Rebellion
BIO
Rafael "Beto" Sarmiento, Music and Artistic Director of Rebellion, is a recognised international percussionist and Gaita player. He comes from a family of long-standing musical tradition: his cousin, "Michi Sarmiento", arranged Joe Arroyo’s top salsa hit of all, “La Rebelion”. Originally from Cartagena Colombia, he travelled the world with a variety of artists. At the age of 18 he was part of the Colombian National Ballet's orchestra under the lead of Sonia Osorio. By the age of 20, he was touring internationally as part of Toto La Momposina, featuring in the "Pa' Canto" album that was nominated to the Latin Grammys in 1996. Rafael played at many great world music festivals and recognised theatres in Latin America and Europe including the International Caribbean Festival in Santiago de Cuba and La Habana, alongside the famous singers Celina Gonzales and Toto La Momposina, and at the Womad Festival in Reading UK. He has been a key player in the Latin music scene in London playing at top venues and events like Carnaval Del Pueblo, London New Year Day Parade(LNYDP), the Royal Albert Hall, the Barbican Centre, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Jazz Café and the Houses of Parliament.
Janio Coronado, from “Monteria to the world”, Is a Colombian singer and musician, with a world wide long standing trajectory, ranging from interpreter to composer. Its music is flourishing with an outstanding energy and a taste for flourishing colors, and its innate skill for “pregonar”, the improvisation skills that spices up all its performances and for which Janio is well renowned. In its trajectory, he featured in top latín and international fusion and salsa groups such as “Tupamaros” , “Guayacán Orquesta”, Willy Colon and its orchestra, “Alquimia la Sonora del XXI”, and most recently Sidestepper, travelling the five continent in multiple world tours. Janio, worked with several artists including Jamiroquai, recorded in Peter Gabriel’s studios for the WOMAD (world of music arts and dance) festival across several years, travelling USA, Canada, South America, Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Eastern Europe countries, Nordic countries, Australia and the UK.
Rafi Narváez, from "Venezuela to the world", is a gifted Venezuelan salsa singer and sonero, distinguished by his powerful, high-pitched voice, vibrant stage presence, and exceptional ability to improvise. Deeply rooted in the rich musical traditions of Venezuela and the Caribbean, Rafi brings an unmistakable energy, passion, and authenticity to every performance.
His distinctive vocal style combines the elegance of traditional salsa with the explosive spirit of the sonero, mastering the art of pregonar, the spontaneous vocal improvisation and rhythmic interplay that lie at the very heart of salsa music. His soaring high notes, expressive phrasing, and natural connection with the audience make him a captivating performer whose voice embodies the true essence of Latin music.
As one of the featured voices of REBELLION, Rafi Narváez contributes his unmistakable Venezuelan flavour and extraordinary vocal character to the project's dynamic sound. Alongside Colombian singer and acclaimed sonero Janio Coronado, he creates a remarkable musical partnership, bringing together two distinctive voices, two rich Latin American musical traditions, and a shared passion for authentic, contemporary salsa.
Rafi Narváez represents the passion, virtuosity, and vibrant spirit of Venezuelan salsa, a voice that deserves to be heard around the world.
