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Search Results for: Dance TV

Europe / May 2026

Cafe Berlin 2025Radio Gladys Palmera 2025

Karina Bernales present May 2026 FESTIVALS

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ALBANIA
Albania Afro Fest 2026

ALBANIA AFROLATIN

May 6 / 12, 2026

Grand Blue Fafa Resort & Spa
Long Beach, Golem
Kavaje 1000, Albania

€ 135

Bulgaria JPG
BULGARIA
Salsa Holiday 2026

13th Paradise  Salsa Holiday

May 29 / 31, 2026

Hotel Kotva Sunny Beach
Slanchev Bryag 8240
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria

€ 190

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CROATIA
Fiume Fusion 2026

Fiume Fusion Festival

May 16 / 18, 2026

Uljarska 1
51000 Rijeka. Croatia

€ 100

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CZECHIA
Bachata Magic 05 2026

Bachata Magic Festival Prague

May 01 / 04, 2026

PernerKarlín
Pernerova 47, 18600
Prague, Czechia

€ 100

Prague Salsa Marathon 2026

Prague Salsa Marathon

May 7 / 11, 2026

Romantic Grotta
Havlíčkovy Sady
Prague 2 12000, Czechia

€ 238

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DENMARK
Copenhagen Salsa 2026

Copenhagen Salsa Festival

May 8 / 10, 2026

Kedelhallen
Nyelandsvej 75A, 2000
Frederiksberg, Denmark

DKK 1,500

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FRANCE
Spring Break Latino 2026

Spring Break Latino

 May 13 / 17, 2026

Camping Arinella Bianca
769 Strada di Bruschettu 20240 Ghisonaccia
Corse, France

€ 225,64

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GERMANY
Salsafestival Augsburg 2026

15th FESTIVAL AUGSBURG

May 1 / 3, 2026

Parktheater im Kurhaus Göggingen
Graf-von-Seyssel-Straße 9
86199 Augsburg, Deutschland

€ 180

Cologne Salsa Congress 2026

Cologne Salsa Congress

May 22 / 24, 2026

MamboTwins Salsa Events Gbr
Sebastian Bibrach & Mehdi Harris, Hebbelstr, 54 50968
Cologne, Germany

€ 150

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GREECE
Salsa Srping Greece 2026

15th Salsa Spring Festival

May 21 / 24, 2026

Wyndham Loutraki Poseidon
Resort
Posidonos 48
Loutraki 203 00, Greece

€ 130

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ITALY
Campeonato para Bailadores 2026

Campeonato para Bailadores

May 8 / 10, 2026

Piazzale Torino 16
48015 Milano Marittima
Ravenna, Italy

€ 90

SALSA ON TOUR 2026

SALSA ON TOUR

May 7 / 10, 2026

Garden Toscana Resort
Via dei Cavalleggeri, 1, 57027
San Vincenzo LI, Italy

€ 325

Salsa on the beach 2026

Salsa on the Beach

May 8 / 10, 2026

Hotel Bibione Palace
Via Taigete, 20, 30020
Bibione VE, Italy

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LITHUANIA
Vilnius Salsa Festival 2026

Vilnius Salsa Festival

May 14 / 18, 2026

House of Polish Culture
Naugarduko g. 76
Vilnius, Lithuania

€ 160

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POLAND
City Social Experience 2026

City Social Experience

May 29 / 31, 2026

SoSalsa
Elektryków 1, 80-863
Gdańsk, Poland

PLN 580

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PORTUGAL
Bachatea Portugal 2026

Bachatea Portugal World Congress

May 14 / 17, 2026

Golden Tulip Porto Gaia Hotel
Praia de Lavadores, R. da Bélgica 86, 4400-044
Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal

€ 100

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SERBIA AND MONTENEGRO
Cubanero 2026

Cubanero

May 7 / 10, 2026

SPENS
Sutjeska 2, 21000
Novi Sad, Serbia

€ 134

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SPAIN
Caribbean 2026

Caribbean Dance Festival

May 8 / 10, 2026

Hotel Don Ángel
Carrer del Pla de la Torre, 14 Santa Susanna
Catalonia 08398, Spain

