In addition to the standard charanga instrumentation (flute, violin, piano, bass, conga, vocals and chorus), the group includes the Cuban tres and a full drum set, as well as a 21-string West African kora (among other special guests). The traditional charanga ensemble - with its distinctive mix of violins and flute -
migrated from Haiti to Santiago, Cuba in the late 18th century, with the addition of African-Caribbean percussion and vocal stylings in the 1920s. The modern Cuban charanga has endured as one of the most popular styles of Afro-Cuban music in the world, particularly in West Africa and Haiti.

All seasoned master musicians and bandleaders in their own right, the group’s members are: Cathy Lopez (vocals); Goussy Célestin (vocals); Professor Yaa-Lengi (vocals); Hadar Noiberg (flute, vocals, musical director); Lewis Kahn (violin); Junior Rivera (tres, vocals); Fred Doumbé (bass), Sergio Rivera (piano); Diego Lopez (drums); and John Berdeguer (percussion).

Taking its name from RADIO SOLEIL D’HAITI (www.radiosoleil.com), Charanga Soleil reintroduces the tradition of a radio station represented by an orchestra, or big band. Located in Brooklyn NY, Radio Soleil is a pioneer in Haitian-American radio, broadcasting 24 / 7 in three languages (Kreyol, French and English). Along with comprehensive news programming, the station remains a showcase for Haitian and other world musics.