Rafael Cepeda Atiles, born on July 10, 1910, in Puerta de Tierra, San Juan, Puerto Rico, was a seminal figure in the preservation and promotion of Afro-Puerto Rican musical traditions, specifically Bomba and Plena. Coming from a lineage rich in musical heritage, Cepeda was deeply influenced by his family's dedication to these traditional art forms. In 1932, he married Caridad Brenes Caballero, a talented Bomba and Plena dancer, and together they had ten children. Cepeda's commitment to cultural preservation led him to form "Grupo Folklórico Trapiche" in 1957, which showcased Bomba and Plena both locally and internationally. His contributions earned him the title "The Patriarch of Bomba and Plena," and his legacy continues through institutions like the Rafael Cepeda Atiles School of Bomba and Plena, established by his son Modesto in 1977.

Caridad Brenes de Cepeda, born in 1914 in Humacao, Puerto Rico, was a pivotal figure in the evolution of Bomba dance. Marrying Rafael Cepeda Atiles in 1932, she played a crucial role in the formation and success of their folkloric dance group, "Grupo Folklórico Trapiche," serving as both choreographer and costume designer. Traditionally, Bomba was male-dominated, with men leading the dance and women following with subtle movements. Caridad challenged these norms by incorporating more assertive and expressive movements for women, using her skirt to make bold statements and elevating the role of female dancers in Bomba. Her innovative approach not only transformed the dynamics of the dance but also empowered future generations of female performers.