• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

International Salsa Magazine

  • Home
  • Previous editions
    • 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
      • ISM May 2019
      • ISM April 2019
      • ISM March 2019
      • ISM February 2019
      • ISM January 2019
    • 2018
      • ISM December 2018
      • ISM November 2018
      • ISM October 2018
      • ISM September 2018
      • ISM August 2018
      • ISM July 2018
      • ISM June 2018
      • ISM May 2018
      • ISM April 2018
      • ISM March 2018
      • ISM February 2018
      • ISM January 2018
    • 2017
      • ISM December 2017
      • ISM November 2017
      • ISM October 2017
      • ISM September 2017
      • ISM August 2017
      • ISM July 2017
      • ISM June 2017
      • ISM May 2017
      • ISM April 2017
  • Download Salsa App
    • Android
    • Apple
  • Spanish

Search Results for: Cuban music

Toñito Laya

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

On this occasion we have the privilege of meeting the new Venezuelan talent Toñito Laya (singer), son of Maestro Antonio “20 DEDOS” Laya, who was one of the most significant conga players in the Venezuelan salsa movement in the 1980s, director of the “ Banbankere Orchestra” of Petare with two musical productions; giving him more than enough reason to grow in Latin music, such as “el Son”, “la Rumba”, “la Guaracha”, “el Danzón“, “Boogaloo”, “la Timba” and “la Salsa” being This is the beginning of his artistic and musical career.

Starting in the 90s, he entered the Bigott Foundation where he had the opportunity not only to learn the various rhythms in Afro-Venezuelan percussion, but also developed as a dancer in one of the most important groups in Venezuela when it comes to popular traditions. “Vasallos del Sol”, eventually becoming “Vasallos de Venezuela” in 2016, where he had 16 concerts, productions, albums and national and international tours; Colombia, Mexico, United States, South Korea and Japan, among others.

In 2006, a project called “Comprehensive School of Latin Tradition Dance 100% Tumbao” began, where many dancers were trained in the Cuban Salsa Casino genre, combining this training with Venezuelan traditions, making them understand that traditions come first. Venezuelans. Then they participated in the most important events and competitions in Venezuela, they even became Latin American Champions of “CUBAMEMUCHO 2009” in the city of Caracas-Venezuela, thus managing to represent the country in the grand final to be held in the city of Munich-Germany, 2010 .

Toñito Laya
Toñito Laya

He also tells us that in 2009, they were invited to participate in a new project but this time not to dance, but to “sing” in a group that by then had no name but a particular genre such as “Son Cubano” . From that moment Toñito began his musical career to develop in a somewhat unexpected way, he was a founder and assumed the commitment of being in charge of this group as one of its leading singers for more than 7 years, where the themes arose:

To me that, La Ruñidera, Bilongo, El Jamaiquino, I hear a drum, among others; They were part of his first musical repertoire. With two record productions together with the already structured band “La Séptima Bohemia” he consolidated his musical career as a singer, going through a training process with different teachers and vocal coaches such as:

Ronald González, Fanny Olano, Gustavo Gerardo and Marcial Istúriz, among others. others, who would help him develop in the middle of music. National tours, award nominations and concerts allowed him to share the stage alongside large-scale national and international groups such as:

Francisco Pacheco, Canelita Medina, Alexander Abre y su Habana de Primera, Manolito y su Trabuco, El Septeto Santiaguero, José Alberto “El Canario” to mention a few. Toñito records for the year 2012, the song “She takes me”, a song that in turn would be the title of the second album becoming an icon of parties, dances and social events not only in Venezuela but in many salsa and salsa dancing countries. casino in the world.

In the year 2016 Toñito Laya arrives in Aztec land to embark on a new path, he begins by residing in the city of Cancun-Mexico to sing in some local groups and participate in various projects such as: Los Panas.com, La Formula Perfecta, Grupo Swing Latin among others.

This new stage as an artist prompts him to consider a new musical challenge but this time as a solo singer with a well-defined and focused vision, his pleasant experience as a dancer motivates him to dedicate his first promotional single “ABRE QUE VOY”, this being the complement of an orchestra, for the musicians and their singers “EL BAILADOR”.

