Performers

Kadencia is a powerful 11-piece Afro-Puerto Rican orchestra based in Virginia, dedicated to preserving and sharing the vibrant musical traditions of Bomba and Plena. Led by the dynamic father-son duo of Maurice Sanabria and Maurice “Tito” Sanabria, the band brings together a collective of talented Virginian musicians hailing from Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, and the Tri-Cities. Kadencia doesn’t just perform music — they tell stories rooted in the history, culture, and resilience of Puerto Rico and its diaspora, creating a sonic bridge between the island and the mainland.

Their original music recently gained national attention in Season 2 of Apple TV+’s hit series Swagger, a show inspired by the early life of NBA superstar Kevin Durant. In Episode 7, Kadencia delivers an authentic Puerto Rican soundtrack with songs like “Bagazo,” “Puerto Rico Te Extraño,” and “Oye,” all from their acclaimed album En Otro Barrio. The episode also features members of the band in the opening scene, as their rhythms bring depth and emotion to the story of a young Puerto Rican athlete navigating life in the DMV after Hurricane Maria.

With performances at prestigious venues including the Kennedy Center, Richmond Folk Festival, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, and the Dominion Energy Center, Kadencia has cemented its place as a vital voice in the cultural landscape of Virginia and beyond. Their latest album, recorded at Richmond’s Minimum Wage Recording, blends Bomba, Plena, and Salsa with contemporary storytelling — earning them a spot in the Puerto Rico National Foundation for Popular Culture’s Top 20 albums by Puerto Rican artists. Whether on stage or on screen, Kadencia’s mission remains clear: to move hearts, uplift communities, and keep the pulse of Afro-Puerto Rican heritage alive.