Auckland's premier hard salsa ensemble

Featuring NZ's top latin musicians, back together after more than 30 years. Kiwi Latino are bringing authentic NY inspired hard salsa to Auckland.

We're recruiting a world class vocalist, trumpet and trombone.

Auditions january 2026

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Meet the band

Kiwi Latino are a collective ensemble of highly trained and experienced AfroCuban and latin jazz musicians. Meet the founder members.

Dr Mark Baynes

Dr Mark Baynes is widely recognized as New Zealand's top salsa pianist and holds a PhD from the University of Auckland. His deep understanding of Afro-Cuban rhythms and harmonies has made him a sought-after collaborator in Auckland's jazz and Latin music scenes. A founder of Lets Go Music, Mark has dedicated himself to music education while maintaining an active performance career. His classical training combined with salsa expertise in a number of Auckland groups brings authentic sophistication to every performance. Mark's ability to navigate complex arrangements makes him an irreplaceable force in the band's sound.

Miguel Fuentes

Miguel Fuentes is a Puerto Rican-born, classically trained percussionist who brings world-class credentials to Kiwi Latino Allstars. Based in New York during the height of the salsa era, he performed alongside legends including Grover Washington Jr. and Patti LaBelle, before relocating to New Zealand in the 1990s. As a member of the iconic group Kantuta, Miguel helped define Latin music in New Zealand during the 90's. He has collaborated extensively with top local jazz artists including Nathan Haines and Kevin Fields. Miguel's virtuosic conga work and deep connection to authentic Afro-Caribbean rhythms serve as the heartbeat of the ensemble.

Shane Ball

Bassist Shane Ball studied Performance Jazz at CPIT in Christchurch before relocating to Auckland and joining Kantuta in the early 90's. The first bass player in New Zealand to specialise in salsa and Afro Cuban music, Shane relocated to Cali, Colombia, popularly known as the world capital of salsa music. Almost 20 years of immersion in Cali mean that Shane has developed a detailed knowledge of salsa culture and repertoire. He plays authentic old-school salsa, progressive salsa and timba on four and five string basses, along with electric upright baby bass. Shane's deep knowledge of clave and bass rhythms anchor the band's groove.

Our Sound

Hard Salsa, also known as Salsa Gorda ( "fat salsa" in Spanish), is the complex, brass-heavy style of salsa that emerged from New York's Puerto Rican community in the 1970s and 80s. Pioneered by legends like Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barreto, and the Fania All-Stars, it features intricate arrangements, aggressive horn sections, and sophisticated improvisational passages that demand exceptional musicianship.

Kiwi Latino's mission is to bring this music to life in New Zealand. We bring an unforgettable, authentic experience of music and dance to your event.

Check out some of the songs in our repertoire.