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Edward Arcila The “Sonero” of Puerto Cabello Keeping the Essence of Contemporary Salsa Alive

When discussing the soneros who have kept the flame of traditional salsa burning in Venezuela, it is impossible to overlook Edward Arcila, proudly known in the Latin music scene as “El Sonero de Puerto Cabello.”

This moniker not only pays homage to his hometown, but also highlights a quality that is increasingly rare in today’s music industry: an innate gift for soneo real-time vocal improvisation and a deep respect for the most authentic roots of Afro-Latin music.

Edward Arcila El Sonero de Puerto Cabello

In an ever-evolving musical landscape dominated by commercial fusions, Arcila emerges as a guardian of the traditional sound, proving that salsa de golpe continues to beat strongly in the veins of the Venezuelan Caribbean.

Roots, Identity, and a Passion for Soneo:

Born in the historic coastal city of Puerto Cabello, Carabobo, Arcila has dedicated much of his life and artistic career to defending the sound of salsa brava, Cuban son, and mambo.

Self-taught and deeply connected to local popular culture, he developed a unique cadence from a young age alongside a sharp ear for the clave and tumbao.

Edward Arcila’s style stands out through a seamless combination of:

Interpretative Power: A strong, pitch-perfect voice full of maña (vocal flair and street smarts) that cuts through the orchestra without getting lost in the brass section.
Stage Presence: A charismatic charisma that instantly connects with both dancers and demanding music aficionados.
Improvisation Skills: The ability to ride the beat of the drum with fluid, coherent verses the true trademark of a real sonero

Homage to the Greats: The Art of Honoring a Legacy:

Throughout his solid musical career, Edward Arcila has not only built his own repertoire, but has also paid continuous tribute to the immortal figures who shaped the golden era of the genre.

Edward Arcila El Sonero de Puerto Cabello que Mantiene Viva la Esencia de la Salsa Contemporánea

His admiration for legends such as Tito Rojas (“El Gallo de la Salsa”) and master Justo Betancourt has allowed him to reinterpret classics of the Latin American musical heritage with his own unique signature.

Far from simple imitation, Arcila approaches these historical compositions with immense vocal maturity, stamping his own personality onto every track and thoughtful soneo. This quality has been widely acclaimed by critics and audiences who long for the wit, swagger, and emotion of the 1970s and ’80s urban Caribbean.

“Salsa brava isn’t sung with just the voice; it is sung through lived experience, respect for the drum, and a commitment to keeping alive the memory of those who paved the way.”

Reach, Collaborations, and the Venezuelan Salsa Scene:

Edward Arcila’s voice has resounded across multiple platforms, fronting major orchestras and bands throughout the country. His steady presence at international festivals, music collector gatherings, and packed concerts solidifies his relevance within the salsa circuits of Venezuela and the broader region.

Profesor Carlos Colmenarez y Edward Arcila

He has shared the stage with renowned instrumentalists and bandleaders, serving as a bridge between old-school masters and newer generations eager to learn the art of authentic soneo. His tireless work not only energizes the cultural scene in Carabobo, but also highlights Puerto Cabello as an endless reservoir of Afro-Latin talent.

A Contemporary Champion of Traditional Salsa

Within the Venezuelan musical landscape, Edward Arcila stands as one of the most respected contemporary figures. In an era where the genre faces the challenge of preserving its identity against short-lived trends, his music embodies perseverance, technical rigor, and a devotion to tradition.

More than just a performer, Edward Arcila is a cultural ambassador.

Arcila emerge como un guardián del sonido tradicional

His singing continues to remind audiences old and new that true salsa isn’t measured by fleeting fads, but by the power of emotion, the quickness of improvisation, and the untamed heartbeat of the sonero.

Also Read: Ronald Gómez One of the Most Respected Young Soneros of the New Generation

The Rhythm Explosion: Tony Succar Conquers the Legendary Tempo Latino Arena 2026

**The Latin Grammy-winning Peruvian percussionist and producer closed the 31st edition of the iconic French festival with a display of dynamism, cutting-edge percussion, and pure clave flavor.**

La explosión del ritmo Tony Succar conquista la mítica Arena de Tempo Latino 2026.