€ 109

Tenerife 2026

Tenerife Dance Festival

May 13 / 17, 2026

Hotel Puerto Palace
Calle Doctor Cobiella Zaera 2, 38400
Puerto de la Cruz Tenerife, Spain

€ 125

Guaguanco La Reve 2026

Guaguancó Festival

May 14 / 18, 2026

Hotel Evenia Olympic Park
Carrer Senyora de Rossell 35, 17310
Lloret de Mar, Spain

€ 100

eSencia Dance Festival 2026

eSencia Dance Festival

May 15 / 17, 2026

URH Palacio de Oriol
Calle Cristóbal de Murrieta Hiribidea 27, 48980 Santurtzi, Spain

€ 109

Valencia Baila 2026

Valencia Baila Peñíscola Edition

May 21 / 24, 2026

Hotel Spa Peñíscola Plaza Suites
Avinguda del Papa Luna 156, 12598 Peníscola
Castelló, Spain

€ 64

Jornada 05 2026

JORNADA
Salsa & Bachata

May 22 / 24, 2026

Hotel Meliá Benidorm
Av. Dr. Severo Ochoa 1
03503 Benidorm
Alicante, Spain

€ 70

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TURKEY
Istanbul 05 2026

Istanbul Dance Festival

May 14 / 15, 2026

Ora Arena
Altıntepsi, Yeni Çiftlik Cd.
34035 Bayrampaşa
İstanbul, Türkiye

€ 140

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Directory of European nightclubs

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CZECHIA

La Macumba 2024
La Macumba
Štefánikova 230/7 150 00
Prague, Czech Republic

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FRANCE

Canela
Canela Club Latino Paris
77 Rue du Faubourg du temple 75010
Paris, France

Cuba Compagnie
Cuba Compagnie Café
48 BD Beaumarchais 75011
Paris, France

Cubana
Cubana Café
47 rue Vavin 75006
Paris, France

La Pachanga
La Pachanga Officiel
8, rue vandamme 75014
Paris, France

La Peña
La Peña Saint Germain
3 passage de la Petite Boucherie 75006
Paris, France

Balajo
Le Balajo
9 rue de Lappe 75011
Paris, France

Pachamama
Pachamama PARIS
46 rue du Faubourg Saint Antoine 75012
Paris, France

Selsero
Salseroparis
9 Rue du Petit Pont, 75005
Paris, France

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GERMANY

Cascadas
Cascadas
Ferdinandstr. 12
20095 Hamburg-Mitte, Germany

Havanna
Havanna Berlin
Hauptstr. 30
10827 Berlin-Schöneberg, Germany
La Macumba - The Real Latin Club in Hamburgs
La Macumba – The Real Latin Club in Hamburgs
Adenauerallee 3 20097
Hamburg, Germany

Latin Palace Changó
Latin Palace Changó
Münchener Strasse 57
60329 Frankfurt, Germany

SODA
Soda Club Berlin
Schönhauser Allee 36
10435 Berlin, Germany

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MALTA

Bario Latino Malta venue
Barrio Latino Malta
Ghar il Lembi Street SLM1562 Sliema
Central Region, Malta

Poland flag
POLAND

Teatro Cubano
Teatro Cubano Warsaw
ul. Aleksandra Fredry 6 00-097 /> Warsaw, Poland

Spain Flag
SPAIN

ACM City
ACM CitY
Carrer Can Pallarès 2, Cerdanyola del Vallès
08290 Barcelona, Spain

Antilla
Antilla Barcelona
C/ d’Aragó, 141
08015 Barcelona, Spain

Azucar
Azúcar SalsaDisco
Calle de Atocha, 107
28012 Madrid, Spain

Disco Bar Cuba Live
Cuba Live
Ramón y cajal número 2
07011 Palma de Mallorca, Spain

