December

Daniel Santacruz wins a GRAMMY®

“Larimar” gave Daniel his first Latin Grammy®

The Dominican singer made history by winning his first Latin Grammy® for his album “Larimar”, in honor of a stone that it’s used in jewelry and can be found in his country. The album has eleven tracks, and it was released in the middle of the year.

After several nominations, 2020 was his year! Also as a historical event, he shared the first place with the merenguero singer Eddy Herrera, who was nominated in the same category. Both obtained the valued award filling the Dominican people with huge pride. In fact, on their Instagram profiles they uploaded a picture celebrating.

Two Dominican Winners — Both Dominicans won the Latin Grammy in the same category.

Santacruz was nominated with his brother Manny Cruz, but on this occasion, Daniel was the lucky one. However, he didn’t hesitate to dedicate this award to him, and the rest of their family; he thanked his wife, his mother, his fans, his manager, and each of his team members.

The Grammy winner for “Best Merengue or Bachata Album”, shared a video on his Instagram Profile where he looked happy and excited. The comments of his followers were immediate, it got more than forty thousand views, and a large number of congratulations.

I’m grateful to God, to the Recording Academy, and to all those responsible for participating in this important production, that represents the sacrifices of a career and efforts of many years”, said the artist.

Santacruz was one of the artists who performed in the show. He sang to the beat of his single “Larimar”, from Dominican Republic. A band of musicians accompanied him, as well as the stunning blue sea of his country.

Larimar was the production that made him a Latin Grammy® winner, and it’s his seven production. Santacruz was also the general producer, however he had a great team of professionals who adjusted all the details. The production was in charged of Ambiorix Francisco, Israel “Mayinbito” y Richy Rojas, mastering by Andrei Fossari, and mixing by Allan Leschorn, Esbin Ramírez y Richy Rojas.

A little bit about Daniel Santacruz

The singer was born in the United States but grew up in Dominican Republic, since childhood he felt a natural inclination for music. Although, he had said that he regrets not having taken piano classes with his grandmother Zulema Victoria.

She was always pushing me to the music ‘Come to teach you music theory'”, recuerda.

Daniel Santacruz — Daniel won her first Latin Grammy.

But nevertheless, this didn’t deprive him of his abilities in the music area. He acquired his first musical interests on the island. Since very young he was interested on the songs of Juan Luis Guerra, Wilfrido Vargas y Luis Miguel.

We won a Latin GRAMMY®!!! Thank you very much to all the Academy Members to take into consideration my album #LARIMAR, that was made with all the heart and feels. This year the #merengue and the #bachata win double as well I shared this triumph with my beloved and admired brother @eddy_herrera with his album #ahora. I shared this joy with my entire work team and with all the artists, musicians, engineers, and producers that participated with me! THANK YOUUUUUUU @latingrammys”, he expressed on his social media.

For the next year he is preparing surprises and new collaborations with colleagues of the industry. Santacruz’s career is just starting, his successes won’t stop since he is so talented and has so much energy. Congratulations, Daniel!

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Judy Santos presents “LIVE”

Judy Santos Represents Bachata

The talented singer of Dominican origin Judy Santos, is worldwide known for her participation in some of the most successful songs of the bachata group Aventura: “Obsesión”, “Angelito” and “La Guerra”, together with the singer Romeo Santos.

Since very young, she had a natural inclination for music and singing. Her family support her projects. She was a member of several children’s singing groups, and gradually she became the woman she is today. The bachata genre has been characterized by being represented by gentlemen, however she has broken some paradigms.

When I listened to my voice for the first time on the radio was such a big emotion that until this day I remembered it as one of my greatest gratifications”, she expressed.

Santos was born in New York but her parents are Dominicans. For that reason, she grew up surrounded by latin customs, and learned to love her roots. Worldwide she is represented by Recognize The Talent Management.

Judy Santos is presenting her new abum “LIVE”.

