Israel Berrier González

Israel was one of the greatest rumba singers in the group Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, and was one of its most prominent singers and composers.

Blessed with a powerful voice of unmistakable character, Israel was born in Jovellanos in a very humble family. From a very young age he was a victim of racial and class discrimination, and worked in his early youth as a shoeshine boy.

Years later, after 1959, he became a welder until his musical talent was discovered and he joined the ranks of Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, a group he was part of for more than fifty years.

It was Berriel who included in the group's repertoire the chants of orishas, the bríkamo, and the columbia. And not only did he impose his tone as the lead columbia singer, but he also contributed greatly as a composer to Los Muñequitos' discography.

Thanks to his talent he was able to travel to many countries representing Cuban culture. He obtained with his group the highest professional honors and was highly valued by many musicians and rumba admirers around the world.

Until his death at age 83, Berriel led one of the most respected Cabildos in Matanzas.

His death was caused by a cardiovascular accident and by his express wish his body rests in Jovellanos.