Latin America

Roniel Alfonso Mella Music Producer, Orchestrator, Composer and Instrumentalist

Roniel Alfonso y Son del XXI Orchestra

Born on December 8, 1974 in the city of Matanzas-Cuba.

He enters in 1996 in the National School of Art (Ena) in, where he graduated in 2000 in the specialty of Guitar, Tres, and Ensemble Direction, in his student stage he was part of groups like Septeto Cohiba, Cuba Nueva, Conjunto Chapotin y sus Estrellas, Clave Cubana, Charanga Latina, etc.

In 2000 he was the founder of the Gardi Orchestra, of which he was its musical director, making several tours abroad with this orchestra and taking care of the musical direction of his first album ”Gardi” and the authorship of most of his songs.

In 2005 he participated in the prestigious contest of the Cuban TV Adolfo Guzman where he was 2nd prize in the category of dance music with a song that he orchestrated and produced, being interpreted by Joaquin More.

Roniel Alfonso Mella, Omara Portuondo y Aymee Nuviola

Later he joined the ranks of Haila María Mompie, being in charge of the musical direction of the band.

In 2006 he joined the Cuarteto Fusión with which he toured abroad for a long period of 4 years in countries such as Oman, Egypt, and Jordan.

In 2010 he returned to Cuba and made the musical production entitled Mala, Haila’s 5th album, which was awarded the Cuba Disco Award 2012, in the category of Latin music. At the same time, he returns to the orchestra and is once again in charge of the musical direction.

In 2011 he was in charge of the musical production of several artists, such as the Cuban singer Leoni Torres, 3rd album production of this, entitled “salseando” which was nominated for the Cuba Disco 2013 in the category of popular dance music and nominated for the Latin Grammy 2013 in tropical music, another production was the American percussionist Luis Carreras, entitled Luis Carreras and The Cuban Stars Project album that orchestrated and composed all his songs.

Roniel Alfonso and Son del XXI Orchestra Born on December 8, 1974 in the city of Matanzas-Cuba. — Roniel Alfonso Mella
Music Producer, Orchestrator, Composer and Instrumentalist

In 2012 he was part of the work team of composer and producer Descemer Bueno in his album “Bueno” which was awarded the “Cuba Disco Award 2013”, working frequently with him in numerous productions.

As a composer he has written songs for prestigious performers of our country such as Issac Delgado, Haila, Omara Portuondo, Leoni Torres, Aymee Nuviola, Yumuri, Alexander Abreu, Coco Freeman, Mario Rivera, Gardi, Calunga, Ricardo Amaray, Sixto Llorente, “El Indio”, Maykel Ante, Pedro Lugo “El Nene”, Wil Campa, Tania Pantoja, El Noro, Luna Manzanares, Hector Daniel, Alain Daniel, Rosaliz, Ruben y Gabi, Yai Valcarcel, Indira Hernández.

Internationals such as Jose Alberto “El Canario” (Dominican Republic), Dlg (USA), Ng2 (Puerto Rico), Willy Garcia (Colombia), Josimar (Peru), Septeto Acarey (Peru), Kewenaonda, David Kada (Dominican Republic), Nikki Alva (USA), Miguel Angel Caballero (Chile), Agustin Aspa (Spain), Orlando Max (Angola).

As a producer, he has collaborated with national and international artists.

Enrique Iglesias (Spain), Gilberto Santa Rosa (Puerto Rico), Jose Alberto ”El Canario” (Dominican Republic), Luis Enrique (Nicaragua), Olga Tañon (Puerto Rico), Dlg (USA), Ng2 (Puerto Rico), Willy Garcia (Colombia), Bebe (Spain), Nikki Alva (USA), Miguel Angel Caballero (Chile), Kewenaonda (Dominican Republic), Arturo Ortiz, Calle 7 (Puerto Rico), Septeto Acarey (Peru), David Kada (Dominican Republic), Luis Carreras (USA), Agustin Aspa (Spain), Orlando Max (Angola), Lalo Santos (Mexico) and Orly Solomon (Israel).