VIC-FEZENSAC (FRANCE) The small town of Vic-Fezensac, in the heart of the Gers department, once again became the European capital of Afro-Cuban music from July 30 to August 2, 2026.

On closing night, the legendary bullring turned Tempo Arena witnessed one of the most thrilling performances in its more than three-decade history: the showcase by Peruvian-American percussionist, arranger, and producer Tony Succar.

The Grand Finale at the Tempo Arena

The Tempo Latino festival celebrates the rich heritage of Caribbean rhythms. On the night of Sunday, August 2, following the jazz virtuosity of Cuban pianist Alfredo Rodríguez, Succar took the main stage backed by an exceptional lineup of musicians.

El percusionista y productor peruano galardonado con el Latin Grammy cerró la 31ª edición.

From the very first hit of the timbales, the two-time Latin Grammy Award-winning producer demonstrated why he is considered one of the most influential creative forces in the evolution of contemporary salsa.

The concert kicked off with an overwhelming energy that brought thousands of ecstatic dancers to their feet. Succar delivered a repertoire that navigated between:

Salsa Dura: Classic, high-octane style.
Afro-Cuban Jazz: Rich in colors, harmonies, and improvisation.
Caribbean Pop: Adding the fresh nuances that define his signature musical style.

The circular acoustics of the arena served as a natural resonator for the percussion’s polyrhythms, where Tony’s own timbale solos reaffirmed his technical mastery and deep-rooted connection to tradition.

Cutting-Edge Sound, Tributes, and a Global Vision

One of the night’s highlights came with the salsa reinterpretations from his renowned project, Unity: The Latin Tribute to Michael Jackson a landmark album that transformed global pop into an authentic tropical showcase.

Tony Succar y Mimy Succar (cuyo nombre real es Miriam Tayrako Sakaguchi).

The European crowd sang along to arrangements where sharp brass lines and salsero syncopation breathed new life into the “King of Pop’s” classics.

Succar also used the Vic-Fezensac platform to showcase tracks from his recent productions, characterized by avant-garde arrangements that never lose their danceable groove.

The tightness of the horn section and the rhythm ensemble kept the festive momentum high throughout the night, proving a rigorous production standard that spares no flavor.

The Enduring Power of Salsa on European Soil

The 31st edition of Tempo Latino brought together top-tier performers from various genres, sharing the lineup with prominent figures:

Featured Artists & Ensembles
Tony Succar
Alfredo Rodríguez
Maïté Hontelé
Orquesta Akokán
La Yegros
Matt Bianco

Note: Corrected the edition number in context to match the 31st edition noted in the header.

However, Tony Succar’s performance on the final night served as a powerful reminder of salsa’s current state: a living, evolving, and truly global genre.

With this concert, Succar not only fulfilled a long-awaited date with European clave enthusiasts, but also solidified his place among the great champions of contemporary tropical sound.

As the lights of the Tempo Arena finally went out, the standing ovation echoed through the streets of Vic-Fezensac, confirming that the new generation of salsa has one of its boldest architects in Tony Succar.

Tony Succar: “Thank you so much, TEMPO LATINO! It was an honor to return to this incredible festival after 9 years. We had so much fun! And it brings me so much joy to see how much people love salsa on this side of the world.”

By: Titouan Maza & Jean Paul Pourque.

Here is how the 2nd Edition of the “Ponce, Cuna de la Salsa Fest” Unfolded

The 2026 Ponce Cuna de la Salsa Fest honored the work of Don Tite Curet all weekend long.

The second edition of the Ponce Cuna de la Salsa Fest drew and welcomed more than 30,000 attendees to the Ciudad Señorial (The Majestic City), according to reports from the mayor’s office. The festival, which paid tribute to Don Tite Curet Alonso on the occasion of his centennial, took place at the Héctor Lavoe Stage inside the La Guancha Recreational and Cultural Complex, keeping salsa fans captivated throughout the entire weekend.

On Friday, July 31, 2026, the opening day kicked off right on schedule, delivering an organized, top-tier lineup.

