• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

International Salsa Magazine

  • HOME
  • Previous editions
    • 2026
      • ISM / June 2026
      • ISM / May 2026
      • ISM / April 2026
      • ISM / March 2026
      • ISM / February 2026
      • ISM / January 2026
    • 2025
      • ISM / December 2025
      • ISM / November 2025
      • ISM / October 2025
      • ISM / September 2025
      • ISM / August 2025
      • ISM / July 2025
      • ISM / June 2025
      • ISM / May2025
      • ISM / April 2025
      • ISM / March 2025
      • ISM / February 2025
      • ISM / January 2025
    • 2024
      • ISM / December 2024
      • ISM / November 2024
      • ISM / October 2024
      • ISM / September 2024
      • ISM / August 2024
      • ISM / July 2024
      • ISM / June 2024
      • ISM / May 2024
      • ISM / April 2024
      • ISM / March 2024
      • ISM / February 2024
      • ISM / January 2024
    • 2023
      • ISM / December 2023
      • ISM / November 2023
      • ISM / October 2023
      • ISM – September 2023
      • ISM – August 2023
      • ISM July 2023
      • ISM Edition June 2023
      • ISM – May 2023
      • ISM April 2023
      • ISM March 2023
      • ISM February 2023
      • ISM January 2023
    • 2022
      • ISM December 2022
      • ISM November 2022
      • ISM October 2022
      • ISM September 2022
      • ISM August 2022
      • ISM July 2022
      • ISM June 2022
      • ISM May 2022
      • ISM February 2022
      • ISM January 2022
    • 2021
      • ISM December 2021
      • ISM November 2021
      • ISM October – 2021
      • ISM September 2021
      • ISM August 2021
      • ISM July 2021
      • ISM May 2021
      • ISM April 2021
      • ISM June 2021
      • ISM March 2021
      • ISM February 2021
      • ISM January 2021
    • 2020
      • ISM December 2020
      • ISM November 2020
      • ISM October 2020
      • ISM September 2020
      • ISM August 2020
      • ISM July 2020
      • ISM June 2020
      • ISM May 2020
      • ISM April 2020
      • ISM March 2020
      • ISM February 2020
      • ISM January 2020
    • 2019
      • ISM December 2019
      • ISM November 2019
      • ISM October 2019
      • ISM Septembre 2019
      • ISM August 2019
      • ISM July 2019
      • ISM June 2019
    • 2016
      • ISM December 2016
      • ISM November 2016
      • ISM October 2016
  • Spanish
  • Download Salsa App
    • Android
    • Apple

Events

World Bachata Festival 2016

Europe / Malaysia / Kuala Lumpur

World Bachata Festival 2016

18th – 20th November Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Press Release: Liitha Krishnan

World Bachata Festival 2016
World Bachata Festival 2016

There will be Bachata dance enthusiasts from all over the world to experience fun in Asia!

The ever popular and enchanting Latin dance congregation is about to happen again in Malaysia. The 4th World Bachata Festival (WBF) is scheduled for November 2016 and will feature a true celebration of Bachata and other Latin dances, in line with similar events in other major cities in USA, Australia, Spain, Philippines, Japan, India, Singapore, Germany, etc. The WBF has been held since 2010 with each year’s event growing in participation and performances.

Liitha Krishnan, the organizer of WBF is confident this year’s turnout is going to be a raving event for all to enjoy.

Liitha only started learning salsa when she was about 32, which was also after the birth of her three children. A little later, she came across Bachata by chance and realizing it was easier and more sensual than salsa, switched her focus and passion to this new hobby that eventually became a vocation through her founding of her dance school, Shamballa Tribeni Dance in Klang.

Her passion for dance was also taken up seriously by her daughter Kalnish Schubert who, having completed a year’s course at Shiamak Davar’s Dance Academy in Mumbai, is currently pursuing her diploma in dance in Australia. She would be performing and conducting a Bollywood workshop at the WBF since its popularity especially with the foreign participants.

