Joe Arroyo, one of Colombia's greatest salseros began singing at the age of 10. One of his father's 40 children, the young Arroyo started earning a living through music as a soloist in the church choir by day, and seedy nightclubs after dark. He grew up in one of the most African cities in Colombia, Cartegena (near Palenque, known as the city of Colombia's escaped slaves). Cartegena is a city that seems more Caribbean than it does Colombian, and this is reflected in its music. Arroyo frequently adds Soca, Zouk and Cumbia to his music, dating back to his days when he helped to front the band, Fruko y Sus Tesos.