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The Art of Immortalizing Lavoe: The Cultural Bridge of a Young Designer

Through the digital book “Lavoe entre colores,” Victoria Rivas fuses editorial illustration and a passion for salsa to connect new generations with the legacy of “El Cantante de los Cantantes.”

Victoria Analig Rivas Rojas, an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer, was born in Valencia, Carabobo State, Venezuela. At just 20 years old, she holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with a major in Graphic Design from the Arturo Michelena University.

Victoria Rivas Licenciada en Artes, mención Diseño Gráfico

Since she was a young girl, her passion for art and music grew, deeply influenced by her salsa-loving, dancing, and music-aficionado (melómana) family.

Her childhood was surrounded by people who loved the arts. She began painting mandalas as a hobby, and since then, she has created numerous paintings and murals both inside and outside her native country, all of which are showcased on her Instagram account, @victoriarivasart.

A través del libro digital Lavoe entre colores, Victoria Rivas fusiona la ilustración editorial y la pasión por la salsa

Her love for music, especially salsa, motivated Victoria to develop her Undergraduate Thesis based on the history of the genre and the biography of her idol. In doing so, she created an illustrated digital book about the life and work of the singer and musician Héctor Lavoe, one of the most prominent artists in the genre.

Concerned by the widespread lack of knowledge among youth her age regarding salsa and the figure of Héctor Lavoe, Victoria utilized the knowledge acquired throughout her degree to preserve and convey this information through illustration.

To achieve this, she employed a qualitative methodology, working with a population and sample of academic experts in the field a musicologist, a graphic designer, and a seasoned salsa connoisseurconducting in-depth interviews with them.

As a result, she successfully demonstrated that illustration is a key tool, functioning as a cultural bridge between words and emotion.

She accomplished this through a digital format that provides easy access for newer generations, people unfamiliar with the subject, and fans of both art and salsa.

This is how **“Lavoe entre colores” (LEC)** [Lavoe Among Colors] was born an illustrated digital book that immortalizes the life and work of “El Cantante de los Cantantes” and the history of salsa.

“Lavoe entre colores” (@lavoeentrecolores) is structured into 64 pages, which unfold across 11 sections divided into Side A and Side B, emulating the classic cassette tape format.

The book summarizes the singer’s life in chronological episodes, using the titles of his songs as chapter names. It was designed over the course of more than 250 work hours, featuring vibrant, colorful undertones that invite the reader to linger and return.

“Every stroke represents my pride in uplifting Héctor’s name.”

Victoria Rivas

(An Illustrated Digital Book on the Life and Work of Singer and Musician Héctor Lavoe)

El Arte de Inmortalizar a Lavoe El Puente Cultural de una Joven Diseñadora

Also Read: Djane Shina A Passion Turned into Reality

True Story – Movie

North America / USA / New York

One of the films that caught our attention is The True, this story is about a journalist named Michael Finkel (Jonah Hill) who is fired from his job in the New York Times, and seeking new employment opportunities, ends up being contacted by Christian Longo (James Franco) who is accused of violently murdering his entire family, and goes slowly proper identity of Finkel.

This film is very interesting because both players are playing cat and mouse during the criminal investigation which seeks the true story where murder is expressed, love, deceit and redemption.

Through the course of the film there are many sentences that give us a lot to think, among which are:

“Many journalists write that your readers like and want to read, do not take the time to find out the truth about what really happened”

“We always believe what they want to believe, no matter what you say”

True Story - Movie - Scene 1 — True Story – Movie – Scene 1

There are also many messages within the frame among which are the following:

Many people know how to express themselves, have feelings or emotions, but sometimes, some have both feelings and need another to make themselves understood, especially if two people are alike.
It also shows the manipulation that can have a person with another (psychologically or physically), with only tempt him with something that identifies you or really want, and if you want to know the life of another person can be wrapped while to identify with, until the lies are true to one another; reaching losing their own personality or identity.
The truth is very dangerous, because if one is involved in the lies and the latter come to light

Who can say what will happen then? What blow in life both in work and personally affected?

True Story - Movie - Scene 2 — True Story – Movie – Scene 2

God & Salsa THE FILM

North America / USA /  New York

You cannot deny that the most popular genre of film at this time is based on real events. For this reason, the film studio, Jess Thomas Production is developing all a gigantic production over the coming years. From ISM bring you the full synopsis of the film, GOD AND SALSA, coming to shake your senses and emotions with a plot that connects you with God and the musical genre of Salsa. Coming soon on the big screen.

Director: Jess Thomas Writers and Producers: Anayancy Thomas & Jess Thomas

God & Salsa THE FILM - Flyers — God & Salsa THE FILM – Flyers

Sinopsis

Raquel, a 40-year-old therapist and divorcee, is trying to cope with the loss of her daughter to suicide. Her trust in God has suffered because of it. Matt, 45, asks her to see his son, Shane, 17, who has attempted suicide, due to the depression brought on by the conflicting divorce of his parents. Shane’s mother, Monica, 40, is self-absorbed and has turned Shane and her other children away from Matt.

Raquel struggles to regain her faith, but in the meantime, salsa dancing is her only solace. Against the Monica’s will, Raquel takes on the challenge of trying to help a belligerent, yet severely depressed, Shane and prevent him from successfully killing himself. What follows is an intense emotional struggle that Raquel is only able to overcome with the help of “God and Salsa.”

“Choco Orta” Celebrates with New Single ‘Ahí na má’

The Puerto Rican sonera, percussionist, and producer “Choco Orta” is riding high with the release of her latest single.