LIVE is her new proposal

In this opportunity, she cheers up her fans with the release of her new album “LIVE”. This work has seven tracks from her repertoire. She had the opportunity to put together these songs that were recorded at the concert that she made in New York, and was broadcasted through her YouTube Channel.

The presentation lasted for about two hours. Her fans were pleased and made requests of hits of her own. The singer didn’t stop thanking those who accompanied her.

Thank you to my work team at Recognize The Talent Management, to all the sponsors, to the tremendous band that accompanied me, to Mente A Nah Studios, Minaya PR, and moreover to my audience that accompanied me all this time”, she expressed.

Santos stands out for an album full of talent and unforgettable songs, among them she decided to pay homage to artists of her interest with songs such as: “Estoy condenado” by Luis Vargas, “Por ti voy a morir” by Frank Reyes, “Te burlaste de mi” by Chaval de la Bachata, “Me quiero morir” by Anthony Santos, and “Dame tu querer” by Raulín Rodríguez. She also included a medley of the Aventura’s songs where she had the opportunity to participate, and were the ones that made her known in the musical industry.

I’m very happy to share this album that you had asked me for a long time ago, and that comes right at this point in my career. I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.” Expressed the artist.

Since November 20th you can find the album on the different digital platforms. For example, Secret exceeds one hundred thousand views on YouTube, and the comments were immediate. Her fans congratulate and recognize her as the bachata feminine voice. The artists share the news through her Instagram profile, and took that opportunity to thank her team.

Thank you so much to my team!!! First guitar (director) @luigiz_muzic, second guitar @joel_duranofficial, bass @alcibass, piano @jkeyz_muzic…”, she wrote. Also she thanked the Oreja Media Group, and the stations that had played her hits.

Judy keeps taking strong steps in the industry and is emerging as one of the most successful artists of her genre.

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That’s how the Latin Grammys were

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy

As expected, due to the global pandemic situation that hit us this year, the awarding of the 21st edition of the Latin Grammy was held online. In this way, neither the public nor the red carpet had participation this year. Some creatives recreated them in their homes and took the opportunity to take their respective photography.

The gala was held in the city of Miami with headquarters in other cities in Latin America. Several of the artists’ participations were also carried out under this modality.

The musical presentations were opened by the J Balvin show, one of the great favorites of the night. Who also broke a Guinness record for more nominations, surpassing the title obtained by Calle 13 in 2011. To receive his gramophone, he was dressed in black and then appeared in white. He interpreted the song “Rojo” and dedicated it to those who have had to fight against the COVID-19 virus. Balvin has recognized that this situation has affected him seriously and he has been immersed in depressive pictures.

“My heart is crying,” Balvin commented.

To the surprise of many, his heart actually turned the color of blood. His suit was dyed through some internal mechanism but leaving a large red stain on Balvin’s suit. Really, it seemed like his chest was bleeding incessantly.

J Balvin bled in the stage of the Latin Grammys

“Music humanizes us” was the theme of this year’s meeting. With the singer’s presentation, many were stunned and very sensitive. What did you think of his form of expression?
Natalia Jiménez paid tribute to Julio Iglesias, while the great Hector Lavoe also received recognition. Ricardo Montaner, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro led the tribute.

Jesús Navarro, Ricardo Montaner, Victor Manuelle, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro gave life to the song ‘El Cantante”’ in homage to Héctor Lavoe. Each of the interpreters, from their respective rhythms, created a perfect harmony and joined in a very emotional show. They quickly went viral and comments on social media grew by leaps and bounds. The spectators were pleased by a presentation that moved fibers.

Winners of the night

Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandro Sanz, René Residente, Mike Bahía, Ricky Martín, Caminlo, Rosalía, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna, Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche, Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the winners of the night. The winners’ social networks were filled with videos of celebration and appreciation. A different night but full of many emotions!