El Son
Discoteca El Son
C. de la Victoria, 6
28012 Madrid, Spain

Prisma Discoteca
Discoteca Prisma
C. de Alcalá, 192
28028 Madrid, Spain

Discoteca El Edén Boliviano
El Edén Boliviano
Carrer Gremi de Tintorers, 49A
07009 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

Mojito
Mojito Club
Rosselló, 217
08008 Barcelona, Spain

Morena
Morena Barcelona
calle 11 num.29
08860 Castelldefels, Spain
Que Chimba
Qué Chimba
Av. del Vallès, 117
08223 Terrassa, Barcelona, Spain
Sala Olvido Madrid
Sala Olvido
C/ Olvido 15
28026 Madrid, Spain
Seven Dance
Seven Dance (Dio Club)
Carrer del Perill 10
08012 Barcelona, Spain

The Host Madrid
The Host
C/ Ferraz nº 38
28008 Madrid, Spain
+34 918 05 36 48

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UNITED KINGDOM

Salsa Soho
Bar Salsa Soho
96 Charing Cross Rd
WC2H 0JG London, UK

Salsa Temple
Bar Salsa Temple
Victoria Embankment, Temple
WC2R 2PH London, UK

Juju's
JUJU’s Bar & Stage
Ely’s Yard 15 Hanbury Street
E1 6QR London, UK

Revolucion de Cuba
Revolucion de Cuba Leeds
64-68 Call Lane
LS1 6DT Leeds, UK

LightHouse
The LightHouse Bar & Club
62 Rivington Street
EC2A 3AY London, UK
 

 

 

 

 

 

God and Salsa: the rhythm with purpose

European Union
God and Salsa: the rhythm with purpose
God and Salsa: the rhythm with purpose

Dancing has a special characteristic; it makes the dancer have total concentration in the moment. No past, no future, no problems, just the joy of the present, music and movements. That’s one of the therapeutic reasons to join the salsa movement.

Dancing has changed the life of many people, with this begins the journey of “God and Salsa”, mixing two worlds that are usually separated: faith and dancing.

A project created with love in the core, Jess and Anayancy Thomas, writers and producers of God and Salsa, they want to spread a message of love, faith and awareness.

Anayancy Thomas
Anayancy Thomas

Jess Thomas
Jess Thomas

Jess Thomas, writer, producer and director has enjoyed a career in both the technical side of Broadcast TV, which included Project Management and the production side of video and film as a Producer, Director and Final Cut Pro editor. He brings a high level of enthusiasm to any task at hand. Jess is an excellent communicator and tends to get along well with everyone. He understands the ground up nature of the work and has an uncanny knack for seeing the big picture. These traits have proven themselves essential when managing a project or Producing a low budget film.

Jess is excited at the prospect of taking on the nuts and bolts activities necessary to maintain a high level of excellence. He would be honored to be a part of an entertainment or broadcast companies staff and would take great pride in having the opportunity to be a part of a company that brings quality entertainment to millions of satisfied customers.

The project begins with the desire of talk about an important issue: How children are affected by divorces in families.

With her personal experience, Anayancy created the story of Raquel, a 40-year-old therapist and divorcee is trying to cope with the loss 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 depression brought on by the conflictive divorce of his parents. Shane’s mother, Monica 40, is self-absorbed and has turned Shane and her other children against Matt.

Raquel struggles to regain her faith, but in the meantime Salsa dancing is her only solace. Against 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 & Salsa.

Jess and Anayancy Thomas
Jess and Anayancy Thomas

The goal for this film is to stop the terrible situation that many children go through their early years. There are different levels of damage: family dissolution, emotional damage, self-blame, depression, etc. The child always suffers the consequences of separations.

The Thomas knows that personal experiences are very powerful to pursue a goal and getting people’s empathy. The film goes with the character-story line, going through all the darkness, how Raquel takes the personal tragedy that she was going through with salsa dancing to redeem herself, with a very dark beginning she overcomes everything to change her life.

