Conjunto Ritmos Santenos de Osvaldo

Accordionist Osvaldo Ayala began playing his instrument at the age of 7. Born in the town of Paritilla, in the Santos region of Panama, Ayala's music combines the traditions of Panamanian pindin with a range of Latin styles including salza, cumbia and vallenato. His group, Conjunto Ritmos Santeños, is known for their driving dance sound, hot vocals and percussive force. His stinging accordion attack has earned him the name El Escorpión de Paritilla.

A Grammy award winning artist, Ayala has spread his music far and wide with an active performance schedule and a long and impressive discography. In the 1990's, he was a contributor to Ruben Blades' successful album La Rosa de Los Vientos and during that project worked with other legendary Latin artists - including Celia Cruz, Wilfrido Vargas and Tito Nieves. In recognition of his renown, his government has named him a Cultural Ambassador for the republic, representing the finest expression of music and culture from Panama.