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“¿What have we achieved?” winner at the Global Music Awards

The Global Music Awards

The Global Music Awards gave a silver medal to the Fahed Miter and Rubén Blades’s video “¿Qué hemos logrado?” The event took place on January 21 in the city of San Diego, California. The announcement was made as usual through the Global Music Awards’ website, an organization that in 2021 will have 10 years since they started with the awards.

The work behind the video

The video is different from the ones we all frequently watch and instead offers something more experimental. The video’s director was Luis Safa, who used around 800 drawings made with Chinese ink and animated all of them, a task that took months to complete. On the other hand, Safa’s direction it’s not the only remarkable achievement, since the person in charge of the video production was the Latin Grammy nominee and winner of a bronze medal this year at the Global Music Awards, Jorge Castro.

"Qué hemos logrado" wins a silver medal. - Global Music Awards — “Qué hemos logrado” wins a silver medal at the Global Music Awards

The video production and direction are phenomenal, as are the touching lyrics of the song, which was composed by Fahed Miter. These lyrics intrinsically invite everyone to reflect, while they transmit a clear message in all their verses. In this song, Fahed Miter’s voice sounds soft, with a slight tone that perfectly matches the melody that accompanies it, but as if was not enough, the recognizable voice of the incredibly talented Panamanian musician, Rubén Blades, adds an even more sentimental touch.

Focusing on the music, it also has various merits that are worth mentioning, one of them is the outstanding talent of the musicians that participated in the song, such as bassist John Patitucci and pianist Lito Vitale, both world-class musicians. The arrangements of the song were made by Edín Solís together with Vitale himself, by working together they managed to create the perfect melody for the song. In Fahed’s words, the video is “a perfect marriage between music and images, and it was made thanks to the creative freedom of an excellent team”.

Fahed and Ruben Blades together. Global Music — Fahed and Ruben Blades together.

In regards to the video, the author of “piel adentro, corazón afuera”, has expressed that his intentions were doing something different from what is usually seen every day, and by watching the video, we can say that the objective was fulfilled; the result of all the work done is a very original video, one where the tone of the music, the animation of the handmade drawings and the lyrics of the song, manage to create a piece of art worthy of at least a silver medal at the Global Music Awards.

Using his Instagram account, Jorge Castro talked about the video too, while also highlighting how complicated 2020 was: “It is almost a prophetic video since although it was carried out before the global Covid-19 emergency, it fits perfectly for the times that we are living in right now. We must celebrate all the good things we have, but we cannot help but show empathy for the global suffering that this pandemic continues to cause.” I’m sure we will move forward with all of this.”

Daniel Santacruz wins a GRAMMY®

“Larimar” gave Daniel his first Latin Grammy®

The Dominican singer made history by winning his first Latin Grammy® for his album “Larimar”, in honor of a stone that it’s used in jewelry and can be found in his country. The album has eleven tracks, and it was released in the middle of the year.

After several nominations, 2020 was his year! Also as a historical event, he shared the first place with the merenguero singer Eddy Herrera, who was nominated in the same category. Both obtained the valued award filling the Dominican people with huge pride. In fact, on their Instagram profiles they uploaded a picture celebrating.

Two Dominican Winners — Both Dominicans won the Latin Grammy in the same category.

Santacruz was nominated with his brother Manny Cruz, but on this occasion, Daniel was the lucky one. However, he didn’t hesitate to dedicate this award to him, and the rest of their family; he thanked his wife, his mother, his fans, his manager, and each of his team members.

The Grammy winner for “Best Merengue or Bachata Album”, shared a video on his Instagram Profile where he looked happy and excited. The comments of his followers were immediate, it got more than forty thousand views, and a large number of congratulations.

I’m grateful to God, to the Recording Academy, and to all those responsible for participating in this important production, that represents the sacrifices of a career and efforts of many years”, said the artist.

Santacruz was one of the artists who performed in the show. He sang to the beat of his single “Larimar”, from Dominican Republic. A band of musicians accompanied him, as well as the stunning blue sea of his country.

Larimar was the production that made him a Latin Grammy® winner, and it’s his seven production. Santacruz was also the general producer, however he had a great team of professionals who adjusted all the details. The production was in charged of Ambiorix Francisco, Israel “Mayinbito” y Richy Rojas, mastering by Andrei Fossari, and mixing by Allan Leschorn, Esbin Ramírez y Richy Rojas.

A little bit about Daniel Santacruz

The singer was born in the United States but grew up in Dominican Republic, since childhood he felt a natural inclination for music. Although, he had said that he regrets not having taken piano classes with his grandmother Zulema Victoria.

She was always pushing me to the music ‘Come to teach you music theory'”, recuerda.

Daniel Santacruz — Daniel won her first Latin Grammy.

But nevertheless, this didn’t deprive him of his abilities in the music area. He acquired his first musical interests on the island. Since very young he was interested on the songs of Juan Luis Guerra, Wilfrido Vargas y Luis Miguel.

