Osvaldo Ayala

Panamanian accordionist Osvaldo Ayala first took up his instrument of choice at age seven. After acquiring skill in blending traditional folklore with assorted Latin pop rhythms, he assembled the ensemble Ritmos Santeños. Nicknamed Escorpión de Paritilla after his birthplace, he later collaborated with Celia Cruz, Wilfrido Vargas, Tito Nieves, and Oscar D'León, as well as additional leading Latin performers, on Ruben Blades' successful album La Rosa de Los Vientos. For his service to the nation's culture, the Panamanian government later designated him Cultural Ambassador.