World Bachata Festival 2016 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Photo 1
World Bachata Festival 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Photo 1

The WBF was initially organized to provide local enthusiast access to accomplished dancers from other countries and an avenue to improve local talent and performances. After 3 successful festivals, the event has surpassed its objectives and gained much popularity and enthusiasm both locally and internationally thus creating and enlarging the fraternity of Latin dancers as well as creating public awareness and appreciation. While the contributions of accomplished dancers from Spain, Brazil, Cuba and such countries that are home to Latin dances have enchanted all the past festivals, the performances by dancers from Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Japan, Vietnam, etc have also made their presence felt in past years.

This year’s event in its 4th successful year will consists of 3 days and 2 nights of performances, workshops and dance parties providing an avenue to enjoy, learn, practice and socialize within the Latin dance fraternity. The festival has attracted Latin dancers from Australia, Philippines, India, Romania, Cuba, Columbia, Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Kenya, Vietnam and more while performances and workshop are presented by accomplished dancers from these countries as well. Everyone will also be feasted with the best of Latin music by the finest Malaysian and international Latin DJs at the state-of-the- art Bentley Music Auditorium at Wisma Bentley, Petaling Jaya.

The festival that celebrates Bachata, a sensual partner dance from the Dominican Republic, will also include other popular Latin dance forms like Salsa, Merengue, Zouk and Kizomba. More than 30 workshops have been lined up for anyone and everyone interested in trying a hand, or rather a foot, in Kizomba, Salsa, Bollywood, Son Cubana, Pachanga, Afro Cuban and Zumba. A few boot camps have also been slotted in for those with basic dancing skills to learn and have a chance to perform on one of the nights. The workshops and boot camp will be conducted by renowned international dancers.

World Bachata Festival 2016 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Photo 2
World Bachata Festival 2016 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Photo 2

This year’s lineup includes Nestor Manuelian, a strong supporter of the WBF and 3 times World Salsa Champion, partnering with an equally accomplished Rebecca Vallejo and featuring for the first time, Coco and Vyara, 10 time National Champions of NZ with over 40 years dancing experience. Some of the other prominent dancers who will be there to spice up the event are Ana Palma & Basil Nadela from Philippines, Ryu from Japan, Dorin & Niko from Romania, Lam & Kas from Australia and Kalnish Schubert, Amar Singh, KL Son Project, Sam Sopiee from Malaysia.

To add a little fire to all the dance, music will be spinned by an array of Deejays comprising DJ Selva, DJ Dorin, DJ Ryu, DJ Sofrito and DJ Gupson who will also be an MC for the WBF. Gupson Pierre who hails from Montreal, Canada will be also conducting a workshop.

Appreciation goes out to Bentley Music Auditorium for their 2nd year support and sponsorship of the venue, Qliq Damansara for sponsorship and special rates for accommodations and many other companies and individuals who have been continuously contributing in ways totally unexpected.

About Nestor Manuelian & Kalnish Schubert

Spice up the event, World Bachata Festival is having the privilege and participation of Nestor Manuelian from Australia, and collaboration with local Bollywood artist, Kalnish Kashna Schubert, in the Latin dance scene. Both of them will be performing Salsa together on the stage of World Bachata Festival.

Nestor Manuelian is the Director of Latin Dance Australia (LDA) and Modus Vivendi Dance Productions, two of the biggest names in the Australian Latin dance industry. He is also a professional dance instructor, choreographer, mentor, event organizer and master of ceremonies.

Nestor Manuelian
Nestor Manuelian

Nestor is renowned for his world-class teaching methods, choreographies and team performances. He is recognized for his ability to coach, mentor and encourage dancers to excel technically and also have a great time doing so! His amazing teaching style has earned him the honor of teaching at the biggest Salsa and Bachata congresses around the world travelling to Asia, the United States and all over Australia and New Zealand.

