Candido Camero (born April 22, 1921) is a Cuban conga player and percussionist. He is best known for his work with Dizzy Gillespie's Afro-Cuban jazz ensemble and his contributions to the development of the conga in jazz and Latin jazz. Born in Havana, Cuba, Camero began playing the conga at the age of 14. He quickly gained a reputation as a talented player and began performing with Cuban groups in the 1930s. He first arrived in the United States in 1945, when he joined Dizzy Gillespie's band. He remained with Gillespie for several years, and his work with the group helped to popularize Afro-Cuban jazz. After leaving Gillespie's band, Camero began working as a freelance musician. He recorded with several well-known jazz musicians, including Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Thelonious Monk. He also appeared on several film soundtracks, including The Pawnbroker (1964) and The Godfather Part II (1974). In the 1980s, Camero began working with Latin jazz groups. He recorded several albums with the Cuban group Irakere and also toured with them. He continued to perform and record regularly over the years and has won several Grammy Awards. Camero is widely regarded as one of the most influential conga players in the history of jazz. His work has helped shape the sound of Afro-Cuban jazz, and his unique style has influenced generations of drummers.

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