For Mariano Ochoa, music is a family matter. Related to famed Grammy award winning vocalist and guitarist Eliades Ochoa, from the Buena Vista Social Club, Mariano displayed an immediate talent for the guitar and vocals at a young age. This wasn't a surprise for anyone who knew the accomplished salsa dancer and table tennis winner who seemed to excel at everything he devoted his time to.
This he succeeded at, in his native Cuba, in the municipality of Varadero where he first joined a seven-piece Son band named Son del Caiman. After Mariano's inclusion as lead vocalist they were catapulted to immediate acclaim and recognition. Under his tenure with the band, thousands of copies of his original songs and the band's CDs were sold. Later commissioned as the Best Traditional Cuban Band playing in Varadero, the band was in constant demand to perform.
A true crowd-pleaser, Mariano in particular was a favorite with audiences and gained many fans - both locals and tourists - who recognized and commented on his "IT FACTOR" as a promising musician. In addition to Varadero, Mariano has also performed in many parts of Cuba - including Habana, his hometown in Santiago de Cuba as well as Matanzas City, Villa Clara and Santiago City.