Plenazo Tribe The Rhythm of a New Generation

Plenazo Tribe is a Los Angeles–based musical collective dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and expanding Plena, Puerto Rico’s rhythm of resistance, storytelling, and collective joy. Rooted deeply in Afro–Puerto Rican tradition and shaped by the global diaspora, Plenazo Tribe reimagines Plena for the present moment—fusing folkloric percussion, voice, movement, and contemporary production into a powerful communal experience.

Founded by Puerto Rican musician, singer, percussionist, producer, and bandleader Gabriel J. Montes (Carolina, Puerto Rico), Plenazo Tribe was born out of necessity, resilience, and love for ancestral sound. Gabriel grew up with Plena in his blood and carried it across borders long before the Tribe existed—performing in the streets of Poland with Guamanique, in the plazas of Madrid with Los Pleneros del Exilio, and throughout communities where Plena became both cultural memory and living language.

When Gabriel relocated to Los Angeles, he found a city rich in music but largely disconnected from the Plena he knew. Instead of waiting for a scene to appear, he began creating one. He performed solo in public spaces, cultural gatherings, and even during the writers’ and actors’ strikes, where his panderos became a call for unity, dignity, and collective voice.

Facing the reality of limited musicians, inspiration turned into innovation. Influenced by legendary plenero Tito Matos, Gabriel developed the bipandero—a technique and instrument that allows two panderos to be played simultaneously. More than a musical solution, the bipandero became a symbol of Plenazo Tribe’s ethos: adapt, honor, and keep the rhythm alive no matter the odds.

A defining moment came during a visit from Gabriel’s older brother from Texas. Over a simple meal at a Puerto Rican restaurant in Los Angeles, a realization emerged: there was no need for a waiter—but there was a need for Plena. The restaurant became a stage. That night sparked what would soon become a tradition. The last Friday of every monthturned into a Plenazo—a recurring gathering where music, dance, community, and cultural exchange converged.

From those gatherings, Plenazo Tribe was born.

Today, Plenazo Tribe is a vibrant, multicultural ensemble with members from Puerto Rico, Argentina, Ecuador, Cuba, France, Peru, Mexico, Colombia, and the United States. Each member brings their own musical lineage, movement language, and cultural perspective, creating a sound that is both deeply rooted and boldly contemporary. Their Plena pulses with Afro-Caribbean rhythms, Latin American soul, improvisation, call-and-response, dance, and modern musical textures.

Music & Releases

Plenazo Tribe’s growing catalog reflects their commitment to honoring tradition while pushing Plena forward as a global, contemporary genre. Their releases include:

• “Ritmo de la Plena” (Oct 8, 2024) – their debut single and mission statement, celebrating Plena as a living, evolving force

• “Se Soltaron los Caballos” – a powerful single and music video rooted in freedom, movement, and collective release

• “Empodérate” (feat. Maga Shukar) – an anthem of empowerment, voice, and self-determination

• “Ancestros” – a tribute to lineage, memory, and ancestral presence indicating the direction of their upcoming album

• “No Estamo Loco” – a bold affirmation of identity, resistance, and joy

• “Who We Are” – a live favorite that embodies the Tribe’s spirit and communal energy

Each release is accompanied by intentional visual storytelling, live performance integration, and community engagement.