Manuel Rivera, "Manny" for friends, was born and raised in New York City. He began his musical career-playing Bongo in a Latin workshop band in 1973, which eventually became Orchestra Yambu. Yambu was known for it's Latin Jazz style and Disco Hit "Sunny", Manny's first recording.



In 1976, Rivera joined the original Sublime of New York City doubling up on Bongo and Timbales. He recorded on Sublime's first two albums in 1977 and 1979.



Since 1975, Manny has studied various folkloric rhythms, Bata Drums and sight-reading at the Harbor's Conservatory of Music in "El Barrio" under the guidance of the Masters' Luis Bauzo and Ramón Rodriquez.



Manny Rivera has also performed with Bassist William Millan, of the original Conjunto Saoco, singers Henry Fiol, Ray Ramos and pianist Ray Santiago.