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Latin America is composed of 20 republics and hundreds of cultures. While the music of some have been popularized in North America, others remain to be discovered.

 
Based in Toronto, MADERAZ is dedicated to celebrate and keep alive the rich musical heritage of Latin America, while adding a seductive blend of urban overtones. Their repertoire includes the Afro-influenced rhythms from Colombia, Cuba, Peru, Brazil and Venezuela. MADERAZ creates a distinct, vibrant, musical expression and a unique repertoire for its compositions and performances and will have everybody up and dancing to the irresistible rhythms.
 
MADERAZ perform on many distinctive instruments, creating a variety of unusual and beautiful sounds. The evocative KENA and SIKUS are combined with vocals, guitar, bass and an assortment of Afro-Latin American percussion instruments, such as the CONGAS, the CAJON (Peruvian wooden box) and some Brazilian drums (TIMBA, REPINIQUE, SURDO, CUICA…) The universal appeal of this contagious music will transcend borders and have everybody up and dancing to the irresistible rhythms.

The name MADERAZ comes from the Spanish word “madera” which means “wood”, symbolizing the fact that many of the musical instruments, at certain time, were all made from that material.
MADERAZ has been working with PROLOGUE TO THE PERFORMING ARTS since 1994, offering specially adapted workshops and performances in Ontario schools to encourage the performing arts as an integral part of education.