“ABRE QUE VOY” is the result of the work of talented and renowned Venezuelan musicians who give an important plus to this Musical production of “Maurice Melo”, this first single is created, performed by Toñito Laya, in the company of the Venezuelan talent of the following musicians:

  • Piano and arrangement: Joel Uriola.
  • Bass: Jesús Torres “Mandinga”
  • Percussion: Yomar Méndez “Caballo”
  • Trombone: Jhonal Rivero.
  • Trumpet: Edward Platter.
  • Baritone sax: Michel Peña.
  • Choirs: William “Wywy” Buznego, Carlos Guzmán and Ramfis Fajardo.
  • Recorded in the studio: A Tempo Records by Heyzer Cabrera.
  • Mixing and Mastering: Heyzer Cabrera.

Caracas – Venezuela 2018

If you want to meet or contact Toñito, you can follow him through:

●      E-mail: [email protected]

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonito.laya
  • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUkjU7SFnPc_W-XJDlMMzRg
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/negrolaya

 

Los Van Van in Europe

Europe

Los Van Van in Europe 2018

For decades, Los Van Van has been a world-class salsa orchestra that no one can keep silent about. The sixteen-strong formation continues to connect with this time through irresistible Cuban rhythms and Caribbean passion.

Los Van Van
Los Van Van

The band has been one of the first Cuban groups to use synthesizers and drum machines and has even created a completely new style: a superswing mix of a traditional charanga set-up (flute and violin combination), wind instruments and modern electronics, called ‘Songo’ by the Cubans.

In addition to Changui and Son Montuno, two traditional Cuban styles, Los Van uses different kinds of music such as rock, funk, disco and hip hop. Today Los Van Van consists of a selection of the best musicians of the first generation and new Cuban talents and vocalists. , led by Samuel Formell, son of the legendary founder of the band, Juan Formell.

In November you can enjoy to seventeen unmissable concerts for lovers of latin and salsa all around Europe!

19va Entrega Anual de los Latin Grammy

North America / USA / Las Vegas

19th Annual Latin Grammy Awards. The most important award ceremony of the Latin American Music Industry will be held for the fourth time in Las Vegas, Nevada

The main international event in Spanish that brings together the best of Spanish-speaking music reaches its nineteenth live broadcast, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada for the fourth time, to reward and honor the achievements of professionals of music throughout the year. The ceremony of the 19th Latin Grammy Awards is here, and on November 15 you will be able to enjoy it through the Univisión signal for the United States and with the #LatinGrammy you will be able to follow it minute by minute during its three hours of transmission by all social networks.

19 Latin Grammy Nominaciones
19 Latin Grammy Nominaciones
The most important night of Latin music 19 Latin Grammy
The most important night of Latin music 19 Latin Grammy
Congratulations Latin Grammy Nominees
Congratulations Latin Grammy Nominees

Each year the Latin Recording Academy awards recognition to Latin music in 49 categories for work recorded in two languages: Spanish and Portuguese. This prestigious institution also endorses musical genres, identifies new talent, recognizes legendary living artists, and preserves and archives both recordings and videos in order to preserve the valuable Latin American musical culture.

The global impact that Spanish-language recordings have caused this 2017-2018 has proven once again that this year each category will be close to its maximum exponential, which shows that MUSIC made by Latinos has an enormous export capacity, and further evidence that the Latin Grammy awards continue to be one of the specials with the largest audience in the country, as it integrates the largest audience of diverse generations united to witness the annual event with the greatest presence of artistic talent gathered in the same show.

FOR THIS 19TH AWARD OF THE LATIN GRAMMYS, THE NOMINEES ARE:

BEST SALSA ALBUM

  1. Dancer’s Corner

Pete perignon

Record Label: Pete Perignon Music

“La Esquina Del Bailador” is the second production by musical director and master percussionist, Pete Perignon. This album contains five unreleased singles and five re-interpretations of classics. “Gotita Falling in Key” was his first promotional theme. This album released in 2017 has versions of classics with modern arrangements such as: “De Mi Para Ti” (Bossa recorded by Tito Puente and Santos Colón), “El Beso Discreto” original from the Cuban songbook Trio Matamoros, among many other original songs and versioned

Pete Perignon
Pete Perignon
  1. Village Singer

Alexander Abreu and Havana D’ Primera

Record Label: Páfata Productions

Alexander Havana D Primera - Cantor del Pueblo
Alexander Havana D Primera – Cantor del Pueblo
  1. For My People

Charlie aponte

Record Label: CA Records Inc.

