The Latin Grammy-winning Peruvian percussionist and producer closed the 31st edition of the iconic French festival with a display of dynamism, cutting-edge percussion, and pure clave flavor.
VIC-FEZENSAC (FRANCE) The small town of Vic-Fezensac, in the heart of the Gers department, once again became the European capital of Afro-Cuban music from July 30 to August 2, 2026.
On closing night, the legendary bullring turned Tempo Arena witnessed one of the most thrilling performances in its more than three-decade history: the showcase by Peruvian-American percussionist, arranger, and producer Tony Succar.
The Grand Finale at the Tempo Arena
The Tempo Latino festival celebrates the rich heritage of Caribbean rhythms. On the night of Sunday, August 2, following the jazz virtuosity of Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, Succar took the main stage backed by an exceptional lineup of musicians.
From the very first hit of the timbales, the two-time Latin Grammy Award-winning producer demonstrated why he is considered one of the most influential creative forces in the evolution of contemporary salsa.
The concert kicked off with an overwhelming energy that brought thousands of ecstatic dancers to their feet. Succar delivered a repertoire that navigated between:
- Salsa Dura: Classic, high-octane style.
- Afro-Cuban Jazz: Rich in colors, harmonies, and improvisation.
- Caribbean Pop: Adding the fresh nuances that define his signature musical style.
The circular acoustics of the arena served as a natural resonator for the percussion’s polyrhythms, where Tony’s own timbale solos reaffirmed his technical mastery and deep-rooted connection to tradition.
Cutting-Edge Sound, Tributes, and a Global Vision
One of the night’s highlights came with the salsa reinterpretations from his renowned project, Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson a landmark album that transformed global pop into an authentic tropical showcase.
The European crowd sang along to arrangements where sharp brass lines and salsero syncopation breathed new life into the “King of Pop’s” classics.
Succar also used the Vic-Fezensac platform to showcase tracks from his recent productions, characterized by avant-garde arrangements that never lose their danceable groove.
The tightness of the horn section and the rhythm ensemble kept the festive momentum high throughout the night, proving a rigorous production standard that spares no flavor.
The Enduring Power of Salsa on European Soil
The 31st edition of Tempo Latino brought together top-tier performers from various genres, sharing the lineup with prominent figures:
| Featured Artists & Ensembles |
| Tony Succar |
| Alfredo Rodríguez |
| Maïté Hontelé |
| Orquesta Akokán |
| La Yegros |
| Matt Bianco |
Note: Corrected the edition number in context to match the 31st edition noted in the header.
However, Tony Succar’s performance on the final night served as a powerful reminder of salsa’s current state: a living, evolving, and truly global genre.
With this concert, Succar not only fulfilled a long-awaited date with European clave enthusiasts, but also solidified his place among the great champions of contemporary tropical sound.
As the lights of the Tempo Arena finally went out, the standing ovation echoed through the streets of Vic-Fezensac, confirming that the new generation of salsa has one of its boldest architects in Tony Succar.
Tony Succar: “Thank you so much, TEMPO LATINO! It was an honor to return to this incredible festival after 9 years. We had so much fun! And it brings me so much joy to see how much people love salsa on this side of the world.”
By: Titouan Maza & Jean Paul Pourque.
Read Also: Antonio “Tony” Succar: Percussionist, Composer, Arranger, Bandleader, and Music Producer