Roniel Alfonso Mella con Gilberto Santa Rosa

Nationals Omara Portuondo, Chucho Valdés, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Aymee Nuviola, Grupo-Orichas, Leoni Torres, Descemer Bueno, Gente de Zona, Issac Delgado, Haila, Charanga Habanera, Alexander Abreu, Los Muñequitos de Matanzas, Mayito Rivera, Sixto Llorente, Yumuri, El Noro, Emilio Frías, Paulo Fg, El Nene, Septeto Santiaguero, Tania Pantoja, Coco Freeman, Alain Daniel, Wil Campa, Gardi, Ricardo Amaray, Calunga, Mandy Cantero, Roberton (Van Van), Maykel Ante, Luna Manzanares, Arlenys Rodríguez, Yenisel Valdés, Omi, Nelson Valdés, Yoyo Ibarra, Mayco de Alma, Héctor Daniel, Dayani Gutiérrez, Laritza Bacallao, Juan Guillermo, Rubén and Gabi, Alexis Zamora, Alain Pérez, Rosaliz, Eylen Remón, Yai Valcarcel, Beby Verdecia, Zunilda, Leo Garrido, Heydi Chapman, Trio d’ Ley, Mulatason, Insurrecto, Joaquín More, Karamba, Alisbet Reyes, Compañia de Danza “Rakatan Azúcar Negra, Patricio Amaro, Aíran Muñoz, Yani, Ángel Yos, Jose Luis Cortes, Osain del Monte, Son del Guaso, Orquesta Failde, Conga “Los Hoyos”, Lenny de la Rosa, Indira Hernandez, Liz Castillo, etc….

Achieving Hits such as “Idilio”, “Vivir Sin Ti”, Soledad (Leoni Torres)” Mala”, “Baila”, (Haila), “Si no Fuera por Ti”, Gardi, Lloro por ti, La Vida es Buena, Súbeme la Radio, Nos fuimos lejos, (Descemer Bueno).

In 2013 he started his own record production, entitled -Roniel Alfonso presents “Son del XXI”, this CD comes out under the label Egrem in 2016, nominated for the Cuba Disco 2017 in this is responsible for the musical production, orchestrations, and composition of each of the themes, the album that shows his vision of what would be the son of this XXI century, our purest and most traditional son, mixed with the new influences of this era. The album features performers such as Issac Delgado, Yumuri, Haila, Calunga, Mario Rivera, El Indio, El Nene, Wil Campa, El Noro, Alexander Abreu and Orlando Max (Angola) going deeper into his work as an orchestrator, using different orchestral formats, such as the Típica Orquesta Salsera, Jazz-Band, Grupo de Rumba and Septeto Tradicional.

In August 2014 he has invited Lucas to the gala offered in tribute to Formell to be in charge of the musical production of several themes of this great Cuban musician, with performers such as Laritza Bacallao, el Indio, el Noro, Dayani Gutiérrez, and el Niño.

In 2016 he collaborated in the 2nd edition of the television program sonando en Cuba where 3 songs of his authorship and 5 songs produced by him previously for other singers were interpreted, being interpreted this time by the contestants of this event.

In 2017 his song “Baila” sung this time by Haila and Alain Perez was the theme of the television program “Bailando en Cuba”.

In June 2017 he obtains the silver trophy (2nd place) at the International Music Festival “Viva la Música”‘ in the category original song, with his song “Que Locura” sung by Roberto Pulido, a Cuban singer based in Switzerland.

In 2018 under the record label Top Stopmusic is in charge of the musical production and all orchestrations of the CD AJourney Through Cuban Music of the great Cuban singer Aymee Nuviola, Grammy Awards Winner 2020 and nominated for the Grammy 2019 in the category of Best Traditional Tropical Album in which music stars such as Chucho Valdez were present, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, Omara Portuondo, Muñequitos de Matanzas, Septeto Santiaguero, Pancho Amat, Coto, Samuel Formell, Mario Rivera and his first single “Donde estabas anoche” was positioned at number 6 on the Billboard chart.

In March 2019 he has the honor of being accepted as a voting member of the Latin Academy of Laras Recordings (Grammy).

On June 14, 2019, he founds his Orchestra “Son del XXI”, an orchestra that will have two objectives, to function by itself with its repertoire and its singers and also to continue accompanying the record productions to the many performers who request my work.