Nestor made his performance debut in November 2003 and since then he has gone on to win multiple Salsa and Bachata National and International Titles, including 4 World Titles as coach and dancer. He has been stepping up the world ranking with multiple awards, such as:

  • 2x World Bachata Champion (2012 – Hong Kong, 2013 – Miami)
  • 3 Times World Salsa Championships Finalist (2005- 4th, 2006 – 10th, 2007 – 6th)
  • Asian Salsa Open Champion (2007)
  • Australian Bachata Teams Champion (2009)

Kalnish Schubert has been dancing since the tender age of 8. She has been actively dancing Salsa, Bollywood and Bhangra since young. She teaches Kids & Adult Bollywood and Kids Salsa at Shamballa Tribeni Dance and Music School in Klang. Kalnish graduated from Shiamak Davar’s Dance Academy in Mumbai, India in 2014. While in India she was actively involved in shows in India such as Star Parivaar Awards 2013 and Toni and Guy show 2013.

Kalnish Schubert
Kalnish Schubert

She is currently pursuing her Certificate IV in dance at the Dance Factory in Melbourne Australia. Kalnish has also been featured in the Malaysian Government Education Portal for the involvement in dance. She has also performed in various shows, public & corporate events such as:

  • The Malaysian Vesaki festival 2009/2010/2011 The World Bachata Festival, Kuala Lumpur 2010/2012/2015 • The International Indian Food Festival in China 2011 Corporate shows in Bangkok, Thailand in 2011 World Star Road to Hollywood in 2012
  • India International Dance Congress 2014 in Bangalore
  • Osaka Latin Dance Festival 2014 • Sydney Bachata Festival 2015

The 4th WBF is scheduled as follows:

  • Dates: 18th-20th November 2016
  • Venue: Bentley Music Auditorium, Wisma Bentley 3, Jalan PJU 7/2, Petaling Jaya,47810 Mutiara Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
  • Programs: 3 days 2 nights of Latin Dance Workshops, World-Class Performances and Prestigious Parties. Each night has a special theme with day 1 being “Dressy Casual”, day 2 is “Black & Red” and the final day is “Mexicana”.
World Bachata Festival 2016 Flyers
World Bachata Festival 2016 Flyers

Get more updates on the Facebook event:

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/856083751112454/
  • Call Liitha at +60162203237 or email to [email protected]
  • Official FB page:https://www.facebook.com/Bachata Malaysia/home
  • Official Website: http://www.worldbachatafestival.com/
  • Youtube: link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQNOo2sqQ6k

 

Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia Artists in November of HTV

North America / USA/ Miami
Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia
Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia

With a history of over 15 years, Colombian singer- songwriter Andrés Cepeda and Mike Bahia, representative of the urban genre, exclusively relate their experiences with each of their productions and the musical genres for which they have traveled.

Andrés Cepeda

Andrés Cepeda
Andrés Cepeda

The Colombian singer Andrés Cepeda, has been one of the most renowned artists of Latin American music scene. This Latin Grammy winner has been wowing his audience with his successes year after year since he began his career. The Colombian began his single career in 1999 releasing a first album: “Sé morir” disc in just one month received platinum status, framing in nearby rhythms like pop, bolero and the ballad.

In 2001 he released his second production, “El Carpintero”, for which he received double platinum.

In 2002 he published “Para amarte mejor”. This production was the first of that kind in Colombia. In 2005 he presented his work “To better love”. This album received platinum disc for sales in Colombia.

1- Andrés Cepeda
1- Andrés Cepeda

In 2007 he released a remake of “Para Amarte Mejor” in which two new songs he composed with master Jorge Luis Piloto included: “Pronóstico” and “Si fueras mi enemigo” songs that gave him international recognition and won him Latin Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Album … “Día tras día” became after its launch in 2009, one of the most successful albums of his career, receiving gold and platinum discs.

This gave rein to that was nominated this year in three of the most important categories of the Latin Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Album.

