Nelson Matthew Gonzalez

Nelson Matthew Gonzalez is a Bronx native and was raised in a musical family. His grandfather, Benny Ayala, is a seasoned plenero and artist. When he was 11 he began formally studying music at the Harbor Conservatory in East Harlem. Since then, he has become accomplished in playing conga,
bongo and timbales. Matthew is equally gifted as a dancer and has been a member of Danza Fiesta for over ten years. He also has his own band, Cumbalaya. He has performed with many artists including Los Pleneros de la 21, Aurora Flores, Zon de Barrio, David Kada, La Salsera Sol, Hector Tricoche, Eugene Marlow & the Heritage Ensemble, Chino Ramos and His Orchestra, and Jessica Rodriguez y La Malanga. He is currently playing percussion with seven-time Grammy-nominated musician Bobby Sanabria and his Multiverse Big Band.