El Junte Ponceño, under the direction of Julito Alvarado accompanying Dakota Flores, Kriptony Texeira, and Wito Colón opened the show, making it clear why Ponce retained its title as the “Cradle of Salsa” (Cuna de la Salsa) for the second consecutive year. To achieve this, the Ponce-born trumpeter, who is the director of the Juan Morel Campos Music Institute and the musical leader of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, assembled a roster of master musicians, including: José “Murcy” Reyes on congas, Richie Carrasco on bongo and cowbell, Pablo Padín on timbales, Reynaldo Burgos on piano, Efraín “Frao” Hernández on bass, Víctor “Yuka” Maldonado on baritone sax, Víctor Vázquez on trombone, Carlos Atiles on trumpet, Francisco Javier Quiñones and Juan Bautista on backing vocals, as well as emerging trombonist Carlos Malavé a recent graduate of the Juan Morel Campos Institute who stepped onto a major international stage within the salsa movement for the very first time.

El Junte Ponceño was followed by Charlie Aponte and his orchestra, who, as always, kept the stage ablaze. This set the tone for the grand finale led by Luisito Figueroa’s Orquesta Abran Paso, backing Luigi Texidor, Anthony Colón, and the First Lady of Salsa, Yolanda Rivera.

The second day, Saturday, August 1, featured a stellar lineup: Los Guardiola, Don Perignon y La Puertorriqueña proving themselves to be a world-class orchestra in front of an audience represented by delegations from Italy, Venezuela, Mexico, Spain, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Argentina, Panama, Ecuador, Japan, and Thailand, along with many Puerto Ricans from across the island and the diaspora. Willie Rosario and his crowd-pleasing band showcased the ever-treasured playing of “Míster Afinque” behind his timbales, handing off the drumsticks to his grandson, Yoaquím Cintrón Rosario, between songs. The grand finale of the second night was delivered by Moncho Rivera, who faithfully upheld the legacy of El Sonero Mayor, blending in his now extensive repertoire as always. The municipal administration ensured smooth traffic flow by establishing designated transportation shuttles into the recreational complex.

The third and final day of the 2026 edition of this salsa landmark event kept the genre and its Puerto Rican exponents flying high right from its birthplace, Ponce. This was made possible by the Honorable Mayor of Ponce, Marlese Sifre, the Salsoul team under the programming of Ricardo Padilla-Núñez, and the production of Madera Events. Adding to the musical lineup was a cultural exchange with the city of Cali, featured through the voice of Willy García. The artists who kept the Sunday crowd fully locked into Ponce Cuna de la Salsa Fest mode until the very last minute were Papote y su Grupo Esencia, Bobby Valentín and his orchestra, José Alberto “El Canario”, Luis Enrique, and Andy Montañez and his orchestra. The event closed with a tribute to the late, legendary composer from Guayama, Catalino “Tite” Curet Alonso, featuring the Orquesta del Centenario performing his musical repertoire under the direction of Pete Perignon. They backed an extraordinary lineup of vocalists: Tito Allen, Herman Olivera, Papo Sánchez, Jeremy Bosch, and Caleño singer Willy García.

Carmencita DJ kept the music flowing, staying true to the central theme of the Ponce event and keeping Don Tite Curet’s music playing all weekend long.

Photo of Julito Alvarado: (c) Bella Martínez

All other images: (c) Ciudad de Ponce & (c) Visit Ponce

Also Read: Bella Martínez, Salsa’s Irreverent Writer

The Senior Mulato Jerry Rivas and His Half-Century Legend with El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

From the chords of the Puerto Rican cuatro to the eternal voice of “Los Mulatos del Sabor”

Few names resonate with as much power, respect, and relevance in the salsa firmament as that of Jerry Rivas.

Born in Tampa, Florida, but with his soul deeply rooted in the heart of Orocovis through his parents’ heritage, Jerry Louis Rivas Díaz has carved his name in letters of gold into the history of Caribbean music.

El Mulato Mayor Jerry Rivas y su Leyenda de Medio Siglo con El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Nearing 50 years as the lead vocalist for El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Rivas is more than just a singer; he is a living institution of salsa, a definitive sonero of his era, and the guardian of a legacy that continues to keep the entire world dancing.

