She tells dirty jokes, but with a charisma that makes them not so dirty, she plays the accordion in such a way that absolutely makes you want to dance, seeing her perform live brings happiness to everyone. She has that incredible charisma that so few artist have. She’s the Queen of “Perico Ripiao” also known as “Tipico”, She’s affectionately called “La Mayimba, she is Fifita La Grande”
Fefita la Grande has been in the Dominican music scene it seems like forever. She is one hip accordion playing, hip wiggling, bright fire-red haired grandmother. With her sharp tongue and semi-rude jokes, she is a fun entertainer that knows how to engage her audience.
She was born in San José Santiago Rodríguez, in the northwestern part of the Cibao region in Dominican Republic. She learned to play the accordion from her father. Petán Trujillo, a relative of the dictator, saw the then 12 year old Fefita play her accordion and he knew this girl had talent. Her career bloomed from that day. She was the first woman accordionist to be recognized in Dominican Republic. She surly deserves this recognition. She is the only person that can play her style of music. Fefita la Grande has been performing for more than 60 years. There is no way that you will not be entertained by watching her perform live. “La Mayimba” as she is affectingly called by many, has an energy which is contagious and a definitive stage presence.
Fefita is considered one of the most prolific female accordionists of all time, playing and performing since the tender age of 9 years old. she is a legend in the DR and to many here in the states. “La Mayimba” has single-handedly helped keep the accordion based “perico ripio” aka “tipico” or “musica tipica” a form of country style merengue that has a funky rythmatical beat which makes you want to dance. Fefita was born in 1944, her longevity in the music scene has made her a very influential performer and composer – she has essentially helped merengue evolve throughout the last century. Fefita la Grande has the charm, sex appeal, grace, dance moves and talent that many ladies half her age and younger wish they had.
La Mayimba’s success is also partially achieved because of her ability to stay with the times, constantly reinvent her sound and stay relevant with the help of new tipico artists. Performing with the likes of Krisspy and El Prodigio, she continues to appeal to the young and the not so young. Her music, but more so, her performances cross multiple the generational gaps.
Fefita is a grandmother, but her music appeals to countless many in the age group of her grandkids. You just don’t see talent like her come along that often with this type of staying power. Her music and her performances continues to make people dace, sing along, sweat, smile and laugh. Ling live “La Mayimba”
Below: La Vieja Fefa, con el Flow de Barbie!