Photo: Jess and Anayancy Thomas
Photo: Jess and Anayancy Thomas

The film is the combination of different stories and experiences. The salsa is on the story thanks again to Anayancy’s personal experience. When she decided to explore other parts of her life and herself, salsa dance was the best option, because she could get away from all the troubles, getting the mind occupied with an incredible activity. “When I dance, I’m in a bubble” she say, a proof of how dancing gets you in the present.

With a special air of a fairytale story, Jess and Anayancy met at the Presbyterian Church in Bel-Air, here their journey begin. Jess told International Salsa Magazine why you should go and watch the film: because every family member can relate with an aspect of the story, parents, teenagers, seniors, etc. Faith, love, drama and a lot of salsa dancing make this film so amazing. This film will touch a special part of everyone’s heart. Don’t miss it!

God and Salsa
God and Salsa

Miami Bachata Festival 2017

North America / USA / Miami

The Miami Bachata Festival (MBF) 2017 will be held January 26-30 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami. MBF is a celebration of culture through live music and dance attended by a diverse international audience. For attendees looking to be adventurous or take their dancing skills to the next level we provide instructional dance classes from beginner to advance with a line-up of World class local and international dance artists www.miamibachatafestival.com

At night, MBF brings out the entertainment! Each evening begins with live dance showcases that are sure to wow any audience with a mix of acrobatic, sexy and high-energy performances. Then, move on to live music with internationally recognized artists and then end the evening with some of the best tropical music DJs in the world to ensure you dance the entire night away. MBF is an event that provides something for everyone and we hope you join for the fun.

Confirmed Artists

Music

  • Grupo Extra

Dance

  • Ataca & La Alemana
  • Daniel & Desiree Ronald & Alba
  • Sara Lopez
  • Alex & Desiree
  • El Tiguere & Julianna Pablo Vilches & Yaima Billy & Ahtoy
  • Jose Ferrante & Elena Simone & Serena
  • Alfredo & Andrea
  • Frank Santos & Gatica Andrea & Silvia
  • Gregory & Jessica
  • Rodrigo & Wendy Paso Fino
  • Zeke Ruvalcaba
  • Roberto Lay
  • Mike G y Pura Vida

DJs

  • El Tiguere
  • Soltrix
  • Emerzive
  • Khalid

 

Grupo Extra

The hardest thing for new projects in the music business is to find an identity, a new concept, a new sound, a different style, and new colors. All the above describes Grupo Extra. The key members of Grupo Extra are: El Nene Flow (Neftali Caba), El Turko (Yassir Neher), Tony Santana (Edward Anthony Regalado Santana), Manny Rod (Emmanuel Rodriguez) y Yewdry Alvarado.

Grupo Extra
Grupo Extra

Grupo Extra is already known as a group with a big stage presence, a lot of strength and energy, perfect choreographies and beautiful harmonies. In their relatively short career Grupo Extra has shared the stage with great figures of the International Latin Music scene like Daddy Yankee, Wyclef Jean, Jorge Celedon, Kasav, Los Van Van de Cuba, Guayacan of Colombia, Prince Royce, Hector Acosta and others.

Dance

Alex & Desiree

Alex Morel is known for his musical style and flavor on the dance floor. He has been teaching workshops and performing in countries such as Germany, Portugual, and Israel, to name a few. After moving to NYC, Desiree Godsell began choreographing and dancing for Atlantic recording artist Santigold, and touring all over the world. She was part of the opening act for artists such as Coldplay, Kanye West, Jay-Z, M.I.A., and Rihanna. Desiree began her Salsa career straight at the top, partnering with the Mambo King himself, Eddie Torres. She’s appeared on late night TV shows David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brian, and Jules Holland. She’s currently producing a dance concert series called the Pearl in BK.

Alex & Desiree
Alex & Desiree

Ataca & La Alemana

Tanja “La Alemana” Kensinger began teaching professionally in 2008 with Jorge “Ataca” Burgos. Initially, their primary dancing style was Salsa, but switched to a Bachata emphasis after a friend of Tanja’s recommended they do a routine together. Their dance organization, Island Touch Dance Academy, currently has over 100 teams in many countries across the globe.

