ABOUT US | Plena Libre

"★★★★"
- Songlines UK

Recognized as one of the "20 Most Outstanding Productions of 2025" by Puerto Rico's National Foundation of Popular Culture

The Group

They can rock the house with traditional singing and drumming, then turn around and lay down a smoking, jazz-heavy, Afro-Rican jam.” -East Bay Express

WHO WE ARE

Plena Libre

Expect hard-hitting horns, master hand drummers and songs from the soul of Puerto Rico.

“A mad weave of polyrhythms that simply sizzle.”

- The Boston Herald

Plena Libre combines the traditional Plena and Bomba rhythms with other Afro-Caribbean styles and jazz to create a contagious dance music that honors the group’s deep sense of the unique indigenous musical traditions, while embracing modern sounds.

Our Musicians

LuisGa Núñez

Musical director, composer, bassist and singer LuisGa is a talented musician and cultural ambassador. He pursued his musical career with formal education and practical experiences since a very young age, making him known for his contributions to the genres of plena, bomba and Latin jazz. He's taken on the role of director for the iconic Puerto Rican music group following the passing of his father, Gary Nuñez. LuisGa has embraced the responsibility of preserving and evolving the group's legacy and, under his leadership, Plena Libre continues to celebrate its rich heritage of plena and bomba music while incorporating modern influences. LuisGa has also spearheaded new projects, including a tribute album honoring his father's contributions to Puerto Rican music. His vision ensures that Plena Libre remains a vibrant and dynamic force in the world of Afro-Caribbean rhythms. He has a Master in Fine Arts from New York University in Jazz.

Our Musicians

Victor Vélez

Singer, composer, percussionist, artisan, teacher Victor Vélez is a talented musician known for his contributions to the plena and bomba music scene. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he was exposed to a rich tapestry of musical influences from a young age. Growing up in a culturally vibrant environment, Victor developed a passion for music that would shape his future career. His early experiences in local music communities fostered an appreciation for traditional Puerto Rican rhythms and instruments. Victor has played a vital role in promoting Puerto Rican music and culture. His efforts to educate younger generations about traditional music forms have helped ensure that these cultural expressions remain vibrant and relevant.

Our Musicians

Emanuel Santana

Singer, composer, percusionist Emanuel Santana is a prominent musician and a key member of Plena Libre. He is renowned for its vibrant and authentic representation of Puerto Rican music, particularly the genre of plena. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Emanuel was immersed in the rich musical traditions of the island from a young age. His passion for music was influenced by the sounds of traditional folkloric rhythms, which shaped his artistic development.

Our Musicians

Rafi Falú

Hand drummer and dancer Rafi is is considered one of the best and fastest hand drummers of plena. His versatility as a percussionist contributes significantly to the band’s distinctive sound. His expertise in traditional rhythms enhances the authenticity of their performances, allowing the band to connect deeply with audiences at local and international venues.

Our Musicians

Miguel De Jesús

Singer and percussionist Miguel is a Puerto Rican singer and musician, immersed in the island's rich musical heritage from an early age. Influenced by the vibrant sounds of salsa, folk, and traditional rhythms, he developed a deep passion for music that would shape his future careerAs a vocalist, Miguel's powerful voice and charismatic stage presence have made him a key member of Plena Libre. Currently studies at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.

MORE ABOUT US

Plena Libre

The trailblazing Plena Libre has been thrilling international audiences for nearly three decades. Masters of the traditional Puerto Rican plena and bomba styles, Plena Libre fuses well-loved traditions with modern Afro-Caribbean influences, putting a new and always electrifying spin on this scintillating music. With mesmerizing hand drumming, raucous horns, and soaring three-part vocal harmonies, this multi-Grammy Award–nominated band always brings the heat. Captivating and moving audiences over the course of a 30-year, 15-album career, this fine-tuned, original band of 12 virtuoso musicians has only gotten better with age. Founder, bandleader and bassist Gary Nuñez and his band have revived the plena sound for a new generation, electrifying audiences with horns, drums and dance. Plena Libre, masters of contemporary bomba and plena, brilliantly infuses the Afro-Puerto Rican rhythms Plena and Bomba, with other Caribbean rhythms to their traditional and contemporary compositions, creating an electrifying stage performance. Featuring three vocalists singing in lush three-part harmonies – with an aggressive, tight, yet sensitive style, which balances the traditional with the contemporary, the global and the local -, Plena Libre creates a brand of music and live performance that captivates the multi-cultured audience, invites to dance and to listen to their sound. They are Artist-in- Residence at the University of Chicago as they are recipients of the prestigious Don Michael Randel Award. Filtering the sounds of various Afro-Caribbean forms, this versatile collection of expert performers created a celebratory spectacle and engaging sonic ecstasy. Thrilling audiences around the world, from the Fez Festival (in Morocco), Montreal Jazz Fest and to the Playboy Jazz Festival, Plena Libre is a train that just keeps picking up steam as it charges ahead in unexpected and exciting directions. Plena Libre has recorded with notable musicians like pianist Eddie Palmieri, Papo Lucca, and Nestor Torres, among others.