Panamanian accordionist Osvaldo Ayala began playing his favorite instrument at the age of 7. After gaining experience and knowledge in combining folklore and different Latin pop rhythms, he formed his own band, called Ritmos Santeños. Known as Escorpión de Paritilla (Paritilla's Scorpion), in reference to the place he was born, Osvaldo Ayala had the opportunity to work along with Celia Cruz, Wilfrido Vargas, Tito Nieves, and Oscar D'León, among other popular Latin artists participating in Ruben Blades' successful album La Rosa de Los Vientos. In recognition of his contribution to local arts, the Panamanian government named him Cultural Ambassador. ~ Drago Bonacich