“Choco Orta” de celebración con su nuevo sencillo ‘Ahí na má’

With this rendition of ‘Ahí na má’ penned by Cuban composer Zenón Abdón Suárez and arranged by Venezuelan pianist David Silva—“Choco” reaffirms her artistic identity, her interpretive power, and her enduring place in contemporary salsa.

In Puerto Rico, fans still fondly remember the triumphant concert celebrating the multi-talented artist’s three decades in salsa, held on April 6, 2019, at the Santurce Fine Arts Center (Centro de Bellas Artes). Throughout her impeccable career, the dancer and theater professor has earned numerous prestigious accolades.

In this latest recording, “Choco Orta” delivers a performance deeply rooted in the essence of salsa. The track has a storied history, previously recorded by legends such as Ismael Rivera with Cortijo y Su Combo, Frankie Vázquez with Los Soneros del Barrio, and Rico Walker with La Puertorriqueña, among others. According to the press release accompanying the release: “’Ahí na má’ captures the authentic language of the barrio, where the soneo becomes a narrative and a genuine connection with the audience.”

La sonera, percusionista y productora puertorriqueña, “Choco Orta”

This release was crafted specifically with the dancer in mind. The vocal tracking for the single took place at Willie González’s studio, under the expert engineering of Ceferino Cabán, while mixing and mastering were handled by José Guerrero at JosMastering in Venezuela. The cover art is the work of International Disseny.

Since her early days in Santurce, the seasoned soloist has carved out her own space in a historically male-dominated industry by focusing on her craft and growth. In an interview with Tele Once, “Choco” highlighted how her environment—steeped in a powerful salsa tradition—was instrumental in shaping her musical identity.

“Choco” dice reafirmar su identidad artística

“Choco Orta” stands as an exceptional example of the importance of soneo and improvisation as vital tools for communication and maintaining high-octane energy on stage.

Read Also: Choco Orta, The Queen of Flavor

Ray Pérez The Genius and Vanguard of Venezuelan Salsa

The Journey of a Pioneer Between Piano, Vinyl, and Musical “Madness”

Ray Pérez is, indisputably, one of the primary architects of Salsa in Venezuela. Born in Barcelona, Anzoátegui, on April 7, 1937, Ray stands as one of the most disruptive and essential figures in the genre’s history.

Ray Pérez: The Genius and the Vanguard of Venezuelan Salsa

His nickname, “El Genio” (The Genius), isn’t just hyperbole; he earned it through his multifaceted mastery as a pianist, arranger, and composer. Above all, he was a visionary who possessed the rare ability to capture the raw “sound of the streets.”

Historical Note: While his official records cite 1937, a fire that destroyed original birth registries has led to speculation that his true birth date may be December 25, 1938.

Music was in his DNA. Ray inherited a deep artistic vein from his father a singer, trumpeter, pianist, and musical director. Ray’s journey began at age twelve playing the tuba in the San Juan Bosco youth band under his father’s tutelage.

By seventeen, he had mastered the guitar, the cuatro, and the piano. Following his father’s passing, he balanced work and academics before ultimately deciding to commit his life entirely to his musical passion.

Formative Years and First Steps

Between 1962 and 1965, Ray studied at the Maracaibo Conservatory. His recording debut came via RCA Víctor under the artistic direction of Aldemaro Romero, recording the track “Marcianita” with the Trío Cristal.

After stints with the Trio Hambay and the group Los Bobos del Twist, he officially dove into Caribbean rhythms in 1965 with the creation of Ray Pérez y Su Charanga in the Zulian capital.

The Golden Era: Los Dementes, Los Kenya, and Los Calvos

Throughout his vast career, Ray launched three pivotal projects that secured his place in the Hall of Fame:

Los Dementes (1965): Their debut, Alerta Mundo, Llegaron Los Locos / The Crazy Men (1966), signaled the start of a new era. Under this moniker, he recorded nearly 25 albums for labels like Velvet, Fania, and his own imprint, Pyraphon Records, founded in 1967.
Los Kenya: Alongside the legendary voices of Carlos Yanes “Calavén” and Carlín Rodríguez, Ray innovated the sound by replacing traditional timbales with a full drum set. This project produced iconic albums like Ronda del Guaguancó, Rai Rai, and Nuevo Día.
Los Calvos: A bold experiment, again featuring “Calavén,” which resulted in two essential productions for RCA Víctor: Estos son los Calvos and Los Calvos… y qué Calvos.
La periodista y crítica musical venezolana Lili Rodríguez, el músico Ray Pérez y Roberto Ernesto Gyemant

The New York Chapters and The Return

In 1969, Ray moved to New York City. There, he played piano for Francisco Ángel Bastar “Kako,” collaborated with Rafael Cortijo and Pedro “Rudy” Calzado’s Charanga, and arranged for the “King of Boogaloo,” Pete Rodríguez, composing hits like “Bossa Triste” and “Dame Felicidad.”

Upon returning to Venezuela in 1971, he founded Ray Pérez y su Orquesta, releasing a string of hits such as Aquí estoy de nuevo, Perucho y el loco Ray, and Yo soy el Rey de la Salsa. In 1974, he struck gold again with Grupo Casabe, recording three albums under the CBS label.

Ray Pérez Y Sus Dementes El Dictador 1981

An Everlasting Legacy

Ray’s prolific career includes collaborations with immortal voices like Perucho Torcat, Nano Grant, Teo Hernández, and Nelson Navas. He has shared the stage with titans such as “El Pavo” Frank Hernández, Alfredo Padilla, Alberto Naranjo, and César Monge.

From his massive repertoire, we remember the anthems of the barrios:

“No salgas de tu barrio”
“Emae Mae”
“Pa’ l 23”
“Así mueren los valientes”
“Guaguancó en New York”
“La montaña”