2- Andrés Cepeda
2- Andrés Cepeda

In 2012 Andrés Cepeda presented to the public his seventh album “Lo major que hay en mi vida.” Cepeda received four nominations for this album by The Latin Recording Academy, taking for the first time Latin Grammy in the category “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”.

He was joined for this award three prizes that gave the Nuestra Tierra 2013 Awards in the categories Best Album of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance. Additionally, he received double platinum. In 2015 he released his latest production, “Mil Ciudades” album that featured the participation of leading industry figures.

Andrés Cepeda flyers
Andrés Cepeda flyers

Mike Bahia

Mike Bahia
Mike Bahia

Meanwhile, in the second installment of HTV En La Mira of the month arrives on Thursday, November 17 the reggaetonero, Mike Bahia, one of the great musical promises of the moment.

1- Mike Bahia
1- Mike Bahia

Bahía had already begun his career by participating in the reality show “La Voz Colombia” (second edition), where he was a pupil of Fanny Lu. Then he debuted as a soloist in 2014 with the single ‘Buscándote’, a song produced by Montana The Producer (who worked for J Alvarez and Chris G), Juan Jhail (who collaborated on projects Kevin Roldan and alkylated) and Ronny Watts (alkylated and Hernán Saraza).

2- Mike Bahia
2- Mike Bahia

Later in his still brief career, Mike Bahía launched four singles: “Estar Contigo” (2014), ‘Buscándote (remix)’, ‘Tarde’ and ‘La Muñeca’ (all 2015). The latter will integrate the first album of Mike, which will be called ‘Soy Yo’. Mike himself wrote ‘La Muñeca’ in collaboration with Juan Jahil and Juan Gálvez, alkylated vocalist.

3- Mike Bahia
3- Mike Bahia

4- Mike Bahia
4- Mike Bahia

For his part, the director Nuno Gomez, who worked with alkylated in several videos, directed the clip in various locations in Venezuela. So you know, do not miss these two artists and enjoy their confessions in HTV because HTV it gets good!

Mike Bahia flyers
Mike Bahia flyers

Tony Vega Celebrates Half a Century of Romantic Salsa in Puerto Rico

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, the Coca-Cola Music Hall was swept up in the sounds of salsa as Tony Vega took the stage for his concert “49+1: Half a Century of Romantic Salsa.” Thanks to the production of Alexandra Fuentes and a promotional partnership with the radio station Salsoul, the legendary vocalist returned to Puerto Rico for a night filled with music, nostalgia, and profound emotion.

Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

Throughout the celebration, Vega was backed by the musical direction of the virtuous instrumentalist, composer, singer, and independent producer known in the salsa world as Jota Ruiz, of the prestigious Ruiz de Ponce musical dynasty. Jota led an elite ensemble featuring:

  • Savier Díaz (congas), Edwin Clemente (timbales), Jorge Mercado (bongo), Juan Rivera (piano), and Alexis Pérez (bass).
  • José “Pucho” Ruiz (the Ruiz family patriarch) and Víctor Ambert on trumpets.
  • César Ayala and Julio Hernández on trombones.
  • Fernando Muscolo on keyboards.
  • Hugo Maysonet and Alejandro Villegas on backing vocals.
  • A string section composed of Jonelys Ruiz, Sairilis Meléndez, Sinaí González, Sofía Acosta, Orlando Rivera, and César Jacomino, with Luis Rodríguez providing general assistance.
  • Tony Vega recordando su etapa con Eddie Palmieri Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
    Tony Vega recordando su etapa con Eddie Palmieri Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

Tony Vega’s performance made it clear that his storied career has been a cornerstone of salsa history, particularly within the salsa romántica movement. The audience made the Coca-Cola Music Hall in San Juan vibrate, singing at the top of their lungs to the many hits Vega has placed at the top of the charts over the decades.

