Mayito Rivera, whose real name is Mario Enrique Rivera Godínez, was born on January 19, 1966, in Pinar del Río, Cuba.

With a powerful voice and natural charisma that earned him the nickname "the voice of the street," Mayito Rivera embodies the soul and energy of the Cuban people. His unique style, blending tradition and modernity, has left a lasting mark on generations of salsa, songo, and timba lovers, making him an undisputed ambassador of Cuban music worldwide.

His musical career began modestly alongside singer Albita Rodríguez, but it was in 1992, when he joined the legendary group Los Van Van, led by the iconic Juan Formell, that his fame skyrocketed. With Los Van Van—often compared to the "Cuban Rolling Stones"—Mayito Rivera became a key figure during the group’s golden age. He performed songs that have become modern salsa classics, such as Soy todo and Azúcar, and contributed to the evolution of Cuban sound. In 2000, the group won a Latin Grammy for the album Llegó Van Van (Van Van is Here), crowning years of innovation and success.

After nearly two decades with Los Van Van, Mayito Rivera embarked on a solo career, founding his own project: Mayito Rivera y Su Salsa Mayor. This new chapter allowed him to fully express his artistic identity, blending traditional Afro-Cuban sounds with modern influences. His solo albums, particularly Llegó la hora and Negrito Bailador, were critically acclaimed. Negrito Bailador, in particular, is a vibrant tribute to Afro-Cuban culture, celebrating dance, joy, and the African roots of Cuban music. Both albums earned him two Grammy Award nominations in the "Best Salsa Album" category, solidifying his status as an essential artist on the international stage.

Today, Mayito Rivera is considered an absolute reference in Cuban salsa. His exemplary career, marked by rare artistic longevity and unwavering loyalty to his roots, has earned him respect and admiration worldwide. Whether on the grand stages of international festivals or in the intimacy of clubs, he continues to captivate audiences with deeply alive music, filled with infectious energy and an unconditional love for Cuban culture. Mayito Rivera remains, more than ever, the embodiment of authenticity, passion, and Cuban groove—an artist whose musical legacy continues to inspire new generations. His influence extends far beyond Cuba, and his name is now synonymous with excellence and innovation in Latin music.