Brendaliz Cepeda and Saul Penaloza
Bomba
Brendaliz Cepeda and Saul Penaloza are artists and educators passionate about cultural equity and community engagement. Together they co-founded Bomba de Aquí, an organization specializing in the performance and education of Afro-Puerto Rican music and dance, with a focus on the bomba tradition. Based in western Massachusetts and central Connecticut, the group is committed to preserving and promoting Puerto Rico’s African-rooted heritage through dynamic performances and interactive workshops. Bomba de Aquí brings the rhythms, movement, and storytelling of bomba to a wide range of audiences, delivering culturally responsive programming in Spanish and English. Bomba de Aquí celebrates the richness of Afro-Puerto Rican traditions and fosters cross-cultural dialogue, artistic expression, and a deeper understanding of Puerto Rican identity—particularly for Latino/a youth. At its core, Bomba de Aquí believes in the power of music and dance to build community, inspire pride, and connect generations. Brenda and Saul joined the Sonido Music staff in 2025.
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