Roots, Strings, and the Making of a Self-Taught Musician

Jerry’s history with Puerto Rico formally began in 1960, when his family moved back to the “Isla del Encanto” to settle in Bayamón.

There, the young Jerry began to breathe in the folklore and rhythms that defined the Boricua identity. What many do not know is that long before commanding microphones and international stages, Jerry was deeply passionate about string instruments.

As a fundamentally self-taught musician and singer, his first great love was the guitar. Over time, his musical curiosity led him to master the Puerto Rican cuatro, the island’s national instrument par excellence.

De los acordes del cuatro puertorriqueño a la voz eterna de Los Mulatos del Sabor

Not content with just that, he decided to delve deeper into the roots of Afro-Caribbean music, learning the secrets of the Cuban tres under the tutelage of the renowned professor Carlos Seguí.

This solid foundation as an instrumentalist not only shaped his ear but also gave him an impeccable sense of rhythm and timing that would later define his unique style for soneo (improvisational singing).

The Path to the Top: From Local Bands to a Historic Recruitment

Before the spotlight of El Gran Combo fell upon him, Jerry Rivas honed his craft throughout the island’s musical circuit, leaving his mark on every project:

Grupo Complicación: His teenage musical battleground, where he served as a guitarist for three years.
Conjunto Cojoba: A group he joined in 1972, sharpening his stage presence.
Conjunto Chaney (1974): Jerry was part of the select group of founding musicians of this project, which years later would become a powerhouse of romantic salsa.
Latin Brass (1976): The definitive showcase where his voice truly began to shine on its own.

It was precisely in 1976 when destiny knocked on his door. Following the shocking departure of the iconic “Niño de Trastalleres,” Andy Montañez who left the orchestra after 14 golden years to join Venezuela’s Dimensión Latina El Gran Combo found itself facing one of the most difficult transitions in its history. Replacing a legend seemed like an impossible task.

However, the keen eye of Don Quique Lucca (founder of La Sonora Ponceña) did not fail. Don Quique recommended the young Jerry to Don Rafael Ithier. After hearing him perform, Ithier didn’t hesitate: in 1977, Jerry Rivas officially joined the “University of Salsa.”

Nacido en Tampa, Florida, pero con el alma arraigada en las entrañas de Orocovis por la herencia de sus padres, Jerry Louis Rivas Díaz

Nearly 50 Years of History at “The University of Salsa”

Joining such a demanding institution in the midst of an era-defining shift was a monumental challenge. Audiences initially viewed the new member with skepticism, but Jerry, armed with unwavering humility and immense talent, never tried to imitate his predecessor; instead, he forged his own legend.

Across nearly five decades, his voice has immortalized anthems of the global salsa songbook. Essentials on any dance floor like “Azuquita pa’ el café,” “Ojos chinos,” “Y no hago más na’,” “El menú,” “Cupido,” and “La clave” carry his unmistakable stamp.

His elegant performance style, combined with his sharp wit and deep respect for the dancer, solidified the orchestra’s golden age and ensured the transition was a resounding success.

“Joining El Gran Combo was a tremendous school and responsibility. Replacing Andy was no easy feat, but Don Rafael Ithier gave me the confidence to just be myself on stage.” Jerry Rivas, looking back on his beginnings.

Pocos nombres resuenan con tanta fuerza, respeto y vigencia en el firmamento de la salsa como el de Jerry Rivas.

The Present and Vibrant Legacy of an Eternal Sonero

Now in 2026, the tropical music landscape has changed drastically, but El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico remains unshakeable at the top.

Jerry Rivas stays incredibly active, leading the vocal front of “Los Mulatos del Sabor” alongside the orchestra’s newer generations, Anthony García and Joselito Hernández. This blend of Jerry’s veteran wisdom and the energy of the new vocalists has injected a refreshing vitality into the group.

Jerry Rivas is not just a survivor of salsa’s golden age; he is the living bridge connecting the rich traditions of the 20th century with contemporary audiences.

From his days tuning strings in Bayamón to packed stadiums across Europe, Latin America, and the United States, his journey stands as a testament to discipline, passion, and love for his culture.

