Jonathan Sandez (born May 6, 1992), professionally known by his stage name El Joni, is a singer-songwriter, guitarist and performer. Born and raised in Southern California, Joni began his music career in his pre-teens playing guitar and performing with local garage bands in San Bernardino, California. Although his early influences were heavy metal and rock his music now is a variety of Ranchera, Grupero and Cumbia music.