La Marimba is the professional name of Mariela Pichardo, a Dominican singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist born in Santo Domingo. Her music brings Dominican and Afro-Caribbean roots into conversation with rock, jazz and electronic sounds. Voice and güira are central to her performances, linking original songs with a pursuit of creative independence.

Education and roots

She began studying music independently and continued her training in Music Theory and Education at Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo. She spent five years with «Aumbatá», Toné Vicioso's group, deepening her knowledge of the island's musical traditions. Her learning encompassed sarandunga, gagá and salve, alongside her interest in guitar, piano and sonic experimentation.

The solo project

She began her solo career in 2017 and released «Agua que llegó» and «No se puede apagar» in 2018. Her first EP, «Seré», followed in 2019 through «Caribe Alternativo». Her professional biography records Premio Soberano nominations for alternative music in 2019 and 2020. Later releases included «Suéltame» in 2020 and «Encamíname» in 2021. Her songwriting explores personal freedom, memory, nature and identity.

Stages and collaborations

On March 22, 2022, she opened for «Coldplay» at Santo Domingo's Estadio Olímpico Félix Sánchez during the «Music of the Spheres» tour. In 2023 she was announced as a showcasing artist at «SXSW» in Austin, Texas. Her catalog includes «Memoria», with mediopicky, and a remix of «Encamíname» by Mickey Destro and Chez Tropics.

Film and «La Grande»

In Tito Rodríguez's 2024 biographical film «La Grande», she portrayed Fefita la Grande through part of her youth and adulthood, sharing the role with Fahdly Jacobo and Lumy Lizardo. She studied accordion with La Doncella del Acordeón to prepare for the performance. The role earned her a nomination for Actriz de Cine at the 2025 Premios Soberano.

«Tengo lo' podere'» and new recordings

On February 26, 2025, she released «Tengo lo' podere'», an eleven-song album issued by «Caribe Alternativo» and presented live at «Isle of Light». She co-produced it with Xiio, Rocío Damirón, and Joel Berrido. Its songs include «Prende el sol», «Corre» and «Me voy». In 2026 she released «Baño de sal», produced by mediopicky, celebrating water, sunshine and shared experiences.

Legacy

Her career connects the study of traditional music with contemporary songwriting and experimentation. Through güira, singing and film work, she has brought elements of Dominican culture to different formats and stages while maintaining a dialogue between inherited traditions and personal creation.