He is currently putting the final touches on his new production Roniel Alfonso y Son del XXI Orquesta, which will have national and international guests such as Jose Alberto “El Canario”, DLG, Septeto Acarey, Willy Garcia, Ng2, Nikki Alva, Aymee Nuviola, Leoni Torres, Issac Delgado, Haila, and will be released under the record label Puntilla Music based in Miami.

Alain Pérez invitado al Cd. Pa mi tres — Alain Pérez y Roniel Alfonso

He has worked in productions such as:

Sun and Soul (Canada)-2000

Carmen Flores (Babalu)

Latin Man Bobamba (Japan) 2000 Oasis Records

Helito George (Italy) (Simply My Way) 2002 Musical Production

Gardi “Gardi” 2003(Bis/Music) Musical Direction

Beby Verdecia “Montaña Mia” 2005 Colibrí

Issac Delgado “Prohibido” 2005 Luz Africa

Gardi “Lo que tu Querias” 2008 Egrem

Leo “Rodo de mi” 2009 / Egrem (Nominated Cuba Disco 2013)

Havana Heavy Hitters “Vestido de blanco” 2010

Haila 2011 “Mala” Bis Music (Cuba Disco Award 2012) music production

Luis Carreras (USA) 2012 8 y 5 Studios Music Production

Leoni Torres 2012 “Salseando” Egrem (Nominated Cuba Disco 2013) music production

Descemer Bueno “Bueno” Bis Music Emi 2012 (Cuba Disco Award 2013)

Zunilda “A mi tierra” 2012 Colibrí (Nominated Cuba Disco 2014)

Agustín Aspa (Spain) 2013 “De la Habana a Barcelona” Cuba Music Musical Production

Willie de Cuba” Prohibido” Italy) 2013

Luna Manzanares Egrem 2013

Eilen “Aquí estoy” 2014 Cuba Music

Gala Lucas “Tribute to Formell” 2014

Héctor Daniel “Alegría pa’ mi gente Cuba Music 2016-Music Production

Nelson Valdés and Leoni Torres “Tribute to Omara Portuondo” 2014 Bis Music

Omi (USA) 2014

Juan Guillermo Egrem 2015

Rosaliz “Dame Salsa” Egrem 2017 (Nominated-Cuba Disco 2018) Musical Production

Mulata Son “Mujer y Artista” Cuba Music 2017-Music Production

Issac Delgado” Made in Habana” Egrem 2016 (Nominated-Cuba Disco 2017)

Yoyo Ibarra “Tropical” Egrem 2017 Musical Production

Yai Valcarcel “Mi Esperanza” Yagruma S.A 2015

Miguel Herrera “Hoy quiero Fiesta (Sweden) 2017 Cuba Music and Egrem 2019 Music Production

Yenisel Seva “Romántica” (2016) Cuba Music Musical Production

Dance Company “Rakatan” 2016

Roberto Pulido “Mi locura” (Switzerland) 2016-2018 Music Production

Charles Manuel (Spain) 2017 Musical Production

Roniel Alfonso Presents “Son del XXI” Egrem 2017 (Nominated Cuba Disco 2017) Music Production

Gala “55 Aniversario del Icrt” 2017.

Miguel Ángel Caballero “Vista Fija” Blam Producciones 2017 Music Production

Kewenaonda “Arriésgate” (Dominican Republic) 2017-2020 Music Production

Enrique Iglesias Feat Gilberto Santa Rosa” Súbeme la radio” (Salsa) 2017 Music Production

Lalo Santos “Caribe 2018” (Mexico) (Mexico)

Azúcar Negra Egrem 2019

Patricio Amaro 2017 Musical Production

Haila” Canta a Armando Manzanero” Egrem 2018 (Cuba Disco Award of Honor 2019)

Grupo Orichas Feat. Luis Enrique” Sastre de tu Amor” (Salsa) 2018

Miguel Herrera (Sweden) 2018 Egrem Produccion Musical

Issac Delgado 2018

Descemer, Enrique Iglesias y Charanga Habanera “Nos fuimos lejos” (Salsa) 2018 Musical Production

Descemer, Enrique Iglesias y bebe-”nos fuimos lejos”(Acoustic) 2018 Musical Production