Ataca & La Alemana
Ataca & La Alemana

Gregory & Jessica

Gregory and Jessica were the champions of the TV program Yo Bailo Bachata in Spain. They also won 2nd place at the World Championship in the Bachata Cabaret division in Miami, Florida. They are known for their fusion of Salsa, Bachata, and Hip Hop. They have choreographed numbers for television appearances for artists such as Luis Fonsi, Chino y Nacho, and RedOne.

Gregory & Jessica
Gregory & Jessica

Daniel & Desiree

Daniel and Desiree are one of the hottest Bachata couples in Europe, and now, in the world! In a short partnership of only 3 years, they have achieved multiple titles, including the 2012 World Bachata Masters. Together, Daniel and Desiree have more than 15 years of combined dancing experience. They are known for their Bachata, but they also teach all kinds of Latin dancing. Some of their titles include Campeones BachataStars España 2010, Subcampeones BachataStars Europe 2011, and Campeones World Bachata Masters 2012.

Daniel & Desiree
Daniel & Desiree

Jose & Elena

Jose and Elena Ferrante Avella started dancing together in September 2011, debuting with “Just Promise,” a mix of Acro Dance and Bachata that represents the fusion of love and passion. This choreography, created in no time, was their winning piece in two choreographic Bachata competitions in March 2012: Bachata Day in Italy and The King of Bachata in France. In 2013, they won the Bachata Open in Spain and qualified for the 2014 World Bachata Masters. To date, Jose y Elena continues studying in various disciplines such as ballet, pas de deux, acrobatics, Latin Hustle, Bachata, Salsa, and Kizomba.

Jose & Elena
Jose & Elena

Kizomba Chick

Maria Ivanova (AKA Kizomba Chick) is a Kizomba instructor, promoter, and performer who has been sharing her love and passion in the U.S. and overseas. Maria is the first official face of Kizomba in Florida, spreading her vision for this breathtaking sensual dance tempestuously. She learned Kizomba with some of the greatest masters, such as Kwenda Lima, Petchu, Ricardo Sousa and Paula Loureiro, Albir & Sarah, and Joao & Mafalda. She continues to travel abroad to satisfy the thirst of learning and dancing, bringing back to her students the latest techniques and newest patterns.

Kizomba Chick
Kizomba Chick

Paso Fino

Paso Fino Dance is a brand dedicated to teach you the joys of Latin Dancing. Their mission is to bring passion to the people, to bring out the dancer in everyone, and empower people along the journey. Their instructors guide students through a fun dance experience that is designed to benefit the mind, body, and soul. They describe the experience as tribal, primal, and fun.

Paso Fino
Paso Fino

Tiguere & Julianna

EI Tiguere’s father was a self-taught musician, and he imparted a feel and love for music that would permeate in all that El Tiguere does. Some of El Tiguere’s earliest memories are dancing the night away with his mother in New York. El Tiguere has been dancing formally (studio taught) for three years and gotten his name for his sexy, and sometimes unconventional, style of dancing with swag. A true believer in “dance what you feel,” El Tiguere loves and embraces all styles of dancing. However, his true loves are Bachata and Mambo. A passionate teacher, El Tiguere has been teaching students what he knows about dance since his third month dancing!

Tiguere & Julianna
Tiguere & Julianna

Ronald & Alba

Ronald (from Colombia) and Alba (from Spain) were the Champions of the 2012 BachataStars in Spain and 2- time BachataStars Champions in Europe in 2012 and 2014. They’re currently the Champions of the World Bachata Masters 2015. They both currently reside in Alicante, Spain.

Ronald & Alba
Ronald & Alba

Rodrigo & Wendy

Rodrigo and Wendy Jimenez are renowned instructors and performers who have graced numerous stages locally and abroad. With intensive training under World Master Instructors and ESPN World Salsa & Argentine Tango champions, they also have been featured in several public broadcast television shows as well as the International Latin Dance Film “La Epoca.” They have conducted workshops and performed “SalsaTango” and “Bachatango” fusions at numerous Salsa congresses, festivals, and galas in major national & international cities. They have performed with Salsa star Eddie Santiago, the Queen of Salsa “La India,” and Salsa bands Guayacan and DLG.

