Johnny Mambo started playing congas with his dad’s band at the age of 8 years old. At the age of 21, he met someone who was a huge influential figure, Mr. Eddie Iglesias (his music angel). Eddie was a well-known trombonist and singer in the salsa genre circle. Eddie inspired Johnny to live his dream. Johnny’s dream was to become a musician and to become a band leader.

Johnny has been influential to play Bongo by many Percussionists, like Charlie Salinas, Johnny “Dandy” Rodriguez, Willie Moreno, Jimmy Delgado, Yusnier Sanchez Bustamante, Jesse ‘Timbalon” Perez, George Delgado, Orlando Vega, Wilmer Vega, & many more.

In 2005, Johnny Mambo formed his band, now known as Johnny Mambo & Friends. Johnny Mambo & Friends has had the pleasure of performing in many venues in New York, New Jersey, PA & Connecticut, etc. over the years including for Carnegie Hall City Wide. Since 2018, Johnny Mambo has a weekly residency & performs every Saturday Brunch at Made in Puerto Rico, in the Bronx.

Johnny Mambo & Friends is a band that performs for the audience: the dancers, the salsa lovers, the jammers. They consistently project a high energy performance on stage which transcends into the crowd.  Their love for the art and passion for the beat allow them to connect with their audience and create a setting unlimited fun and fusion.