Víctor Vélez Flores is a celebrated Puerto Rican artist, composer, musician, master artisan, and cultural educator with a lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting Puerto Rican heritage. He has created over 200 original works, including poems and musical compositions across diverse genres.
His artistic journey began at 13, when he won the Carrousel award on Carrousel de la Alegría. He later earned first place in El Show del Mediodía’s singing contest and the pandero requinto competition in Loíza (2001).
Víctor spent 21 years with the Grammy-nominated group Plena Libre, contributing to four nominations, including for the album Evolución, featuring “Me Quisiste.” His original song “Julieta” remains in radio rotation, and his recent composition “Ya No Lo Quiero” was recorded by the acclaimed group Atabal.
He has recorded with Tamboricua, Proyecto Unión, La Compañía Folklórica de Loíza, Puerto Rican Folkloric Jazz, and released his solo project Bombarrilé: Bomba de Tiempo. His work has taken him to 15–20 countries—including a standout visit to Africa—where he has taught and performed the rhythms of bomba and plena.
As a cultural educator, Víctor leads workshops, lectures, and live demos globally. As a master drum artisan, his handcrafted instruments are played in Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and cities across the U.S.
He has been part of iconic groups like Ballet Folklórico Familia Cepeda, Restauración Cultural, Desde Cero, Pleneros de la 21, and Pleneros Sorpresa, collaborating with nearly every active bomba group in Puerto Rico and the diaspora.
Most recently, he joined the Raíces de Solidaridad cultural camp in Reading, PA, hosted by Rize Youth Arts, sharing his legacy of rhythm, resistance, and Puerto Rican pride.
Rosa Julia Parra
Editor & Founder
Palo Magazine
610-223-7071
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