In La Marina, Cuba, and worldwide, everyone knows him as Figurín, although this young rumba musician, who has taken over the artistic direction of the emblematic group Muñequitos de Matanzas, proudly bears the same name as his father, Diosdado Ramos, leader of this essential group in the music and traditions of this island.

While getting ready for their “most important and immediate project: celebrating the first edition of the ‘Guaguancó Matancero’ Rumba Festival, scheduled for February 12- 15, 2026, and will be an opportunity to reaffirm the vitality of rumba in Cuba,” Figurín shared his opinions with CubaSí on the present and future of this deeply rooted expression of our culture:

“Our ancestors have ensured that the legacy is well protected through those families who maintain our culture and tradition. We can see it in the temple-houses, in other existing projects that insist on the preservation of rumba heritage. However, I believe that a little more institutional support is needed, remembering that rumba is an identifying part of our country, and that wherever is found in the world, its representation goes beyond a group; it’s the presentation of a part of our society, it’s Cuban culture taken to the world.”

Shortly before forming his Guaguancó Matancero, Muñequitos will be participating in the tenth edition of the Salsa Festival in Cuba, which, according to Diosdado Ramos Jr., is a pleasure and a source of great satisfaction, as they had been waiting for the invitation for some time, especially for the opportunity to share the stage with great artists and friends from the national and international scene.

Figurín is convinced that the fundamental contribution of Matanzas rumba to this event will be "to remember the roots, the legacy, and the heritage—not only cultural, which is rumba, but specifically musical; that for all the musicians present it will be a reminder of where the true origins lie."

He also takes the opportunity to congratulate Maykel Blanco and his entire team, because "reaching the tenth edition of any festival demonstrates the consistency, organization, and effort required to maintain an event that is important for music, not only popular dance music, but Cuban music in general, showcasing the values of our music and, above all, stimulating its development."

Maykel Blanco and Muñequitos de Matanzas have collaborated musically. Regarding this, Figurín explained: “It was an idea that had been brewing for some time in conversations between Maykel and me. When the opportunity finally arose, Muñequitos were there with all the positive energy and power that characterizes us, and Salsa Mayor delivered with truly admirable force. I think the song reflects the true nature of the collaboration: a great sense of camaraderie and enjoyment between the groups.”

“Every exchange, in this case with a group that champions a different genre than ours, brings us lessons. First, that professionalism prevails, that it must be upheld regardless of the genre, traditional or contemporary; that's not what defines it, but rather the significance and discipline with which the work is approached. And second, sharing ideas between artists can only enrich both, diversifying points of view and also the vision of art in general. That’s extremely important,” he added.

More than 70 years sounds like a short time, but in the case of Muñequitos, it's a long life built with many hands and hearts pumping blood and rhythm at the same time. I say this with the experience of someone who grew up, like them, on the banks of San Juan River, but Figurín confirms it with the authority of being an active part of it. The story:

“I dare say it’s been due to the dedication to maintaining the legacy generation after generation, even within the family itself, inheriting above all the love for rumba and consolidating the work of Los Muñequitos with tremendous responsibility, because so many years of history cannot be lost. Also, adding other initiatives, such as La Rumba Soy Yo academy, a project that brings the community and all rumba lovers together to learn, and which is also undertaken with complete seriousness and commitment by the teachers involved, because therein lies continuity, not only to foster the development of future artists, but also to instill love and knowledge of the genre, and only in this way can the audiences be broadened and diversified.”

For his farewell, Figurín reserved a message for the public attending the Salsa Festival: “I can assure you that La Leyenda del Guaguancó will arrive with all the strength and energy that characterizes us. I speak on behalf of the group.” It will be a moment of good vibes, and we hope you'll join us to celebrate with Los Muñequitos de Matanzas.

Translated by Amilkal Labañino / CubaSí Translation Staff