Rodrigo & Wendy
Rodrigo & Wendy

Porfi Jiménez The Master of Rhythm Who United Two Nations

The life, work, and legacy of tropical music’s most “Venezuelan” Dominican.

Porfirio Antonio Jiménez Núñez, known universally as Porfi Jiménez, was more than just a musician; he was a cultural bridge.

A Dominican virtuoso by birth and Venezuelan by choice, he became one of the most iconic figures of Caribbean dance music.

His legacy endures as an exceptional trumpeter, arranger, and bandleader who possessed a unique gift for reading the pulse of the streets and elevating it to the level of fine art.

Porfi Jiménez El Maestro del Ritmo que Unió a dos Naciones
Porfi Jiménez El Maestro del Ritmo que Unió a dos Naciones

The Prodigy of Hato Mayor: Academic Training

Born on February 16, 1928, in Hato Mayor del Rey, Dominican Republic, Porfi’s destiny was sealed by music from an early age. A recognized child prodigy, he began his formal studies at age seven.

Following the death of his father, his mother gifted him his first trumpet when he was eight a tool that would eventually become his eternal voice.

Unlike many bandleaders of his era, Porfi sought technical excellence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston. This education granted him a superior technical command of jazz orchestration and tropical rhythms, allowing him to inject a unique harmonic sophistication into popular music.

Vida, obra y legado del dominicano más venezolano de la música tropical.
Vida, obra y legado del dominicano más venezolano de la música tropical.

Putting Down Roots in Venezuela: A 50-Year “Layover”

On February 6, 1954, Porfi landed in Caracas at the invitation of his compatriot Rafael “Tata” Minaya for a brief Carnival tour.

What was planned as a temporary trip turned into a stay that lasted over half a century. Before founding his own sonic empire, he honed his craft within the country’s most elite musical institutions:

  • The Pedro J. Belisario Orchestra.
  • Billo’s Caracas Boys, under the baton of Maestro Billo Frómeta.
  • Staff orchestras for Venevisión and RCTV, where he shone as the lead arranger during the golden age of Venezuelan television.

The Birth of a Signature Sound

On December 31, 1963, as the world celebrated New Year’s Eve, a legend was born: Porfi debuted his own orchestra at the Tamanaco Hotel’s Naiguatá Hall.

31 de diciembre de 1963, en el Salón Naiguatá del Hotel Tamanaco Foto By El Universal
31 de diciembre de 1963, en el Salón Naiguatá del Hotel Tamanaco Foto By El Universal

His style broke the mold by fusing Dominican merengue with salsa and jazz, achieving a modern, high-energy orchestration.

That same year, he released his first LP, A bailar con Porfi (Velvet Records). Featuring the vocals of Kiko Mendive and Chico Salas, the orchestra produced hits that are now staples of the Latin party songbook:

  • “La Negra Celina”
  • “La Resbalosa”
  • “La Banda está Borracha”

The “King of Carnival” and the Golden Years

Throughout the 80s and 90s, his name was synonymous with sold-out venues. Dubbed the “King of Carnival,” no festival in Venezuela was complete without his music. His ability to create “people’s anthems” is undeniable, leaving behind timeless tracks such as:

Iconic Songs Cultural Impact
La hierba se movía A massive sales and dance phenomenon across the region.
Culucucú An undisputed hit during the December holiday season.
Se hunde el barco A quintessential classic in the repertoire of great orchestras.
Dolores / Chivo Florete A masterclass in high-energy, danceable merengue.

 

Culucucú Éxito indiscutible en las festividades decembrinas.
Culucucú Éxito indiscutible en las festividades decembrinas.

 An Immortal Legacy

Maestro Porfi Jiménez passed away in Caracas on June 8, 2010, at the age of 82.

Though Dominican by birth, he always declared himself “Venezuelan at heart,” leaving behind a devoted family and a generation of musicians trained under his disciplined leadership.