Leoni Torres “Amor bonito” Egrem 2019

Orquesta Failde y Omara “Homenaje a Benny” Egrem 2019 (Cuba Disco Award 2019)

Aymee Nuviola” Journey Through Cuban Music” Topstop Music 2019 Production Musical (Grammy Awards Winner 2020), (Latin Grammy Nominee 2019)

Nelson Valdés “Cubriendo Ausencias” Bis Music 2019 (Nominated-Cuba Disco 2019)

Leoni y Gente de Zona “Mejor sin ti” (Salsa) 2019 Music Production

Indira Hernández 2020 Music Production

Lenny de la Rosa 2020 Music Production

Yarima y Sabor Latino “Pa mi Tres” Egrem-Soundwear 2020 Musical Production

Leoni Torres “Deja la Tristeza” 2020 Music Production

Septeto Acarey ‘”Vamos a Pasarla Bien” 2021 Musical Production

Wil Campa “Zapato Nuevo” Egrem 2020 Music Production

Angel Yos Egrem 2020

Liz Castillo 2021 Bis Music Music Production

Gabriela 2021 (Denmark-Cuba) Music Production

Nesty-2021 (USA) Music Production

Kel-2021 Music Production

Cd Herederos (Tribute to Irakere) Egrem 2021

Roniel Alfonso and Son del XXI Orchestra 2021-Puntilla Music.

Orlando Valle, verdadero nombre del instrumentista "Maraca" — Orlando “Maraca” Valle y Roniel Alfonso

Facebook: Roniel Alfonso Mella

By: Diana Marie International Salsa Magazine Miami Correspondent

Salsa Superior Award
Diana Marie
Lady of Salsa 2021

International Salsa Magazine

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Fabián Rosales Araos Chilean singer-songwriter, native of the city of Valparaíso

With Santiago All Stars he recorded 2 albums leaving his voice captured in the songs Santiago de Fiesta, Forma la Rumba Sonero, Preparen Candela, Busca lo tuyo, Sabroso Guaguanco and more.

Chilean singer-songwriter, a native of the city of Valparaíso. He began his musical career at the age of 25, being part of salsa groups such as Latin Salsa, La Sandunguita, Trabuco Clásico and Santiago All-Stars.

With Santiago All Stars he recorded 2 albums leaving his voice in the songs Santiago de Fiesta, Forma la Rumba Sonero, Preparen Candela, Busca lo tuyo, Sabroso Guaguanco. — Fabián Rosales Araos Chilean singer-songwriter, native of the city of Valparaíso.

After achieving steady progress over the years, he decides in 2018 to jump into the limelight as a soloist recording solo his first production entitled “Ahora Si” leaving songs like Humo y Licor, Ahora Si, Tu Tiempo bailador, Buscando El Tumbao, Yo Vengo de aquí and more… All of them being original songs.

The production was made in Chile, Venezuela and Switzerland with great international collaborators. This album meant him to be nominated within the 5 best tropical productions of Chile for the Pulsar Awards of Chilean music.

In 2020 he released the single “A mí que me den la Salsa”, a composition of his own that has managed to position itself at No. 1 in the salsa ranking in the US, Puerto Rico and Europe.

In this year 2021, he surprises us with his most recent production titled “Como Suena mi Tambo”, a composition made by Fabian Rosales himself, with arrangements by Juan Rivadeneira, and where he has the collaboration of two great musicians from Puerto Rico such as Kachiro Thompson on Tumbadoras and Eliut Cintron on Trombone.

After achieving steady progress over the years, he decides in 2018 to jump into the limelight as a solo artist by recording his first solo production titled "Ahora Si — Fabián Rosales surprises us with his most recent production titled “Como suena mi Tambo” composition made by himself.

Fabian Rosales is currently nominated for the Awards to Excellence of the year 2021 in the category Salsero Singer of Excellence.

Follow on @FabianRosalesOficial #fabianrosales #comosuenamitambo #salsa

https://www.facebook.com/FabianRosalesOficial/

https://www.youtube.com/user/frosalestar/videos

Fabián Rosales Araos Cantautor chileno — Fabián Rosales is currently nominated for the 2021 Awards to Excellence in the Salsa Singer of Excellence category.

