JOSÉ "PEPITO" GÓMEZ & LA ROYAL ORQUESTA UNVEIL "ODARA"  A SOUL-STIRRING CELEBRATION 
OF CUBAN MUSIC’S RICH LEGACY AND FUTURE

New York, NY  With a voice described by The New York Times as “a beneficent alarm, 
a positive shout,” Cuban powerhouse José "Pepito" Gómez is once again commanding the global stage 
— this time with La Royal Orquesta and the release of his breathtaking new album, "Odara." 
After igniting European audiences this summer as the featured vocalist for 
Juan de Marcos González's Euro-Cuban All Stars, a supergroup led by the legendary founder of 
Buena Vista Social Club and Afro-Cuban All Stars  Gómez returns to the U.S. to premiere a project 
that bridges the golden eras of Cuban music with bold contemporary flair. “Mr. Gómez is another 
order of performer,” wrote The New York Times’ Ben Ratliff , a sentiment echoed by critics 
and fans worldwide, who have long praised his operatic range, thunderous energy, 
and heart-wrenching romanticism.

A Storied Voice for a Storied Music
Born in the town of Florida, Camagüey, Cuba, Gómez began his musical journey as a trumpet student and 
acoustic trio vocalist before becoming the lead singer for the legendary Maravilla de Florida.His career 
skyrocketed in Havana, where he performed with elite ensembles like Habana Ensemble 
(formed by former members of Irakere) and Los Que Son Son under the mentorship of César “Pupy” Pedroso, 
co-founder of Los Van Van. In 2008, Gómez made New York City his home and became a pillar of its 
Afro-Caribbean music scene.He co-founded Orquesta Akokán, whose debut album earned a Grammy nomination 
in 2018, and later launched Palo de Yaya, a project that spotlighted the acoustic roots of Cuban music.
Throughout his storied career, Gómez has shared stages with icons like Compay Segundo, Tito Puente, 
Arturo Sandoval, and Cheo Feliciano, and has captivated audiences at major venues including Lincoln Center, 
Carnegie Hall, and international festivals from Europe to the Americas.

ODARA: A MUSICAL TAPESTRY OF CUBA’S PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Odara, produced by Guararey Records, is a stunning 10-track studio album recorded across elite studios
in New York, New Jersey, and Miami. The album title, drawn from the Yoruba language, translates to blessing, 
harmony, and beauty,  themes woven deeply into the fabric of the record.
"Pepito Gómez’s voice is fresh and jubilant," writes Giovanni Russonello of The New York Times. 
“Backed by a powerhouse ensemble of NYC Cuban all-stars, he moves from high-octane timba to lush 
romantic ballads, evoking the golden sound of Benny Moré.”Each track on Odara explores a distinct Cuban 
genre while reimagining it through Gómez’s dynamic vocals and innovative arrangements:
“The band lets loose vocalist José ‘Pepito’ Gómez, whose operatic sense of range and drama skyrockets the sound,
”wrote critic Walter Tunis. “The album is evocative, both a retrospective and a rebirth.”

LA ROYAL ORQUESTA: A NEW ERA
Formed in New York City, José "Pepito" Gómez & La Royal Orquesta is a 10-piece ensemble of master musicians 
from Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Latin diaspora. The group brings electrifying stage presence and 
virtuosic performances, blending classic Cuban rhythms with salsa dura, timba moderna, and contemporary 
jazz inflections. The ensemble serves as a canvas for Gómez’s visionary interpretationsand powerful stagecraft.
Following the momentum of his European tour with Juan de Marcos’ Afro-Cuban All Stars, Odara marks 
a pivotal chapter in Pepito Gómez’s evolution,not just as a singer, but as a cultural torchbearer redefining 
what Cuban music can be in the 21st century.
"When the name José ‘Pepito’ Gómez is mentioned, people listen,” says SalsAtlanta.com.
“He is considered one of the best Cuban voices today,” affirms La Vanguardia (Spain).
“His voice reminds one of the great Benny Moré,” declares CiberCuba.
Odara will be released in October 8th, 2025, 
on all major streaming platforms. U.S. tour dates 
for José "Pepito" Gómez & La Royal Orquesta will be announced soon.
For media inquiries, interviews, or to request a 
press kit, please contact:
Yuzzy Acosta
Eclecticmedia
Email: eclecticmediapr@gmail.com
Phone: 917-328-1095