In the Mejor Canción Tropical category, singer-songwriter Carlos Vives shone with his song “Canción para Rubén Blades”, in which Blades participated as a composer. Vives was excited, he did not hesitate to thank Rubén Blades for his support.
“This award with Rubén, congratulations to all the nominees, all the participants, Kany a very big kiss, thank you Sony, thank my entire team, our producers, the artists, Andrés Leal, thank you,” he said in the middle of happiness.

In his social networks he also wanted to dedicate his award to La Academia, his country, his people, each of his followers, his wife and his entire production team. He was also shown celebrating from home, together with family and friends.

In the Mejor Álbum de Salsa category, Grupo Niche shone. Album 40 is a tribute to the group’s musical trajectory. It is the first Latin Grammy that Colombian salseros receive, after having been nominated twice, in 2001 and in 2016.

“We have won the @LatinGRAMMYs for best salsa album for ’40’ our most recent musical production. With great emotion we say to you: Salseros and Nichistas of the world, infinite Thanks! Long live Latin music, salsa, long live the teacher # JairoVarela and long live Colombia!”, They expressed on their Twitter account.

The winning album was recorded for almost a year in studios in Miami, Cali and Puerto Rico. They wanted to maintain the musical guidelines of Jairo Varela and thus remember his roots, without losing his essence.

As Mejor álbum de Merengue/Bachata we have two winners, two Dominicans. A historical event that both celebrate with great fury. Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the lucky ones. They tied in one of the closest categories!

Eddy Herrera has a long history in the genre, known as “El Galán del Merengue”. The followers of his career also celebrated this achievement, being the singer’s first Latin Grammy. “Eddy Herrera Ahora” contains some of his most recent songs.

“It is an immense joy that I also want to share with all my followers and lovers of my performances. Thank you for supporting me throughout these years where you have been faithful to my musical productions ”, he expressed.

The Dominican did not hide his happiness and dedicated himself to thanking those who have supported him during so many years of journey.

“I am extremely grateful to the entire production team, as well as my fans, who are always the impetus to keep going. To achieve this magnificent product, we had, as in other opportunities, the dedication of one hundred percent of our great team, who gave themselves with the charisma, vocation and professionalism of always, an essential symbol of our artistic productions ”, said Eddy Herrera.

For his part, Daniel Santacruz will fondly remember the day that “Larimar” made him the recipient of his first Academy Award. After several nominations, his long-awaited moment finally arrived. In fact, his brother Manny Cruz was also among the nominees.

Even though he was born in the United States, he is of Dominican descent and grew up on its streets. He learned about its culture, its influences and is very proud of its roots.
“Grateful to God, to the Recording Academy and to all those responsible for participating in this important production that represents the sacrifice of many years of career and effort,” expressed the artist.

Santacruz was also part of the singers who entertained the meeting. He appeared from Boca Chica, Dominican Republic to the rhythm of “Larimar”, the promotional song for his album.
The young Dominican posted a video on his Instagram account where he is very happy. He thanked his family, wife, mother and his brother Manny Cruz. To its engineers, musicians, fans and manager. As well as his country, the people who listen and dance bachata, merengue and all his followers. Long live the Dominican Republic!

The event was one of total innovation and, surely, it will become a starting point for other awards. Of course, the dedication and effort on the part of the organization cannot be denied; as well as the artists involved, all left their hearts on stage and showed that better times are to come. So be it!

Project Pentagram Agrupación Gaitera de Venezuela in the USA

At present, Pentagram has international recognition for being the group that has made more national tours in the USA

Agrupación “Gaitera” was born in 2008 in the city of Miami, participating in various events and festivals, in 2012, they began to produce themes for the Spectator, which were very accepted by the public.

In 2017, the group was established as a group since they began to accompany great artists of the genre, as Neguito Borjas, Ricardo Cepeda, Nelson Arrieta, Rafael “Pollo” Brito among others.

Agrupación "Gaitera" was born in 2008 in the city of Miami, participating in various events and festivals, in 2012 begin to produce themes for the Spectator, which were widely accepted by the public — Project Pentagram Agrupación Gaitera de Venezuela in the USA

At present, Pentagrama has international recognition for being the group that has made more national tours in the USA and international tours in Panama, Chile, Spain, Argentina, and Colombia.

