Mayalde is a Spanish folk ensemble from Salamanca composed of Eusebio Martín Cifuentes and Pilar Pérez, along with their children Arturo and Laura Martín. For nearly four decades, the group has been dedicated to the preservation and revitalization of traditional Castilian music. Their approach is distinctive: they transform everyday household items, such as spoons, cooking pots, brooms, and mortars, into musical instruments.
At the same time, Mayalde recovers oral traditions, songs, and rhythms passed down through generations, contributing to the preservation of collective memory. Over the years, they have released thirteen albums. Their most recent work, N’Ca Mayalde, encapsulates the group’s spirit. It highlights both their musical authenticity and their ability to engage intergenerational audiences without compromising the depth of their cultural roots.
Moreover, their concerts are known for being participatory experiences. Rather than merely performing, Mayalde invites the audience to become part of the event, creating a shared celebration of folk heritage. By combining historical reverence with a contemporary, inclusive presentation, the group not only safeguards cultural traditions but also breathes new life into them.
Discography:
La Herencia (Several Records, 1986)
Canciones Tradicionales Salmantinas (Saga, 1993)
Dar Posá – Villancicos Tradicionales (Saga, 1998)
Camino De La Plata – 25 Años Para El Enzeusiasmo (Saga, 2005)
Al Buen Tun Tun (Barlovento Músicas, 2009)
Nanas Con Ná (Mayalde tradicional, 2014)
Tinajoria (Mayalde, 2015)
N´ca Mayalde (Mayalde, 2020)
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.