Charlie Aponte
Charlie Aponte
  1. The Sound Makers

Chiquito Team Band

Record Label: Planet Records

Chiquito Team Band - Los Creadores
Chiquito Team Band – Los Creadores
  1. 7/25

Victor Manuelle

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

Victor Manuelle y Juan Luis Guerra
Victor Manuelle y Juan Luis Guerra

BEST TRADITIONAL TROPICAL ALBUM

  1. To Me What – Tribute To The Cuban Classics

José Alberto El Canario & The Santiaguero Septet

Record Label: Los Canarios Music

In this category, the Septeto Santiaguero, originally from Cuba, is nominated for its fourth album “A Mí Qué- Tributo A Los Clásicos Cubanos”. This ensemble founded in 1995 recorded this production in the company of the Dominican interpreter José Alberto “El Canario” and other music stars. This record material has 13 Tracks and was released on May 25, 2018.

  1. Medoro Madera

Rubén Blades With Roberto Delgado and Orchestra

Record Label: Ruben Blades Productions

Medoro Madera
Medoro Madera
  1. The Party Continues

The Sonora Santanera

Record Label: Sony Music

Sonora Santanera
Sonora Santanera
  1. Omara Always

Omara Portuondo

Record Label: Egrem

Omara
Omara
  1. Reasons

Maria Rivas

Record Label: Angel Falls Artists Inc.

Maria Rivas
Maria Rivas

BEST TROPICAL SONG

  1. I want time

Juan Carlos Luces & Víctor Manuelle, songwriters (Víctor Manuelle Featuring Juan Luis Guerra)

Cut off: 7/25

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

Victor Manuelle 25/7
Victor Manuelle 25/7

The prominent Puerto Rican singer-songwriter and producer, Víctor Manuelle, began his professional career in 1993, and to date has sold millions of records worldwide. He has earned 16 LATIN GRAMMY and GRAMMY nominations, thus establishing himself as one of the most admired artists of his generation. He has placed 46 singles on Billboard’s weekly Hot Latin Songs chart. Eleven of his albums have reached the place of honor in the Salsa genre for sales in the United States and Puerto Rico.

His hit “Imaginar” (2016) as a duo with urban artist Yandel, broke records, reaching #1 on the tropical charts thanks to his fusions of salsa with urban rhythms. In addition, it was named the most popular tropical song of that year, marking the third time that Víctor has obtained this important recognition, after his hits “Me Da Lo Mismo” and “ Tengo Ganas”.

Tonny Succar
Tonny Succar

In this 2018, Víctor celebrates his silver anniversary as a professional artist with his new record label “25/7” under the Sony Music Latin label. This album nominated for best Salsa album features collaborations with international artists, such as: Wisin, Bad Bunny, Juan Luis Guerra, Gilberto Santa Rosa and Glenn Monroig. The single “Quiero Tiempo” taken from this production is designated as one of the candidates to win the award in this important category.

  1. Marry Me

Silvestre Dangond, Nicky Jam, Juan Medina, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, songwriters (Silvestre Dangond Featuring Nicky Jam)

Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin

Marry Me Silvestre Dangond ft Nicky Jam
Marry Me Silvestre Dangond ft Nicky Jam
  1. Fall in love dancing

Jorge Luis Piloto, songwriter (Reynier Pérez y Su Septeto Acarey Featuring Gilberto Santa Rosa)

Cut from: Fall in Love Dancing

Record Label: Independent

SEPTETO ACAREY
SEPTETO ACAREY
  1. I fall more in love with you

Jorge Luis Piloto, Jean Rodríguez & Tony Succar, songwriters (Tony Succar Featuring Jean Rodríguez)

Record Label: Unity Entertainment

  1. Simple Hearts

Fonseca, Mauricio Rengifo & Andrés Torres, songwriters (Fonseca)

Record Label: Sony Music Latin

 

BEST LATIN JAZZ/JAZZ ALBUM

  1. Mind of a Master

Bobby Valentin & The Latin Jazzists

Record Label: Bronco Records

Bobby Valentin
Bobby Valentin
Tracks:
1. De Nuevo a la Carga 7.El Cumbanchero
2. Latin Gravy 8.Mellow Funk
3.Orocoa 9. Endless Love
4.Smooth Ride 10.Freedom
5.Blast Off 11. God Bless the Child
6. Coco Seco  

 

Roberto Valentin, better known as Bobby Valentin, was born on June 9, 1941 in the town of Orocovis on the island of Puerto Rico. At a very young age, Bobby learned to play the guitar thanks to the teachings of his father. At just 11 years old, he formed his first musical trio with which he won his first prize, after participating in a local competition. In 1963 Bobby Valentin joined the Tito Rodríguez orchestra traveling to Venezuela twice.

