Lekiam Aguilar Guerrero

Percussionist

Lekiam Aguilar Guerrero was born and raised in Pogolotti, Marianao, an area outside
of Havana known for Afro-Cuban culture. Lekiam is a deeply versed bata player, akpwon
(lead singer), percussionist, skilled educator, and is training to be a babalawo (a priest in Regla
de Ocha, also known as Santeria). Like most players of folkloric percussion in Cuba, he learned
by absorbing knowledge from older drummers while he was growing up. Some of his main
teachers include Gustavo Diaz, a highly respected batalero from Pogolotti, Andres
Chacon of the Cabildo Arara de Pogolotti, and famedPapo Angarica from the area
of Cerro. By the time he was 18, Lekiam was already being hired throughout
Marianao and Havana to play Iya (lead bata drum) or be akpwon for
religious ceremonies. He also works as a percussion
teacher in the Havana school system.






Lekiam is an excellent teacher (seen here with a student from France). He is able to instruct
those with an interest in folkloric percussion, whether your interests are bata, rumba, arara, cajon,
or popular percussion such as tumbadoras (conga drums). Lekiam can also act as a guide for
researchers interested in Afro-Cuban culture. He is well connected in Havana and can help
put you in touch with drummers, drum makers, and respected religious practitioners.

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Lekiam can be contacted in Havana at 262-5549.
If calling from the US, dial 011-53-7-262-5549

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