Niña Volcán
Short Bio
Niña Volcán is a dynamic force in the emerging "Canadian cumbia" scene, igniting dance floors with their blend of cumbia, electronica, jazz, and afrobeat. Known for electrifying performances at Drom Taberna, BSMT 254, Bloom Festival and many of Toronto's vibrant street festivals including DoWest Fest, Beaches Jazz Festival, and Geary Art Crawl, they are takin the local latin music scene by storm and constantly seeking to push the boundaries of what modern cumbia can be. Paying homage to the influence of cumbia across Latin America and the world, this Toronto-based dance band delivers a fresh, evolving musical experience that captivates both seasoned and new audiences. Backed by an Ontario Arts Council recording grant, they released their debut album 'Macondo' in November 2025, featuring Elbis Alvarez from Meridiam Brotehrs pyschedleic modern cumbia sound. Pedro Ojeda's backbeat from Romperayo and a Frente Cumbiero and continue. Niña Volcán to play the local Toronto scene and Canadian festival circuit.
Long Bio
Niña Volcán is a dynamic dance band from Toronto at the forefront of the emerging "Canadian
cumbia" scene. Lead by seasoned musicians Manuel Rivas, Adlar Gross, and Pāvils Hawkins, the
ensemble creates a unique blend of cumbia, electronica, jazz, and afrobeat, offering listeners an
exciting, danceable musical experience.
The band’s foundation lies in the belief that the rhythms of cumbia are universally accessible,
capable of connecting listeners of all backgrounds. With a desire to expand musical horizons, Niña
Volcán blends the familiar with the new, making cumbia a gateway for audiences to discover a
broader spectrum of sounds. As two Canadians and a Venezuelan, their project serves as a bridge,
strengthening the cultural ties between North American and Latin traditions while offering a fresh,
innovative perspective on both.
The project’s inspiration stems from a transformative journey taken by Venezuelan-born Manuel
Rivas in 2022. While reconnecting with his Latin American roots in Bogotá, Colombia, Manuel delved
into the vibrant local music scene, rediscovering the power and versatility of cumbia. His exploration
of Colombia’s record shops sparked a desire to compose music that integrates traditional Latin
American styles with his North American influences in jazz, funk, and electronic music.
Since its inception, Niña Volcán has made notable strides. By spring 2024, they had released two
singles, built a 12-song repertoire, and performed their debut show at a local community arts festival.
They’ve since gained recognition for their electrifying live shows at venues such as Drom Taberna,
BSMT 254, and festivals like Bloom and Geary Art Crawl. Their performances continue to attract
diverse audiences, eager to experience the captivating fusion of traditional and modern sounds.
Niña Volcán’s musical inspiration is rooted in the long-standing tradition of cumbia adapting to reflect
the diverse cultural influences of the regions it touches. Drawing from the recent revival of cumbia
across the Americas, the band is inspired by movements such as the early 2000s Argentine dance
parties of Zizek and the experimental Bogotá scene with artists like The Meridian Brothers, Frente
Cumbiero, Rompe Rayo, and La Sonora Mazurén. They also look to North American cumbia acts
such as Dos Santos, Money Chicha, and La Lom for inspiration.
Combining traditional cumbia rhythms with modern textures, electronic effects, synthesizers, and improvised jazz solos, Niña Volcán presents a sound that is both familiar and refreshingly innovative. Their music seeks to introduce audiences to this vibrant Latin genre in a way that resonates with contemporary tastes, ensuring an unforgettable live experience. They released their debut album 'Macondo' in November 2025, supported by an Ontario Arts Council recording grant. Niña Volcán continues to push the boundaries of cumbia, bringing its rich and evolving sound to new audiences across Canada and beyond.
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