Palenka

Palenka are one of the UK’s leading Latin American Dance band, and were formed in 1990

to the collective talents of Fernando Suarez - "Kinacho" and Lisandro Zapata from

Colombia. Both are highly professional performers and are widely experienced in the Latin

and Jazz scene.

The Band's eclectic repertoire is passionate, dynamic and eminently danceable: from the

characteristically hot blooded tempos of Cuban Salsa and Brazilian Lambada, the traditional

folk rhythms of Colombian cumbia and Dominican Merengue, to the latest Caribbean Reggae

and universally popular Spanish style "Gypsy Kings".

This all singing band includes the traditional latin rhythm section, piano, guitar, bass, congas,

bongos and timbale. It is fronted by Adriana Santana also Colombian, who has become the

"Queen of Salsa" in London captivating the audience with her magnetic voice and sensual

dancing.

Over the years Palenka has toured: Switzerland (Montreaux Festival), France, Italy, Spain,

Tunisia, Morocco, Malaysia, Indonesia, Ireland and Turkey. The band has performed for

dignitaries such as Prince Charles, the late King Hussein of Jordan, King Juan Carlos of

Spain and has become a spicy ingredient at hotels, clubs and many pop stars parties.

In the UK, the band is well known from North to South as a leading Latin band spreading the

Latin fever from small to big audiences. Palenke has been invited to the Barbican Centre, the

South Bank, The Edinburgh Festival and several TV shows. They are currently working on

their first original CD.

Palenka over the years had worked with the collaboration of great Musicians such as: Oscar

Ruiz, timbale; Bill Bland, congas; Alejandro Martinez, multi-percussionist and Luis Carlos

Fuentes, Drummer.