Neftali Santiago

About

Neftali Santiago's journey from winning Battle of the Bands contests in 1969 to becoming the legendary drummer of Mandrill is a testament to his passion and talent in music. Inspired by bands like Chicago, Buddy Miles, and Jimi Hendrix, Neftali found his calling when he discovered Mandrill's second album, "Mandrill Is." Determined to become the missing piece in the band's lineup, Neftali joined Mandrill in 1972 and left an indelible mark on their biggest hits, including "Fencewalk" and "Mango Meat." With Mandrill, he headlined prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden, showcasing his versatility across genres. Beyond his success with Mandrill, Neftali has continued to thrive as a songwriter, performer, and producer, earning platinum and gold hits for his work.