Members

Robert Richards-Four and Soloist

Jesus “Chuchito” Ibarra-Solista

Fernando Mindeola-Solista

Avelino Romero-Solista

Luis “Chua” Urdaneta-Congas y Coros

José Rafael Querales-Bajo y Coros

Gilberto Ferrer-Teclados

Ronald Guerra-Pianos

Adelmo Gauna-Battery – Timbal

Alejandro Araujo (Timbal)

José “Pokemon” Ferrer-Tambora

Melvin W. Alvarez-Charrasca

Melvin Álvarez Sr. – Furro

Arnaldo Quintero (Contra Bass)

Daniel González (Drums)

At present, Pentagrama is internationally recognized for being the group that has made more national tours in the USA and international tours in Panama, Chile, Spain, Argentina and Colombia — Project Pentagrama Agrupación “Gaitera” born in 2008 in the city of Miami

The Gaita and its History

In the first forms of bagpipes, the chants of the Mass that the Catholic missionaries taught, the percussion of the drums, the characteristic guttural sound of the furro (a derivative of the Zambomba), the maracas and the charrasca were combined, and the cuatro, derived from the guitar, together with the Spanish chants, represented the Iberian contribution.

The performance of the natives contributed the definitive style to this new music.

The following is an extract that comments a little more on the origins of the Gaita:

The origins of the Zulian Gaita have not been established with precision, but it is assumed that it was born with the republican concerns of the people, perhaps in the first decades of the 19th century, as demonstrated by the patriotic Easter songs dedicated to Ana María Campos, the Altagratian patrician who was whipped by order of the fierce Morales when she refused to withdraw her lapidary phrase: “O capitula o monda”.

Traditionally, the Gaita has been linked to the devotion to Santa Lucía in the El Empedrado neighborhood, and in this sense it is recalled that when Father José Tomás Urdaneta was in charge of the parish, he took the noisy bagpipers out of the temple. It can be said that since then, the Gaita has lost the religious character that it had for many years in the cobblestone district, to become definitively an instrument of healthy Easter joy and the most effective means of criticism and protest of the humble people.

Our Gaita has always been characterized by the freshness of its music and the mental agility of its players.

The origin of the Gaita according to Rafael Molina Vilchez

“The Zulian Gaita, like many other manifestations of Latin American costumbrismo, is mestizo. It has a polyethnic genetic mosaic, but its root is Hispanic, although the Hispanic nature is preserved in very different progressions than the maracaibera bagpipe (also called the furro bagpipe), the song of the criollo citadinos, in which it survives with strength, in comparison with the tambora and perijanera bagpipes, in which the blackness leaves a more intense mark”.

This scholar of folklore points out that the gaita is Spanish, but that over time two divergent tendencies have emerged: The maracaibera Gaita and the black Gaita.

This opinion has generated controversy, but it is quite shared, since the term “gaita” has Galician-Portuguese roots: it comes from the Gothic word “gaits” which means “goat”, because the bellows of the Galician gaita are made from the leather of the goat. From Spain through the African Arab countries it reached Turkey, in whose language it is translated as “shepherd’s flute”, which would be in accordance with the drawing Agustín Pérez Piñango found with the Glorious San Sebastián Gaita, which dates from 1668, according to a document located in the old National College of Maracaibo, which brings the lyrics and music in Gregorian characters. It would be the oldest Gaita known.

However, other scholars, among them Juan de Dios Martinez, maintain that the Gaita began with the black slaves in the haciendas of the South of the Lake, as a protest and evoking their festivals in the African areas from which they came.

The Gaita and its History The first bagpipe forms combined the mass chants taught by the Catholic missionaries, the percussion of the drums, the characteristic guttural sound of the furro (a derivative of the Zambomba), the maracas and the charrasca. — Our gaita have always been characterized by the freshness of their music and the mental agility of their performers.

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