My name is Máté Jakab, I was born in Budapest, Hungary in 1980. I've been an enthusiast of latin music, especially Afro-Cuban folklore for over 20 years – studying, playing, facilitating. By degree a painter and having worked for two decades as a graphic designer, I took on wood- and lathework in order to make folkloric instruments – and soon found myself up to my neck in steelwork also. I truly enjoy all of it.
The dream of making traditional instruments came to me after my first visit to Rome to meet Roberto Evangelisti "Mamey", who I consider the maker of the finest tumbadoras (congas) living today. He is also an exceptional musician, rumbero de verdad, long time insider in Cuban folklore – leading Timba Scuola di Musica in Rome for over 20 years. Mamey immediately became an inspiration, and I am humbled to have him as a friend and mentor. If it wasn't for him, this journey would not have started, nor would I be able to present you my work now.
I feel very lucky to have studied extensively with these renowned musicians and families:
2001-2007: †David Dely / Hungary – Budapest
2005: István Dely / Colombia – Cartagena, Palenque de San Basilio
2015: Omar Merencio "Pellito el Afrokan" / Cuba – Havana
2015: Los Muñequitos de Matanzas / Cuba – Matanzas
Throughout the years I've also had a chance to participate in workshops and classes with the following masters:
Shangó Dely (COL), Samuel Torres (COL), Giovanni Hidalgo (PR), Alex Acuña (PE), Mauricio Herrera (CU), Leo Moré (CU), Adam Rudolph (USA), Roberto Evangelisti "Mamey" (IT)
As for now I'm working alone. Bongóes and minor percussion are in focus – however, plenty of french barrique wine barrel staves are waiting in the workshop to be reborn as tumbadoras – the very traditional way.
