William Cepeda, born in 1961 in Loíza, Puerto Rico, is a renowned jazz musician, composer, and ethnomusicologist, celebrated as the pioneer of Afro-Rican Jazz—a fusion of traditional Puerto Rican rhythms with jazz elements. A protégé of Dizzy Gillespie, Cepeda has performed with numerous jazz and Latin music legends, contributing significantly to the evolution of Latin jazz. His dedication to preserving and innovating Puerto Rican musical traditions has solidified his status as a cultural ambassador. Cepeda's work not only entertains but also educates audiences about the rich heritage of Afro-Puerto Rican music.