As we approach the centenary of his birth in 2028, his influence remains more vibrant than ever.

The tributes held between 2024 and 2026 in both the Dominican Republic and Venezuela only confirm that Porfi Jiménez was, is, and will always be the man who defined the rhythm of the Caribbean identity.

Also Read: Federico Betancourt “Pioneer of Salsa in Venezuela”

What Adalberto Santiago represents for Latin music

Our great friend Adalberto Santiago is one of the biggest references of Latin music despite his long career, so it is always appropriate to remember the greatest moments of his career. Today, he is experiencing some health difficulties, so we hope he enjoys this article and it makes him feel better.

This is Adalberto Santiago
This is Puerto Rican composer and singer Adalberto Santiago many years ago

Adalberto Santiago’s beginnings in music

Adalberto Santiago Berríos was always possessor of an extremely powerful and deep voice, making him a lyric tenor and one of the best performers of Afro-Cuban music in the United States. Some of his most important influences from an early young age were Miguelito Cuní and Benny Moré, who served as a source of inspiration for what was to come in his future career.

The artist began in music by lending his voice to trios and playing the guitar and bass, although he often accompanied these activities with some dance steps. In the eyes of many, this makes him one of the first singers to play, dance, and sing in the same concert. In addition, in this early stage of his career, he was nicknamed “The Latin Elvis Presley” due to his tall stature, thick hair, blue eyes, and elegant demeanor. 

Turning point in his career

After having had the opportunity to play with great orchestras at the time, what really made his career take off was his joining Ray Barretto’s Orchestra, prompting him to go international with albums such as “Acid” and “Rican Struction.” These albums continue to be a reference for salsa and Latin music fans in general.

Johnny and Adalberto at the museum
Johnny Cruz and Adalberto Santiago at the Spaha Salsa Museum in New York

Some time later, Santiago and other members of the aforementioned orchestra created La Típica 73, but unfortunately time did not pass much when the artist and some of his colleagues split up again over religious differences with the rest of the members and founded Los Kimbos on their own. Along with this group, of which he was the lead singer, he recorded ”Los Kimbos” and ”This Big Kimbos With Adalberto Santiago” in 1977, the year in which he dared to release his first solo album called ”Adalberto”. 

One interesting thing about that album is that it was produced by Ray Barretto, who contributed two of his compositions to his old pupil.

Solo career 

From 1977 onwards, everything that came for Alberto was nothing more than success and recognition. One of those great successes was his famous participation in “Hommy, A Latin Opera,” a work produced and directed by Larry Harlow, which was an assured stamp of excellence. Soon after, he was asked to be one of the lead singers for “Louie Ramírez y sus Amigos.” He co-produced the song “Adalberto Featuring Popeye El Marino” with Ramírez and joined Barretto on “Rican/Struction.”

In the 1980s, Adalberto and Roberto Roena came together to release ”Super Apolo 47:50”, which included songs such as ”Yo Tenía Una Mujer” and ”Vigilándote”. Around the same time, he also co-produced the album ”Calidad” with Papo Lucca, who was also very involved in the musical direction. 

Adalberto and Johnny en un homenaje
Adalberto Santiago and Johnny Cruz during a tribute to the Puerto Rican singer

Another international explosion of popularity

Another milestone in his career was his salsa version of the classic “Sex Symbol,” which has since become a cult album for fans from many countries, including Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela. It turned out to be one of the most successful albums of his entire career and practically established a new style known as “salsa monga.”

The composer has also written songs for albums in which he himself has been involved as both a bandleader and singer, and his success has in no way prevented him from staying true to his Latin roots.

Adalberto Santiago’s current situation

We have learned that Adalberto Santiago was about to participate in a tour which aimed to pay tribute to him and other participants, but due to some complications with his health, this concert series will not be able to take place for the time being.

From International Salsa Magazine, we are very sorry for this situation, and the entire team hopes that this living legend of music will be able to get out of this situation and continue to give us joy with his talent.

Johnny Cru ISM corresponde in New York City

 

 

 

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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.