This phenomenal bass player and arranger belonged to the Fania All Stars for 20 years and also arranged music at the same time for celebrities such as: Charlie Palmieri, Joe Quijano, Willie Rosario and Ray Barretto.

In 1975 he formed his own record label “Bronco Records” and released the album, “Va a la Cárcel” Vol. 1 and Vol. 2, among others.

Over the years, Bobby has made collaborations on recordings for great artists of international fame, such as: Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Roberto Roena, Cheo Feliciano and the always remembered, Celia Cruz.

Likewise, Valentin has taken over the stages performing live in the United States during this year, and more recently launched his new production “Mind of a Master”, on April 14, 2018, with which he is nominated. for this important award.

  1. The House Of A Jazz Pianist

Adrian Iaies Trio

Record Label: DBN

  1. Universal Nature

Hermeto Pascoal & Big Band

Record Label: Scubidu Music

  1. Back To The Sunset

Dafnis Prieto Big Band

Record Label: Dafnison Music

PRIETO
PRIETO
  1. Jazz Flute Traditions

Nestor Torres

Record Label: Alfi Records

Nestor Torres
Nestor Torres

For more information visit the official website of the Latin Recording Academy:

https://www.latingrammy.com/en

Ritmo Caribe Promotions 24/7 Radio

East Coast – New York – New York

Ritmo Caribe Promotions 24/7 Radio. The New Digital Station in New York

Ritmo Caribe Promotions 24/7 Radio was launched last November in New York City and it’s an affiliation of Ritmo Caribe Promotions, a company dedicated to promoting artists of the tropical genre and Latin music in general.

In this digital station, you can listen to the themes of legendary singers and the Salsa´s New Blood 24 hours of each day, 100% guaranteed!

The musical genres that you can enjoy on http://www.ritmocaribepromotionsradio.com  range from Salsa music through Afro-Cuban rhythms to Latin and Brazilian Jazz, among many others.

Ritmo Caribe Promotions 24/7 Radio
Ritmo Caribe Promotions 24/7 Radio

Ritmo Caribe Promotions 24/7 Radio also includes live radio broadcasts from some of the best stations in the area, as well as the radio program “El Toque Latino” (The Latin Toca), hosted by Jimmy Castro.

Likewise and as additional information, we tell you that if you are an artist of the Tropical or Latin recording and you would like to rotate your music in this digital station, you can send it in mp3 format, including: cover image and details of the track or album to the following email: [email protected] or you can contact them through the telephone number: 845-564-5703.

Really, in Ritmo Caribe Promotions 24/7 you will have an Incredible Sensory Sensation!

 

For more information, please visit:

http://ritmocaribe.wix.com/ritmocaribe

 

Or Follow them in all their Social Channels:

  • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RitmoCaribePromotions
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ritmocaribe
  • Twitter: https://twitter.com/ritmocaribe42

The road to success for Venezuelan harpist and cultural entrepreneur Ángel Tolosa

Thousands of Venezuelan artists have left the name of the South American nation high in recent years and today we will talk about one of the best harpists of his generation. It is great Angel Tolosa, with whom we had the joy of having a very pleasant exchange in which we touched on certain issues related to his fruitful musical career.   

Ángel playing the harp
Venezuelan harpist Ángel Tolosa playing the harp live

Tolosa’s taste for Venezuelan popular and traditional music   

Something very important we have to mention about Angel is that he was born in the city of Caracas, Venezuela, so he managed to have a lot of contact with musical genres that were not only Venezuelan, but also from all over the world such as jazz, bossa nova, Cuban son and many others. This gave him a better understanding of music in general and a wider range of genres to choose from. 

There are many genres he likes, but without a doubt, Venezuelan music captivated him from the first time he heard it and, as he studied and analyzed it, he became much more aware of everything it had to offer at an artistic level. Ángel claims that ”no one can love what they don’t know”, so he has always been careful to learn as much as he could about Venezuelan music, so his is a knowledge-based love.   