Valparaiso

Valparaíso is a city, commune and port of Chile, is the capital of the Province and Region of Valparaíso. Being also its historical, administrative, institutional and university center of the conurbation called Gran Valparaíso, which forms along with the communes of Viña del Mar, Quilpué, Villa Alemana and Concón.

According to the 2017 census, it has a population of close to 300,000 people, and if we include its conurbation, the Metropolitan Area of Valparaíso reaches 935,602 inhabitants, being the most populated in the region and the second city after Greater Santiago, together with Greater Concepción.

Valparaíso is the seat of the National Congress, the Command-in-Chief of the Chilean Navy and other national state institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage, the Undersecretary of Fisheries, Customs and Fisheries and Aquaculture. It is one of the busiest ports in Chile and one of the most important in the South Pacific.

According to the 2017 census, it has a population of close to 300,000 people, and if we include its conurbation, the Valparaíso Metropolitan Area reaches 935,602 inhabitants, being the most populated in the region and the second most populated city after Greater Santiago, together with Greater Concepción — Valparaíso is a city, commune and port of Chile, the capital of the Province and Region of Valparaíso.

The city is recognized for being a great center of higher education, since some of the most important universities in Chile are established, such as the Universidad de Valparaíso, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso and Universidad de Playa Ancha.

Geographically, Valparaíso is presented in the form of a large natural amphitheater, located in the bay of the same name and surrounded by hills, where most of the population lives.

Between the foot of the hills and the sea is the Plan, the administrative, commercial and financial center of the city, while the port occupies the waterfront.

Due to its architectural wealth developed mainly in the late nineteenth century, in 2003 its historic center was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco, becoming the third Chilean site protected by the international organization, after the Rapa Nui National Park and 16 churches in Chile.

Por: Erika Muñoz

La Mulata Rumbera

“Se Armó la Rumba en México”

Correspondent de International Salsa Magazine

International Salsa Magazine

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Alfredo Villamizar Alfredo Villamizar one of the most spectacular and sensational Venezuelan percussionists

On this occasion it is appropriate to honor in our salsa column one of the most spectacular and sensational Venezuelan percussionists, Alfredo Villamizar, born in Caracas on August 2nd.

Welcome maestro Alfredo to “Salsa Escrita” and International Salsa Magazine, www.SalsaGoogle.com, it is a pleasure to have you as our special guest.

Thank you Professor Carlos, for inviting me to your renowned salsa tribune for all Venezuelans who are in my country and also for those of us who are currently abroad.

Well, let me tell you that for me it is already a commitment to support musicians who make Afro-Caribbean music and you in particular Alfredito, you could not miss this appointment with regular readers; now, tell us how did you get started in Latin music? I started with the orchestra “Renovación” of Nico Monterola, whom I consider my teacher, I continued acquiring knowledge in the timbal with Alfredo Padilla and I learned with Alfredo Franchesky (Cutuflá).

Alfredo Villamizar I started with Nico Monterola's orchestra "Renovación". — Alfredo Villamizar, born in Caracas on August 2

Alfredo, you are considered one of the timbaleros with a high level technique in the rhythmic execution of this instrument and you are catalogued as one of the best worldwide; let’s see, tell us with which orchestras have you participated? My friend Carlos, I can mention among many others the Oscar D’León Orchestra, Evio Dimarzo’s Adrenalina Caribe, Hildemaro’s Orchestra, Nico Monterola’s Renovación Orchestra, Andy Durán’s Orchestra, Erick Franchesky’s Orchestra and Urbanda de los Hidalgo, among others.

Excellent Alfredo, and at the international level, who have you accompanied? I have accompanied Celia Cruz in Spain, as well as Papo Rivera and Alex de Castro in Venezuela.

By the way, Alfredo, I understand that you have composed some songs. Indeed, my friend Colmenárez, the songs I have composed are: Malditos celos, El brujo Pincumpán, Canto a la vida, Luna llena; which are included in a production recorded in 2005 and also of my authorship stands out the theme “Allá va el lobo” of the collection “Venezuela Demo 2”, vocalizing Aníbal Vegas.

