Victor Campbell y La Timba Swamp is a Cuban Timba dance band led by Cuban pianist Victor Campbell, celebrated as New Orleans' first local Timba act. Timba is a high-intensity, polyrhythmic style of Cuban dance music that has captivated audiences for roughly three decades, and Campbell brings genuine authority to the genre, having played with the legendary Cuban Timba orchestras of Isaac Delgado, Alain Pérez, and Habana D'Primera before bringing that pedigree to New Orleans.
Campbell has assembled an all-star lineup of Cuban and Caribbean musicians for La Timba Swamp, including bassist Yusa, a celebrated figure in Cuban music; conga player César Bacaró of the 79rs Gang; drummer Jafet Pérez; güiro player Miguel Piquero; timbales player Javier Rodríguez; and guitarist Sam Dickey. The band's horn section includes Houston-based Cuban trumpeter David Navarro, saxophonist Javier Núñez, trombonist Glennon Dávalos, and trumpeter Omar Ramírez, with vocals from Ramiro Díaz and Katerin Llerena, also known for her work with Cimafunk y La Tribu.
Victor Campbell y La Timba Swamp has performed at Tulane University's Roger Thayer Stone Center for Latin American Studies as part of a "Cuban Dance Party" celebration, and shared festival bills with the Lost Bayou Ramblers at Lafayette Square's Wednesday at the Square series. The band has also found support through Dile Que NOLA, a nonprofit organization led by New Orleans casiner@s celebrating Cuban culture in the city, continuing to bring authentic Timba dance music to New Orleans audiences.
