Born into a family of percussionists in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Giovanni Hidalgo is a master conga player and world percussionist whose innovations have helped redefine Latin jazz and Afro-Caribbean rhythm performance. From a young age he immersed himself in hand drumming, drawing on the musical legacy of his father José “Mañengue” Hidalgo and blending Afro-Caribbean traditions with jazz and global influences.
Hidalgo’s international career accelerated in the 1980s with performances alongside Eddie Palmieri and invitations from Dizzy Gillespie to join his United Nation Orchestra. He has since collaborated with a wide range of artists across jazz, Latin, and world music, including Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, Tito Puente, Paul Simon, D’Angelo, McCoy Tyner, and Carlos Santana while continually expanding the expressive possibilities of congas and hand percussion.
In recent years Hidalgo has continued performing and recording despite health challenges that prompted adaptations to his technique. He has focused on intimate trio performances that emphasize Latin jazz improvisation, with notable concerts in 2025 in Orlando and Jacksonville featuring collaborations with pianist Marcio Garcia and bassist Myles Sloniker. His recent work also includes a guest performance on pianist Irving Flores’s Afro-Cuban jazz album Armando Mi Conga, released in 2025, providing a rhythmic introduction and vibrant conga contributions.
Hidalgo’s influence extends beyond performance into education and instrument design. He has presented clinics and masterclasses globally, mentoring percussionists in advanced rhythmic techniques. He also maintains an enduring relationship with Latin Percussion (LP), with signature instrument designs that reflect his approach and legacy.
Gear:
Latin Percussion signature congas, timbales and bongos, along with a range of world percussion instruments.
Sources: Giovanni Hidalgo official website, Modern Drummer Readers Poll, Drummerszone news, Timucua Arts Foundation event, All About Jazz, LP (Latin Percussion) artist info
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Update 1/19/26