Tony Velardi is an Italian pianist, arranger, producer, and bandleader born in Turin, Italy, in 1973. Raised by a father who played the bass, Velardi developed an early passion for music, eventually establishing himself within the European salsa, mambo, and timba scenes. He is currently based in Milan.
Also known by the moniker "Mr. Topanga," Velardi gained prominent experience as the long-term pianist for the popular Italian salsa group La Maxima 79. As an independent artist, arranger, and producer, his work includes collaborations with collective bodies such as Italy's Grupo Veneto DJ, who commissioned his 2023 single "Mentirosa."
Velardi has maintained a consistent release schedule under his own name, highlighted by his 2023 album Last Minute. His catalog features numerous singles, including "Tremendo Rumbon" and "Mulata" in 2020, "Get It Up" in 2022, "Con Mi Baile" in 2024, and the 2025 releases "La Descarga Es Pa Lante" and "Malita Mala."
