Formed in the summer of
2009. Salsotika deliver
classic salsa music from
the 80’s and 90s. Influenced
by the Willie Rosario
band of the 80s (with
just a ittle modern edge)
Salsatika is directed
by timbalero Johan Aguirre
(from Son Ache) and fronted
by the charismatic Ricky
Franco on vocals.
Peruvian-born percussionist
Johan Aguirre began playing
percussion at age 13 and
like countless other percussionists
he was influenced by greats
like Manny Oquendo, Jose
Luis Quintana “Changuito”,
Willie Rosario and Chago
Martinez. Though his first
instruments were a pair
of bongos, he soon began
playing congas and timbales
around town in the local
salsa scene. His first
appearance was with Grupo
Mora - at 15 he then moved
on to play with many other
local bands such as Furza
Latina, Sensation, and
Juno nominee Domnicanada.
In 1998 he recorded his
first album entitled Saborijen
which featured his vocal
abilities, soon after
that he joined Son Ache
as resident conga player
where he was able to mature
as a percussionist.
Among his more notable
performance/recording
credits are Son Ache,
Ricky Franco, Luis Orbegosos
Moda Eterna, Pacande,
Robert Micheals, Johannes
Linstead, Ray Sepulvedad,
Willy Rivera, Antonio
Cartagena and Willy Gonzalez.
Johan’s style of playing
is very laid back but
can also be aggressive
when needed. His ability
to play many different
instruments has enabled
him to keep busy working
with many artists in Latin
music.
On Saturday July 10, Salsotika
took the stage at the
popular Lula Lounge and
put on a "salsareffic"
performance for all the
people present.
