Chukale is one of Australia’s finest Afro-Cuban Salsa bands, in only two years, this Brisbane based band has developed an extensive and enthusiastic following, not only within the Latin Community but also with music and dance enthusiasts from all cultural backgrounds.
Chukale was born in Brisbane during the summer of 2005. An 11 piece Afro-Cuban Salsa band, fronted by 2 vocalists & dancers, Tika Roberte and Maygualida Rodriguez, make the band easy to identify and hard to forget, no wonder Chukale is just as exciting to see as it is to hear. The powerful brass section is Conservatorium trained; Burke Turner and Bob Schultz on Trumpets and Shane Hannan & Mikael Strand on Trombones, they sail over the groove laid down by the driving rhythm section; young talents Christo Iconomidis on Piano and Carlos Gomez on Bass. Gustavo Cereijo commanding style on Congas combined with Alex Osorio’s on Timbale contributes to the bands cutting-edge. Backing this ensemble is Brisbane’s renowned Latin drummer, Sacha Kloostra.
Having maintained residencies at popular Brisbane clubs; Alhambra Lounge (awarded the best Australian nightclub in 2006), Uber, Bar Soma, and the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, Chukale’s show is in demand. Recent touring took Chukale to the Cairns Festival, the Bellingen Global Carnival, Sydney’s Latin Fiesta at Darling Harbor and Woodford Folk Festival.
Gustavo Cereijo, Musical Director & lead vocalist of Chukale, is one of the pioneers of Salsa music in Australia, having toured and performed with international artists such as Afro Cuban All Stars, Buena Vista Social Club, Jimmy Bosh, Gypsy Kings, and one of Latin music’s greatest voices; Oscar De Leon. Gustavo has dedicated the last twenty years of his life in pursuing and perfecting all genres of Latin music; Afro-Cuban music & rhythms in particular. These experiences have enhanced and deepened Gustavo’s knowledge and skills in directing and coordinating large musical ensembles. Working in Sydney, Gustavo became the musical director of three of the city’s major Salsa bands, who have since performed at many memorable events, including the Sydney Bacardi Festival. Gustavo has also performed on the television hit series, Australian Idol and the MTV Music Awards 2006.
A talented and highly professional ensemble, you will instantly be gripped by the infectious spirit and genuine passion for authentic Latin music that Chukale brings to every performance.
