Hugo Salcedo is considered the most prominent Latino entertainer and the pioneer of Latino music, dance and culture in South Australia. He is a multifaceted entertainer; a gifted musician, Latino dance instructor and performer and DJ who has been bringing joy to many since his arrival in Australia.

Hugo was born in Cartagena, in the Caribbean coast of Colombia and commenced his musical career at a young age jamming with the local kids in the barrios of Cartagena where he was inspired and influenced by the Afro-Caribbean rhythms and way of life.

Hugo commenced his career performing Colombian folkloric music playing instruments such as the gaita (Colombian flute), tambor alegre, guache and tambora and later moved into the genre of Salsa and other Afro-Latin rhythms and also plays the congas, bongos, maracas, guiro and cowbell.

Hugo has performed extensively across Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean throughout his career and has worked with a wide range of Colombian artists such as Toto La Momposina, Ivan Villazon, Los Gaiteros de San Jacinto, Ballet Folkloric de Colombia, Sonia Osorio, Ivan Benavides, Fiesta de Tambores, Leonor Gonzalez Mina “La negra grande de Colombia”, Son Cartagena, percussionist Encarnacion Tovar “El diablo del tambor”, percussionist Paulino Salgado “BATATA”, percussionist Eduardo Martinez, composer Pedro Pablo Peña, vocalist of “La 33 orchestra” David Cantillo ‘Malpelo’, Toño Arnedo, Maite Montero, Patakore, Kalamary, Cartagena Candombe, Caoba, Macumbia, Kuisi, Son Bata Orquesta, vocalist of Mercado Negro Rodrigo Rodriguez (RODRY-GO) as well as other international artists such as Celina Gonzalez (Cuba), Edwin Bonilla (USA), Cesar Monje “Albondiga” (Venezuela), percussionist Joel “Pipo” Marquez (Venezuela), Papa Noel (Congo) and many other notable performers.

The highlight of Hugo’s career was touring the world and performing with renowned Colombian artist Toto la Momposina for over eight years with whom he collaborated on the album “Pacantó” which was twice nominated for the Grammy Awards.

Today, Hugo is Director of the successful Latin entertainment company; Latino Grooves which is the purveyor of world-class Latin dance tuition and entertainment in South Australia.

As a promoter, Hugo has been responsible for many major Latin events in Adelaide. He has promoted and supported international acts and events such us Sonora Carruseles (Colombia), The Bar at Buena Vista (Cuba), Los 3 de la Habana (Cuba), Omara Portuondo (Cuba), Lo Maximo (Cuba), Son Cartagena (Colombia), Havana Nights (Cuba), Lady Salsa (Cuba), Omar Sosa Trio (Cuba), Mabulu (Mozambique), Juan Martin (Spain), Ozomatli (USA ), Fulanito (USA), Jazz Pigs (USA), Cuban Dance Congress, Tropicana Festival, Latino Grooves Festival as well as regular Latin parties at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel, The Arkaba Hotel, The Colonel Light Hotel and most recently, Escobar.

Hugo has participated as a DJ and Latin dancer/instructor in the most prestigious events and venues across Australia such as Sydney Salsa Congress (NSW), Australian Salsa Championships (NSW), Bacardi Festival (NSW), Sydney Latin Fiesta (NSW) and Womadelaide (SA) to name a few.

Hugo is also Director of Australia’s premier Latin band Hugo Salcedo & his TNT.

For more information or to book Hugo and his band for performances contact info@latinogrooves.com.au.