Angel and the harp   

One advantage that Angel had is that he grew up in a profoundly musical environment, since music was always very important in his home. This led him to get started in folk singing when he was only four years old, which in turn, interested him in the piano and the Venezuelan cuatro. However, what definitely most caught his attention at so early an age until today was the harp, which according to Angel, was part of the life plan that God has for him.   

The musician even laughing says he believes that ”instruments are like their owners” since the harp interested him for being peculiar, versatile, elegant and demanding in terms of discipline to be played. These are characteristics that the artist perceives in himself when playing any piece, so he affirms that this is the instrument that most closely resembles his personality and style.   

Ángel posing with the harp
Ángel Tolosa posing for the camera with his main instrument, the harp

Ensamble A Contratiempo   

When Ángel and his brother José Luis noticed the talent they both had for music and the fabulous combination of what they made in this field, they decided they had to create something together and took the risk of creating Ensamble A Contratiempo, with which they sought to establish a platform on which they could share their musical interests with total freedom and without any restrictions. Angel defines it in short as ”a band with a universal sound, but with well-defined Venezuelan roots”.   

Ensamble A Contratiempo’s specialty is the so-called Afro-Venezuelan jazz and blends genres such as jazz, universal music, electronic elements and Afro-Venezuelan roots, resulting in a fresh and original urban sound that leaves no one who might listen to it indifferent.    

Something that characterizes this group is that it uses conventional instruments to play in unconventional ways. Ensamble A Contratiempo usually plays the harp, the cuatro, the violin, the bass and Afro-Venezuelan percussion.   

Both Ángel and his brother José Luis have enormous prestige and are seen as two of the most prolific art entrepreneurs of their generation and pioneers in the genres in which they perform, so this musical initiative was very well received in all sectors in which it has been heard.    

Together, the Tolosa brothers have even been able to design an essential vocabulary for learning to play the Latin harp and even contributed to the redesign of the Venezuelan harp as it was known before them. 

Within their extensive discography, we can mention some important titles such as ”Venezuelan Sounds”, ”Katuketi” and ”Ancien Roots”.   

Ángel and José Luis
Ángel Tolosa next to his brother, guitarrist José Luis Tolosa

Teaching and Agrupación Oficial de Cultura de la Zona Educativa del Estado Táchira 

As if this were not enough, Angel has also worked as a teacher and an important member of the Agrupación Oficial de Cultura de la Zona Educativa del Estado Táchira. 

In this regard, Angel explained that he worked for the Venezuelan Education Ministry for more than four years, an experience that helped him to design the educational services he currently offers in his cultural company, which also creates projects for various cultural institutions, universities and art centers around the world.    

On the subject of music education, the artist also emphasized that ”this is essential for the cognitive development of each person, the benefits that music has on those who not only have contact with it, but also play it have been demonstrated. Music is so demanding that it drives to have a structured life ruled by profound ethical principles and spirituality”.   

Bachelor of arts and ethnomusicology 

Angel has said that his Bachelor of Arts has been extremely important for his career as a musician, since from his point of view, ”music is a profession in which all disciplines of the world converge”. Everything he learned during his degree has allowed him to build diverse musical and business concepts under a much more orderly system. This career has offered him the necessary structure for the projects he has started with music, which he appreciates.   

In addition to this, Angel has also studied ethnomusicology, which can be defined as an academic area that involves various approaches to the study of music, but with special emphasis on social, cultural, identity aspects and more of this kind. This way of studying and perceiving music combines details that come from folklore, psychology, cultural anthropology and musicology at their most conventional.    

On the above, the harpist pointed out that ”Venezuela has a very deep sense of identity” and that the identity of a country is like the face and fingerprint that allows us its distinguishing features and what makes its inhabitants part of a whole. Of course, the typical music of the place is an essential part of what we have said.   

Since Angel is a lover of everything about Venezuela, he takes as a starting point his own profession to understand his own country in a much broader and rational sense, which he thinks Venezuelan society should do as a whole. It is necessary to know the concept of nation and of what we are and I don’t see any other road but culture” said the artist on the subject.  

It is clear that for the entrepreneur, studying music and its genres from its purest roots is a way to pay homage to the culture which we come from, an example that we should all replicate, even those who are not dedicated to music. 

Read also: Founder of Yambu Productions and host of ”Alma Del Barrio” Guido Herrera-Yance 

  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 58
  • Page 59
  • Page 60
  • Page 61
  • Page 62
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 96
  • Go to Next Page »

International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.