Tony Vega y la orquesta acompañante Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega y la orquesta acompañante Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

The artist of Puerto Rican descent structured his set to detail the various stages of his brilliant career. He opened the night with “Cosquillita,” representing his professional debut alongside Raphy Leavitt. He then playfully performed “Feo pero sabroso,” a nod to his time in the recording studio with Louie Ramírez, followed by “El cuarto” and “Vámonos pa’l monte” as a tribute to his artistic growth under the mentorship of Eddie Palmieri.

Tony Vega y su sección de percusión Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega y su sección de percusión Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

A deeply significant and nostalgic moment arrived with a medley chronicling his years with Willie Rosario, prompting the crowd to sing even louder to “Busca el ritmo” and “Mi amigo el payaso.”

From there, the vocalist reminisced about the transition to his ongoing solo career. He shared the story of his historic contract with Ralphie Mercado of RMM, which, as Tony recalls, was famously signed on a napkin “without any formalities.” From this era, he highlighted staples such as “Yo me quedo,” “Tu prenda tendida,” “Lo mío es amor,” “Dile,” “Tengo curiosidad,” “Uno mismo,” and “Mi iglesia,” which he performed as a duet with the stellar guest Alex D’ Castro. He continued the marathon of hits with “¿Dónde estás?,” “Deja,” “Esposa,” “Si me miras a los ojos,” “Si yo vuelvo a encontrarla,” “Fui la carnada,” “Ella es,” “Olvídalo ya,” “Carita de sol,” “Haremos el amor,” “Esa mujer,” and “Aparentemente.”

Tony Vega, concierto CCMH Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega, concierto CCMH Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

The closing theme, “Déjame soñar,” stirred the singer’s patriotic pride and featured a powerful timbal solo by Edwin Clemente, followed by guest appearances from Gerardo Rivas and his son, Gerardo Gabriel Rivas.

Tony Vega, Trombonista César Ayala al fondo Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas
Tony Vega, Trombonista César Ayala al fondo Tony Vega con su director musical, Jota Ruiz Imagenes Jorge Mas

Throughout the evening, Tony Vega expressed his gratitude to those instrumental in his success. He showed profound respect for Humberto Ramírez, who is widely credited with laying the foundation for Tony Vega’s signature sound and establishing the musical concept for his orchestra at its inception. Another noteworthy moment occurred during an improvisation in “Déjame soñar,” where he affectionately declared José Alberto “El Canario” an honorary “Boricua.”

As he had anticipated, Tony Vega experienced the concert as a true celebration of all he has achieved in his 50-year career. He emphasized how much it meant to be surrounded by his people, “sharing music with those who have been with me from the start, right where it all began.”

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Photography: Jorge Más

Read Also: Bella Martinez, the irreverent Salsa writer

Let’s talk about Una noche en Old Town “en vivo,” while staying true to the musical journey of “El Calvito” Reyes

“Yes, Una noche en Old Town was an event held for about 100 people at a restaurant in the area known as Old Town in Kissimmee, Florida. Old Town is a park that feels like a year-round festival, 365 days a year,” the artist explains. This marks the third musical production from the Puerto Rican singer-songwriter known in the salsa world as “El Calvito,” one of the most fervent champions of the Salsa Nueva movement.

With this release, Edwin puts his salsa and his talent at the service of his followers. His repertoire spans classic salsa, romantic salsa, and what he calls “conscious salsa.”

Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes acknowledges that while everything has already been invented, the key is to stay focused and execute the ideas swirling in his mind. The press release for the new live album, titled Una noche en Old Town, notes: “Remember in the ’90s when many artists (…) recorded live productions? That was a trend that (…) went down in salsa history.”

The Production

The final product is a “live” recording of his orchestra. The production turned what was originally planned as a birthday party at Old Town Park in Kissimmee into a full album. Sound engineer Joseph Díaz captured the session, which was later mixed and mastered by pianist and engineer Víctor Romero. The content was further polished at Harmony Recording Studios in Orlando, Florida.

