda is the president of Fundación Folclórica Cultural Rafael Cepeda, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to educating future generations and preserving the Rafael Cepeda House Museum. Watching Jesús Cepeda perform is an immersive experience, delving into the legendary language of sound signs brought from Africa and listening to the voices of ancient cultures brought to the Caribbean on slave ships. His performances capture centuries of spiritual beliefs, mythologies, struggles, and remote stories, all expressed through the sounds of his ancestral Bomba drum.

Don Jesús Manuel Cepeda Brenes, Maestro de la Bomba, is the heir to the Bomba music and dance tradition, the most visible and powerful expression of Puerto Rico’s African heritage. He is the recipient of a cultural and folkloric legacy that spans more than four generations.

Being a Taproot artist means being deeply rooted in my artistic practice and community. It signifies a connection to the essence of creativity, growth, and authenticity. As a Taproot artist, I see myself as a source of inspiration and nourishment, providing sustenance for both my own artistic journey and the community around me. It’s about delving into the core of my creativity, drawing strength from my roots, and branching out to contribute meaningfully to the artistic ecosystem that surrounds me.