He considers it his amulet and the most valuable instrument for his musical career. Carrying one of the accordions of the always remembered Calixto Ochoa on his chest fills him with pride and strength to get the best notes of vallenato.
In September 2022, when his son Rolando Ochoa gave it to him during a concert for which Nehemías Caamaño, through his parents, requested to accompany the R-8 group, he never thought that the instrument would become his amulet in the presentation of various festivals.
“When R-8 told me keep going, you will be great with the accordion, he filled me with happiness and strength to show that Vallenato is the best way of expression. Making music is the best path for children, which is why I ask everyone to follow the example of the great teachers and exponents of the vallenato genre.
Nehemías, who is 11 years old, remembers that that September 2022, at the end of the concert R-8 called him aside and gave him the great gift. It was an ADG Natural accordion that was later adapted to his D-G-C tone, and now became his companion.
The accordion has the face of maestro Calixto Ochoa engraved in silver on one of its sides, the colorful bellows and the perfect whistles to bring out the best melodies. “Last year I reached third place in the Vallenata Legend Festival, now I’m going for the crown, I prepared myself eagerly for this triumph,” said the accordionist from Montelíbano, Córdoba.
Nehemías, who in the most recent version of La Voz Kids reached the semifinals as a singer and accordion player, claims to continue moving forward, leading the example of the great accordion masters. He is accompanied on the snare drum by Anibal Pájaro and Andrés Suárez on the guacharaca. Today he takes the stage in the second round with the airs Son and Puya with his feet firmly planted on the ground to achieve the crown he has sought so much and take it with pride to Montelíbano Córdoba.