The album features the collective performance of the musicians who have accompanied the singer for years, including their appearance at the 2025 Día Nacional de la Zalsa in Orlando. The lineup includes:

  • John López: Congas
  • Daniel Ortiz: Timbales
  • Manny Urbina: Bongo
  • Víctor Romero: Piano and Musical Direction
  • Yasmani Roque & Marcos Rivera: Trumpets
  • Bert Laboy: Trombone
  • José Castro Marchán: Baritone Sax
  • Una Noche en Old Town Edwin El Calvito Reyes
    Una Noche en Old Town Edwin El Calvito Reyes
  • The night at Old Town also featured guest appearances by heavyweights such as Kriptony Texeira, Harold Montañez, and José Novoa. Additionally, Richie Nieves, the well-known voice of KQ FM Radio in Orlando, handled the album’s intro.

The Origin

The stage was set specifically at El Cilantrillo restaurant within Old Town. The event celebrated the birthday of Javier Colón, owner of La Feria Salsera and Edwin’s partner for the veteran-focused dance events that Edwin has successfully led in recent years. Javier hired “El Calvito’s” orchestra, the performance was recorded, and from that session, this authentic album was born.

By chance, the date of the party coincided with one of the most important days on the Puerto Rican salsa calendar: the traditional Holy Saturday Dance (Sábado de Gloria). “Many Latinos don’t understand and ask, ‘Are you guys seriously holding a dance on Holy Saturday?’ So, unintentionally, we tapped into that tradition—and it is a tradition in every sense of the word. By trying to keep it alive, we (Puerto Ricans) have shared it with the rest of the Hispanic public.”

According to Edwin, the performance was originally recorded for promotional purposes. However, the artist felt it was such a great capture of the evening’s energy that he consulted his musical director, Víctor Romero, to see what he thought of the idea.

The Release

Coincidence dictated that the album be published and available on digital platforms exactly one year after the recording. The producer admits it was a high-risk project because it was recorded live during an organic event outside of a controlled studio environment. The classic covers Edwin included as tributes to “those who have passed” (arranged as medleys) were his biggest concern, yet they ultimately earned widespread approval.

“El Calvito” Reyes says he doesn’t fear the critics. Driven by passion, he decided to release this 10-track production—eight of which he wrote himself, plus two salsa hit medleys—aiming to win over dancers, listeners, and collectors alike.

Tracklist:

  1. ‘Medley salsa nueva’
  2. ‘Así llamaban al Conde’
  3. ‘Homenaje a los que se nos fueron I y II’
  4. ‘Dime mi Buen Señor’
  5. ‘Tú del sur, yo del norte’
  6. ‘El karma’
  7. ‘Tócame la moña’
  8. ‘Baila cha cha chá’
  9. ‘Solo tiempo pa’ rumba’
  10. ‘Orgulloso de ser latino’

Stream & Connect: The album is available digitally on YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music. Each track has a corresponding video at: https://www.youtube.com/@ElCalvitoReyesOficial/. The orchestra is available for bookings. You can reach the office via phone or WhatsApp at +1-912-980-8476 or by email at [email protected].

For more on the music of Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes, visit: https://solo.to/elcalvitoreyes

Bella Martinez Puerto Rico

Read Also: Edwin “El Calvito” Reyes el Sonero de la Sangre Nueva “Amor de Actualidad”

The Jeque and his Band present: “Ultimatum”, a musical gem with Hermán Olivera

A masterful fusion that redefines Guaguancó and Cha-Cha, celebrating the group’s tenth anniversary.

El Jeque y su Banda is a salsa ensemble based in Venezuela.

Under the direction of its founder and general manager, Lic. Ángel Martínez “El Jeque,” and with the impeccable musical direction, arrangements, and piano work of the renowned William “Willie” Melo, the band has established itself as a benchmark in the genre.