We wish lifelong health, inspiration, and continued success to this eternal maestro who, besides being one of salsa’s most beloved voices, has never ceased to be, in every sense of the word, a complete musician. Long live the music of Jerry Rivas, and let the drums keep rolling!

Also Read: The Gran Combo of Puerto Rico “Los Mulatos del Sabor”

Angie Machado, “El Colorao” The Trumpeter’s Trumpeter and a Living Musical Legend

A legacy carved in brass and talent.

The history of Latin music especially Salsa and Afro-Cuban Jazz could never be written without mentioning the bright, precise, and melodic tone of a trumpet that has shaped the course of countless hit records.

Angie Machado Un legado tallado en bronce y talento

That signature sound belongs to one man: Ángel Vicente Machado Santiago, known universally throughout the artistic community as Angie Machado.

On June 23, 2026, the music world dressed to the nines to celebrate the birthday of this titan. Born in 1954 in the picturesque municipality of Arroyo, Puerto Rico, Angie Machado has not only witnessed the evolution of tropical music over the last five decades; he has been one of its foundational architects.

His career stands as living proof that musical genius, when cultivated with rigorous discipline, transcends passing trends and becomes legendary.

The Forging of a Virtuoso

His path to excellence was no accident. From a very young age, Angie understood that a natural gift for music required a solid vehicle for expression. His formal training began at the prestigious Escuela Libre de Música, a breeding ground for talent in Puerto Rico, where he developed the foundational skills to understand the language of brass and wind instruments.

Later, he made the leap to the Conservatory a space where, beyond musical theory, he absorbed a philosophy of life: discipline as the only route to mastery.

Under the tutelage of rigorous maestros and fueling his growth by analytically listening to history’s greatest trumpet virtuosos, Machado understood that music is not just played; it is studied, reflected upon, and felt deeply.

Those grueling hours of constant practice, where the sound of his trumpet filled every corner, became the bedrock of the “old school” style that distinguishes him today.

That school didn’t just teach notes; it taught phrasing, style, respect for the arrangement, and, above all, the intuition to know when the trumpet should lead and when it should elegantly embrace the melody.

The Trumpet That Defined an Era To speak of Angie Machado is to speak of the history of Salsa itself. His talent was never confined to classrooms or local bands; he rapidly became an indispensable session musician.

If you look at the liner notes of the most iconic albums that defined the “Golden Era” of Salsa, you are almost guaranteed to find his name in the credits.

His ability to adapt to diverse styles from the required grit in Willie Rosario’s orchestra or the explosiveness of Tommy Olivencia, to the subtle elegance demanded by Gilberto Santa Rosa or the unmatched swing of Bobby Valentín positioned him as the most sought-after trumpet player in the industry.

The roster of icons with whom he has shared the stage and the studio is, quite simply, staggering. He has been the musical partner-in-crime to Cheo Feliciano, the soul of Frankie Ruiz’s recordings, the technical and creative backbone for Eddie Palmieri, and a brother-in-arms to Oscar D’León.

His trumpet has traveled the world, backing maestros like Justo Betancourt, Andy Montañez, Lalo Rodríguez, Paquito Guzmán, and Viti Ruiz, as well as a powerhouse of artists ranging from traditional sounds to contemporary fusions, including Luis Enrique and Alex León.

A Living Legend What makes Angie Machado a truly singular figure is not just his résumé, but his enduring relevance. In an industry in constant flux, he has preserved the absolute integrity of his sound.

His “privileged old-school” pedigree doesn’t mean he is stuck in the past; it means he possesses a technical foundation so robust that it allows him to collaborate seamlessly with any generation of musicians.

To those who know him, Angie is not just the trumpet player who can nail a recording session in minutes with breathtaking precision; he is a silent mentor a man who has watched the decades roll by while maintaining the same humility and love for the instrument he had when he first started out in Arroyo.

As we celebrate another year of his life, we are not just celebrating an exceptional musician; we are honoring a living piece of our cultural heritage.

Angie Machado reminds us that behind every great song that has made us dance or cry, there is a human being whose dedication and discipline have turned the brass of a trumpet into pure poetry.

Also Read: The King of Bass Mr. Bobby Valentin