Víctor Javier “Vitito” Emmanuelli Náter

Víctor Javier “Vitito” Emmanuelli Náter, a consultant for SanArte Cultura and a facilitator representing the Cangrejos Region at the Roundtable, is a renowned percussionist, dancer, educator, and researcher of Puerto Rican Bomba with over 40 years of experience. His training began as a child under the influence of the Cepeda family, and he later discovered his own cultural lineage as the great-grandson of Sergio Náter, a Bomba player and teacher of Rafael Cepeda. He has been a member of iconic groups such as Raíces Eternas, Los Hermanos Cepeda, and Paracumbé, and co-founded Bombazo de Puerto Rico. He has also created projects such as Bomba Evolución, Plena Evolución, and Rebelión Jazz. Recognized for his contributions to barrel making techniques and aesthetics and for his innovative vision, "Vitito" maintains that all evolution stems from a deep respect for and understanding of tradition, inspiring new generations and establishing himself as one of the pillars of Afro-Puerto Rican music and culture.