Raymond Ricafort started playing taiko with Senryu Taiko at the University of California, Riverside, serving on the Executive Board for three years and eventually holding term as External Director. Upon graduating and returning to San Diego, he joined Naruwan Taiko and is currently a performing member.

Raymond brings years of experience in various taiko and musical styles, specializing in odaiko, naname (slant), and vocals. He has an extensive history of taiko performances at prestigious events, cultural festivals, amusement parks, conventions, and much more. He also competes internationally as an odaiko soloist. He has accolades from the North American Taiko Taikai (2023 Finalist, 2024 3rd Place Advanced Division) in Los Angeles, California, USA, and the Mt. Fuji Taiko Festival Odaiko Contest (2025 Finalist) in Gotemba, Japan.

Apart from taiko, Raymond’s life is enriched by other musical endeavors. Drawing from his Ilocano and Tuwali Ifugao heritage he is rooted in the indigenous music, oral traditions, and dances of his people such as Dallot, Daniw, Dungaw, the Tadek, Pasion, Gangsa, the Dinuyya, and the Pagaddut. He is also a classically trained chorister (primarily bass) with experience with Gregorian chant and Renaissance motets.