Let me tell you professor Carlos, that I have dictated workshops and clinics of timbal, in the 23 de Enero de Caracas and in the Mamera Keyboard Museum, next to the teachers Edgardo Morales and Alberto Borregales. Currently, since 2017, I am based in Chile, performing various activities and hoping very soon to return to Venezuela, God willing.

his compositions are: Malditos celos, El brujo Pincumpán, Canto a la vida, Luna llena, El brujo Pincumpán. — Alfredo is considered one of the timbaleros with a high level of technique.

Alfredo, for me it is a great satisfaction to have you in Salsa Escrita, because I have always followed your career and your way of playing the rhythm with the drumsticks in the pailas. Finally, we would like to give us your digital platforms and a farewell message.

Very well professor Carlos Colmenárez, thank you for your good concepts towards me, you can contact me by email: [email protected] and on Facebook: Alfredo Villamizar. Thank you very much professor for allowing me to interact through the Barquisimeto salsa column, as it is “Salsa Escrita”, which I think should be called with your permission “La Columna Salsera de Venezuela”, for the support you give us all the salseros of my beloved country. Blessings and keep it up, Professor Carlos.

By: Carlos Colmenárez Correspondent in Venezuela

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Known artistically as Mahel, Singer, composer, percussionist and professional model

Maribel Hernández Charry

Mahel A Colombian passionate about the music of our land from a very young age. With the support of a great work team, she has decided to pursue a solo career of the popular genre of cumbia with an authentic project, highlighting her show with her two dancers.

Expecting support from social media, which are the channel used to bring music to her listeners. Just as Maribel Hernandez has participated in different important groups from Cali and abroad like La Orquesta Tumbadora, Orquesta Femenina Son de Azúcar, las divas All Star de Miami, Artistas unidos de la salsa, she also has made accompaniments for artists such as Alex León, Alvaro del Castillo, Julio Flores, Alvaro Granobles among others.

with the support of an excellent work team has decided to launch herself as a soloist of the popular Cumbia genre with an authentic project highlighting her show with her two dancers. — Known artistically as Mahel, Singer, composer, percussionist and professional model.

Currently, she is a member of the female orchestra D’ Cache, which accompanies the “The Gentleman of Salsa” Gilberto Santa Rosa. She has also recorded videos as a model with various artists of different musical genres.

In 2011, the artistic name Mahel was born. She recorded her first solo album entitled “DIMELO DE FRENTE” with the support of excellent musicians and producers.

The aim of this production was the song “SOLA Y SIN NADA” of composer Johnny Martinez, also, a “mix of traditional cumbias” in the style and voice of Mahel.

Subsequently, his second work whose main objective was the song “QUIERO QUE ME DES…” from the hand of composer and record producer José Aguirre, who is the current director of the band Grupo Niche and winner of more than 4 discs of the Cali Festival and the Latin Grammy.

In 2017, the song “QUERIDA SOCIA ” was a success in the media. It was a cumbia with a very particular rhythm and lyrics made by Mexican famous composer Manuel Eduardo Toscano.

In 2018, with the female orchestra D’Cache and the dance academy Son de luz, she participated in the world salsa festival, being winners and recognized as the best orchestra and ensemble mode.

During the month of October with the female orchestra D’Cache they were awarded as the best female orchestra of the year in the Núcleo Urbano awards.

THE DIVA OF THE BELL

I love music and to represent salsa as the Diva de la Campana is an honor. Currently, I have decided to release my new album of cumbia and popular in which there will be several songs of my authorship. Thanks to all my public. — THE DIVA OF THE BELL At the end of 2018, LAS DIVAS DEL GOLPE was born.

LAS DIVAS DEL GOLPE was born at the end of year 2018. This is a salsa project where only good music, dance and percussion instruments are predominant. Being called LA DIVA DE LA CAMPANA on social media, this skyrocketed her career as a percussionist representing Colombia in different countries.

Today, we find ourselves presenting our new musical work 2019 in Colombia and later in Latin America with love, respect, and sympathy.

Entitled: “EL DUEÑO DE MIS BABAS” (THE OWNER OF MY BABAS), Composed by Mahel and a musical production of Leandro Dorado, especially for lovers of good music.

With much love and affection, Mahel From our land to the world.

