Ismael Cancel Villafañe was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on December 26, 1978. Ismael is at present one of the most competent, active and trained musicians from a new generation of young Puerto Rican drummers and percussionists; with vast experience in Brazilian and African-Cuban music, as well as folkloric Bomba and Plena.



Ismael Cancel Villafañe has been constantly contributing and representing Puerto Rican folk, through presentations in very prestigious events, both, within and outside Puerto Rico, including performances of his native music, as well as other genres such as Jazz and Pop. In addition to being a renown excellent drummer and percussionist, he also does lead, second and backing vocals.



At eight, Ismael Cancel Villafañe started Piano lessons and at ten (10) he made a change of heart to percussion and drums. From 2001 to 2004, Ismael Cancel was the drummer of Bayanga - a band with a fusion of folkoric music from Puerto Rico, Brazil, Cuba and the Caribbean-from which he was also a co-founder. During this time, he was able to develop his knowledge of percussion as well as of African-Caribbean and Brazilian music.



Ismael Cancel Villafañe performed live in various festivals in California, such as: Reggae on the River, Sierra Nevada World Music Fest, Monterrey Reggae Festival, Universidad del Estado de Chico and Fresno Reggae Festival.



In 2004, under the label Ras Records, Bayanga presented its first musical production, wherein he played the drums, some percussion sessions, and also performed second vocals.



Ismael Cancel Villafañe's artistic career climbed a new footstep on 2005, when he was made part of Calle 13, as drummer, percussionist, and backing vocal. To date the band has conquered 10 Latin Grammys, including Album of the year In 2009, and one American Grammy.



As a member of Calle 13, Ismael Cancel Villafañe has been on stage with many of the finest top artists such as Alejandro Sanz, Shakira, Maná, Nelly Furtado, Rubén Blades, Gustavo Santaolalla, Café Tacvba and Orishas, among many others.



At the time, Ismael Cancel Villafañe is simultaneously working on the creation of Puerto Rico’s first percussion school, Calle 13’s next album, and of course, continuing his studies in percussion. This all evidences once more that Ismael Cancel Villafañe is one of today’s most active and promising drummers in Puerto Rico, The Island of Enchantment.



Up to today Calle 13 has 10 Latin Grammys and 2 Grammys… for a total of 12 with three albums!