El Jeque y su Banda presenta “Ultimátum”, una joya musical junto a Hermán Olivera
El Jeque y su Banda presenta “Ultimátum”, una joya musical junto a Hermán Olivera

Approaching ten years of professional trajectory, maintaining their momentum through persistence, passion, and dedication to their craft, the group celebrates this anniversary with the release of their fourth studio production: Evolución…El Jeque y sus Estrellas.

The Launch: “Ultimátum”

The purpose of this release is to announce the launch of their second promotional single, a piece crafted for the true music connoisseur: “Ultimátum.”

This musical gem features a collaboration with a legend of the genre, a world-renowned sonero and vocalist: Hermenegildo Olivera Suárez, globally known as “Hermán Olivera, El Sonero del Siglo XXI.”

Herman Olivera El Sonero del Siglo XII y Dj. Augusto Felibert
Herman Olivera El Sonero del Siglo XII y Dj. Augusto Felibert

History and Evolution

This romantic-style track was originally recorded in 1981 by the great Puerto Rican interpreter Felipe “La Voz” Rodríguez.

The song was written by the legendary Puerto Rican composer Luz Celenia Tirado, who was the first woman recognized in the island’s challenging guild of troubadours and also performed on that original production.

On this occasion, El Jeque y su Banda takes the work in a new direction, transforming it into an aggressive Guaguancó fused with an elegant Cha-Cha.

The concept for this version was a creative endeavor led by Hermán Olivera, who defined the essence and intent of the track.

Ángel Martínez “El Jeque” y Dj. Augusto Felibertt
Ángel Martínez “El Jeque” y Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Subsequently, Luis Alberto and Willie Melo shaped the project, solidifying the final musical structure under the pen and direction of William “Willie” Melo, with the co-production of Luis Alberto “Redlouis” (Manager, Producer & Booking for Hermán Olivera).

Musical Virtuosity

It is remarkable how these music aficionados manage to mesh Guaguancó and Cha-Cha originally fused with a bolero with a versatility that preserves the essence, cadence, and appeal of the piece.

Herman Olivera Soneando Luis Rojas y Augusto Felibertt prueba de Sonido en el marco del evento Salsa Bajo la Cúpula Poliedro de Caracas.
Herman Olivera Soneando Luis Rojas y Augusto Felibertt prueba de Sonido en el marco del evento Salsa Bajo la Cúpula Poliedro de Caracas.

Willie Melo masterfully integrates Hermán Olivera’s characteristic sound, marked by the influences of Manny Oquendo’s Conjunto Libre and the maestro Eddie Palmieri.

The arrangement, loaded with dissonant notes and power, softens its impact with the magic of the Cha-Cha, allowing Hermán to display his artistry in the soneo.

This interplay between the irreverent, the melodic, and the elegant makes “Ultimátum” a mandatory addition to any quality music lover’s playlist.

Production Credits

The excellence of this single is made possible by the participation of these great Venezuelan musicians:

  • Musicians: Yomar “Caballo” Méndez, Julito Antillano, Luis Ruíz, Joel “Pajarraco” Rivas, Frank Haslam, and Willie Melo.

  • Backing Vocals (Cha-Cha): Maestro Nino Segarra, accompanied by Rodrigo Mendoza and Wilmer Lozano.

  • Recording (Lead and Backing Vocals): Nino Segarra Studios (Puerto Rico).

  • Musical Recording, Mixing, and Mastering: Dale Cerebro Estudio, led by engineer Emmanuel “Cerebro” Romero.

Everything stated above summarizes a work with all the necessary elements to become a radio hit and, above all, an essential piece in your music library.

El Jeque y su Banda
El Jeque y su Banda

Sincerely,

Lic. Ángel Martínez “El Jeque”

Collaborations:

Luis Alberto “Redlouis” (Manager, Producer & Booking for Hermán Olivera)

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

Also Read: Hermán Olivera “El Sonero del Siglo XXI”

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Page 5
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 38
  • Go to Next Page »

International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication covering salsa activities around the world and has been publishing since 2007. It is a worldwide network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. Together, we work to strengthen salsa events around the world.