I love music and representing salsa as the Diva of the Bell is an honor. Currently, I have decided to release my new cumbia and popular music album in which there will be several songs of my own.

Thanks to all my public.

Known artistically as Mahel, Singer, composer, percussionist and professional model. — With love and affection, Mahel De nuestra tierra para el mundo.

Contact Estados Unidos:

Paz Entertaiment. Phone: (+1) 786 457 1224

https://mahel.co/

@mahelmusic

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Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda – “El Sonero de la Calle”

Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda, known as “El Sonero de la Calle”

Photo of Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda — Photo – Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda

He was born in the city of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He is a singer-songwriter (he composes and sings his own songs, including the lyrics and the melody), percussionist, raised on the outskirts of the Santo Domingo neighborhoods, he developed an interest in Afro-Caribbean music. This is how he obtains a clear direction towards the creation of his own style to compose and sing this genre, which involves a series of different rhythms such as: guaracha, rumba, son montuno, bolero, mambo, son, jazz, guaracha and cha cha cha, known worldwide by its trade name “Salsa”.

He tells us that from his mother Carmen Sepúlveda and his aunt Santa Julia Sepúlveda, he inherited the passion for jazz music, bolero and son, also that his mother is an artist, but he did not get to record their music, however he went to competitions of television expressing his musical talent. Geovanny mentions that he liked music from an early age seeing this great specimen in turn, he says that his talent is born and empirical which he is seeing how it progresses in these times.

Photo by Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda — Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda in Dominican Republic

During his tour he obtained his artistic nickname “El Sonero de la Calle”, which was given to him by a great Dominican musician (bassist and arranger) named Rafael Victoria, better known as maestro Cuso Cuevas (he was a popular bassist who played with the most important popular music groups and orchestras), who was in the recording of “Batato”, mentions that he advised him the following… “that he should not change his theme of making music, that it be a different sonero, a street sonero… that he could interpret the reality of the street with his lyrics and way of singing ”

He comments that he spent a large part of his life in Caracas, Venezuela (approximately 18 years), despite having been born in the Dominican Republic, considering it his second homeland since he adores and / or loves Venezuela; During this time he met Dudamel and Orlando Latuci, his song “las carabelas” is a Venezuelan.

The teacher Ubeny Loaiza and Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda
– Photo

He also had the opportunity to sing with the “La Realidad” Orchestra, from there he began to give his beginnings as a singer, it all began in 2003 when Roberto Ledezma was singing a bolero and the orchestra director listened to it and without Knowing that he was a musician and I invited him to go to one of the rehearsals and when to a place called Caño Amarillo Estudio, in Caracas, Venezuela, and there I was part of the team that at that time was very necessary since they lacked a vocalist, From that moment on he appeared in the bars of Caracas, in the center of the city, he told us that it was a wonderful experience.

As time passes, his fondness for this wonderful culture born in Africa is born, brought to the Antilles and then brought to New York, USA by great masters such as Johnny Pacheco, Machito, Beny More, Santiago Cerón, José Bello, El Canario, Tito Puentes, La Typica 73, among other great musicians of this genre.

Photo of Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda and Andi Montañez — Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda and Andi Montañez – Photo

His first musical album was entitled “A las malas”, from which his first single is called “Batato” and in his musical theme “Satte de los Callejones” he indicated “El Sonero de la Calle”, the following quote … “Special dedication for all the neighborhoods of my Dominican Republic and the world. My goal is to reach the heart of the town, Geovanny L. Sepúlveda, El Sonero de la Calle.

In the current Covid-19 pandemic, many activities have been closed, especially in the musical world, but with extensive communication over the internet, many have chosen to use various platforms either to promote themselves as artists or to hold events (Facebook, Instagram, Tick Tock, Youtube, among others), and despite these complicated moments he gives us the great news that Leo Aguirre and Ubeny Loaiza are in charge of the new production of Geovanny Leonardo Sepúlveda, his new single under the musical direction of Ubeny Loaiza, owner of the La Sabrosura orchestra, giving rise to the music “Salsa Pura” which is a Rumba, which you will not stop hearing

At the end of the interview, he gives us a message for the new talents … “Study and have a lot of dedication to what you like, never stop and that the rest is in the hands of God.”

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