FROM PHILADELPHIA TO THE WORLD SHARING THE RHYTHMS OF LATIN AMERICA
ArtISANS
Esteban “Tongo” Hernandez
Guest Artisan & Candombe Heritage Specialist
Esteban Adrián Hernández Silva is an Afro-Uruguayan percussionist and a master drum maker. He is a descendent of a traditional Afro-Uruguayan Candombe family, one of a few families that preserved the socio-cultural heritage of Candombe as a way of life. This family is known as “Las Catatumbas” or “Los Catas” of the Puerto Rico neighborhood of Montevideo, Uruguay. His mother, Afro-descendant María Alba Silva Nuñez “Chelita”, was a percussionist and dancer, as well as one of the first women in Uruguay who paraded and played drums in the carnival. She also performed along with her relatives in the “Llamadas Oficiales” as well in Buenos Aires, Argentina’s carnivals.
Esteban’s studies in hand drumming cover Latin America, particularly Afro-Uruguayan and Afro-Cuban music. Since he was a child he was surrounded with Candombe and popular music, learning from different ensembles and percussionists including: Añoranzas Negras de Macho Lungo, Fantasia Negra, Serenata Africana, Canela y su Baracutanga, Raices, Sierra Leona, and more.
He currently resides in Buenos Aires, Argentina since 1982, as an educator, percussionist, and master drum maker. He plays a range of instruments including congas, bongos, Candombe drums, Batá drums, and Peruvian cajón. Esteban participated with Al son de Cuba of Alberto Bone, one of the first Afro-Cuban dance troupes and ensembles in Buenos Aires, Argentina as well as with El Solar de la California led by Alexander Batista.
Christian noguera
Shop Manager & Artisan
Christian Noguera is a percussionist, artisan, and educator specializing in the folkloric and popular musical traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean. Born in Misiones, Argentina, Christian began playing percussion at age 13 and later studied under Daniel "Ichu" Castillo. In 2003, he moved to Buenos Aires to attend the Music School of Buenos Aires (EMBA), and in 2009, he relocated to the Philadelphia area, where he is now based in New Jersey.
Christian co-founded Timbalona Collective, a percussion ensemble rooted in Afro-Caribbean and Latin American traditions, which has received recognition through grants such as the PA Council on the Arts: Building Diverse Cultures grant and the Velocity Fund award. As an artisan drum maker and Shop Manager of Acheré Percussion, Christian honors his Guaraní heritage by preserving traditional drum-making techniques. Acheré Percussion has garnered support from organizations like Next Fab and the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance.
Christian also served as a Teaching Artist at Taller Puertorriqueño, working in Philadelphia public schools, and taught percussion at AMLA, the University of Pennsylvania, and Settlement Music School. He regularly performs at notable venues including the Kimmel Center, the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts, and the Temple Performing Arts Center.
HISTORY
Acheré Percussion was founded in 2021 by Christian Noguera. The inspiration for Acheré Percussion began in 2016, when Christian met Tongo after purchasing his first handmade batá set. This meeting blossomed into a mentorship, with Tongo teaching Christian the intricate handcrafting techniques of traditional drum-making. The knowledge and skills gained from this experience led to the creation of Acheré Percussion. Initially, Tongo served as one of the main international suppliers and drum providers for the fledgling company.
In its early days, Acheré Percussion released a limited series of unique "Rumba Style" congas, alongside traditional batá drums, which quickly gained attention for their craftsmanship and authenticity. As the company grew, so did its vision and offerings.
In 2023, Acheré Percussion expanded its operations and invited Tongo to join as the Guest Artisan and Candombe Heritage Specialist. This collaboration marked a significant milestone for the company, introducing new instruments and cultural influences into its repertoire.
In 2024, our upcoming series will introduce "Popular/Latin Jazz" congas, along with a renewed focus on traditional batá drums. As part of Tongo's artist residency, Acheré Percussion is also developing candombe drums from Uruguay and barriles de bomba from Puerto Rico, deepening our dedication to preserving and celebrating the rich diversity of Afro-Latin musical traditions.
Crafted with Tradition
At Acheré Percussion, each drum we create is a testament to our dedication to craftsmanship and tradition. Our process begins with meticulous design, where we blend traditional techniques with modern insights to create instruments that are both authentic and innovative.
We carefully source our materials, selecting premium woods known for their resonance and durability. Each piece of wood is handpicked and seasoned to ensure it meets our exacting standards. From there, the crafting process begins in earnest. Using hand tools and time-honored methods, we shape and carve the wood, paying close attention to every curve and detail. This hands-on approach ensures that each drum has a unique voice and character.
The drum heads are also an essential part of our process. We source high-quality hides, which are carefully treated and stretched over the drum shells to produce a rich, resonant sound. Every drum is then tuned and tested to ensure it meets our standards for sound quality and playability.
Throughout the Spring and Summer, our workshop buzzes with the sound of this craftsmanship, as we work to complete each series of drums. Because we’re a small, artisanal shop, each drum receives individual attention, ensuring the highest quality in every piece.
Once the drums are completed, we share our latest creations through Instagram and Facebook. Since our stock is limited and exclusive, we encourage interested customers to reach out directly for inquiries and purchases. Our drums are not currently available for purchase on the website, so direct contact is the best way to secure one of our handcrafted instruments.
In addition to our core drum-making process, we also produce accompanying bells for batá drums, which can be custom-ordered. We offer drum repair services, where we apply the same level of care and craftsmanship to restore instruments to their full potential.
