The Timba Andina is a South America-rooted band bringing contemporary Chinese sounds to life through their music. What sets them apart is their masterful interpretation of Andean rhythms. Currently comprising over 10 musicians, the band is a staple on Shanghai’s live music scene. Their style is distinct and eclectic, blending rock, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, Latin dance, and Chinese classical music.

With members hailing from Bolivia, Paraguay, Colombia, Ukraine, and Mauritius, their multicultural backgrounds shape their unique sound. You can catch them at renowned Shanghai venues like Zapatas and JZ Club, as well as festivals like the Shanghai World Music Festival.

Their album The Timba Andina features a standout reimagining of the Peruvian classic El Cóndor Pasa. Originally composed by Daniel Alomía Robles in 1913, the track innovatively blends traditional instruments like the pan flute, harp, and quena while staying true to Andean musical roots.

Setlist

• Plástico intro
• Condor Pasa (Fuga)
• Mirror Image
• Alturas
• Pie canela (sing)
• Pájaro choui
• Flor de un día
• Afro Timba (Original)
• Bésame mucho (sing)
• La Partida
• Vírgenes del Sol
• Agua de beber (sing)
• Last hope (Original)
• Carnaval (sing)
• Mi tierra (sing)
• Bailando (sing)
• Despacito (sing)

Actual setlist subject to change.

Lineup

Roberto Pickling - Keyboards

A virtuoso musician who has called China home for 20 years, Roberto Pickling specializes in Latin rhythms and has even pioneered new rhythmic concepts. A mainstay of Shanghai’s live music circuit, he’s dedicated to delivering high-caliber performances. Born in Peru, he studied piano but is also a Latin jazz-style drummer, bassist, and percussionist. He’s arranged multiple songs for the band and released solo albums across genres, championing harmony and rhythm-driven musical innovation. His playing is deeply influenced by the congas’ infectious grooves in Latin jazz, weaving each note seamlessly into chords.

Ginette Medina - Singer / Flute

Based in Shanghai since 2005 and known simply as Ginette, she was born in Santa Clara, Cuba. Her career began at age 10, studying flute, piano, and vocals at the Santa Clara Music School. After graduating, she attended the city’s conservatory (2000-2004), performing with the local symphony orchestra at theaters, clubs, and public events. During this time, she formed her first band, Proposiciones, debuting as a vocalist, flutist, and percussionist (playing claves, maracas, and bongos). From ages 16 to 21, she gained extensive experience with bands like Nova and Huatensia, performing Cuban and classical music at festivals in Havana. After earning her degree in flute and vocals, she taught at an arts school before moving to Shanghai at 21.

Eamonn Morris - Bass

An American bassist and educator, Eamonn has over a decade of experience in pop music despite being in his 20s. Versed in jazz, rock, classical, country, folk, R&B, funk, soul, and avant-garde, he’s also a skilled cellist and double bassist. Trained by renowned instructor Kimberly Hanto, he was selected for the Western States Honor Orchestra and Colorado All-State Orchestra. He earned a jazz double bass scholarship at the University of Northern Colorado Jazz Festival and studied composition with John Drumheller. A longtime member of Brad Fitch & The Tropical Boys, he performed and taught jazz improvisation in Colorado before relocating to Shanghai, where he plays across the city’s top jazz stages.

Macleen Rangasamy - Guitar

Hailing from Mauritius, Macleen started playing guitar at 12 and later performed in hotels and bands across the island. Since arriving in China in 2005, he’s played in Beijing and Shanghai’s music bars and shared stages with pop singer Li Na. As a guitarist for several acclaimed bands, he’s performed in the U.S., the Netherlands, Thailand, and China.

Antonio Ximenez - Trumpet

Born in Madrid, Antonio is a celebrated trumpeter who studied at the Madrid Conservatory, mastering jazz, salsa, and bossa nova. A top-tier Latin jazz musician, he’s also a big band director. Since 1987, he’s joined over 20 workshops with bebop legend Barry Harris and contributed to Spanish albums, film scores, and TV soundtracks. He’s played at major global jazz festivals.

Andrew Pokladiuk - Tenor Sax

A Ukrainian saxophonist and clarinetist, Andrew specializes in classical, pop, and jazz. With 15+ years of experience, he’s played with the Khmelnytskiy Philharmonic, Jazz Band, and Brass Band. Now based in Shanghai, he’s a fixture at the city’s jazz venues.

Pascal Naigom - Drums

This Mauritian jazz drummer began studying percussion at 7 and played in churches by 13. After graduating from the Francois Mitterand Conservatory, he formed his own band in 2003, performing at top venues worldwide.

DM Yuan - Congas

A percussionist exploring natural and spiritual music, Yuan Chaozhen blends global rhythms—Latin, Middle Eastern, Indian, electronic—into his work. He’s played with bands like Xi Ban and Soundscape, performed at TED, and appeared at Strawberry, Midi, and Shanghai Jazz Festival. Collaborators include Tia Ray, Huo Zun, Yang Kun, and Richie Jen.

Alumi - Trumpet (June 20)

Alumi Lu, a versatile brass player, has 20 years of experience since starting at age 10. Currently a musician and producer at a Shanghai theme park, he performs at weddings and with The Timba Andina, expanding his Latin repertoire.

Dmitry Yatsulyak - Trombone (June 28)

A classically trained trombonist, trumpeter, producer, and educator, Dmitry has played with the Lviv Philharmonic and LEOPOLIS Symphony Orchestra. In Switzerland, he joined the Tadeusz Krol Big Band, deepening his jazz roots. Since moving to Shanghai in 2012, he’s performed at major festivals with bands like Rolf Becker Big Band and Shanghai Latin Project, sharing stages with Chris Potter, Laura Fygi, and Chinese stars like Hu Yanbin and Li Yuchun.

• Jazz & Concerts
• Live Music