We won a Latin GRAMMY®!!! Thank you very much to all the Academy Members to take into consideration my album #LARIMAR, that was made with all the heart and feels. This year the #merengue and the #bachata win double as well I shared this triumph with my beloved and admired brother @eddy_herrera with his album #ahora. I shared this joy with my entire work team and with all the artists, musicians, engineers, and producers that participated with me! THANK YOUUUUUUU @latingrammys”, he expressed on his social media.

For the next year he is preparing surprises and new collaborations with colleagues of the industry. Santacruz’s career is just starting, his successes won’t stop since he is so talented and has so much energy. Congratulations, Daniel!

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That’s how the Latin Grammys were

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy

As expected, due to the global pandemic situation that hit us this year, the awarding of the 21st edition of the Latin Grammy was held online. In this way, neither the public nor the red carpet had participation this year. Some creatives recreated them in their homes and took the opportunity to take their respective photography.

The gala was held in the city of Miami with headquarters in other cities in Latin America. Several of the artists’ participations were also carried out under this modality.

The musical presentations were opened by the J Balvin show, one of the great favorites of the night. Who also broke a Guinness record for more nominations, surpassing the title obtained by Calle 13 in 2011. To receive his gramophone, he was dressed in black and then appeared in white. He interpreted the song “Rojo” and dedicated it to those who have had to fight against the COVID-19 virus. Balvin has recognized that this situation has affected him seriously and he has been immersed in depressive pictures.

“My heart is crying,” Balvin commented.

To the surprise of many, his heart actually turned the color of blood. His suit was dyed through some internal mechanism but leaving a large red stain on Balvin’s suit. Really, it seemed like his chest was bleeding incessantly.

J Balvin bled in the stage of the Latin Grammys

“Music humanizes us” was the theme of this year’s meeting. With the singer’s presentation, many were stunned and very sensitive. What did you think of his form of expression?
Natalia Jiménez paid tribute to Julio Iglesias, while the great Hector Lavoe also received recognition. Ricardo Montaner, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro led the tribute.

Jesús Navarro, Ricardo Montaner, Victor Manuelle, Ivy Queen and Rauw Alejandro gave life to the song ‘El Cantante”’ in homage to Héctor Lavoe. Each of the interpreters, from their respective rhythms, created a perfect harmony and joined in a very emotional show. They quickly went viral and comments on social media grew by leaps and bounds. The spectators were pleased by a presentation that moved fibers.

Winners of the night

Natalia Lafourcade, Alejandro Sanz, René Residente, Mike Bahía, Ricky Martín, Caminlo, Rosalía, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Ozuna, Carlos Vives, Grupo Niche, Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the winners of the night. The winners’ social networks were filled with videos of celebration and appreciation. A different night but full of many emotions!

In the Mejor Canción Tropical category, singer-songwriter Carlos Vives shone with his song “Canción para Rubén Blades”, in which Blades participated as a composer. Vives was excited, he did not hesitate to thank Rubén Blades for his support.
“This award with Rubén, congratulations to all the nominees, all the participants, Kany a very big kiss, thank you Sony, thank my entire team, our producers, the artists, Andrés Leal, thank you,” he said in the middle of happiness.

In his social networks he also wanted to dedicate his award to La Academia, his country, his people, each of his followers, his wife and his entire production team. He was also shown celebrating from home, together with family and friends.

In the Mejor Álbum de Salsa category, Grupo Niche shone. Album 40 is a tribute to the group’s musical trajectory. It is the first Latin Grammy that Colombian salseros receive, after having been nominated twice, in 2001 and in 2016.

“We have won the @LatinGRAMMYs for best salsa album for ’40’ our most recent musical production. With great emotion we say to you: Salseros and Nichistas of the world, infinite Thanks! Long live Latin music, salsa, long live the teacher # JairoVarela and long live Colombia!”, They expressed on their Twitter account.

The winning album was recorded for almost a year in studios in Miami, Cali and Puerto Rico. They wanted to maintain the musical guidelines of Jairo Varela and thus remember his roots, without losing his essence.

As Mejor álbum de Merengue/Bachata we have two winners, two Dominicans. A historical event that both celebrate with great fury. Eddy Herrera and Daniel Santacruz were the lucky ones. They tied in one of the closest categories!

Eddy Herrera has a long history in the genre, known as “El Galán del Merengue”. The followers of his career also celebrated this achievement, being the singer’s first Latin Grammy. “Eddy Herrera Ahora” contains some of his most recent songs.

“It is an immense joy that I also want to share with all my followers and lovers of my performances. Thank you for supporting me throughout these years where you have been faithful to my musical productions ”, he expressed.

The Dominican did not hide his happiness and dedicated himself to thanking those who have supported him during so many years of journey.

“I am extremely grateful to the entire production team, as well as my fans, who are always the impetus to keep going. To achieve this magnificent product, we had, as in other opportunities, the dedication of one hundred percent of our great team, who gave themselves with the charisma, vocation and professionalism of always, an essential symbol of our artistic productions ”, said Eddy Herrera.

For his part, Daniel Santacruz will fondly remember the day that “Larimar” made him the recipient of his first Academy Award. After several nominations, his long-awaited moment finally arrived. In fact, his brother Manny Cruz was also among the nominees.

Even though he was born in the United States, he is of Dominican descent and grew up on its streets. He learned about its culture, its influences and is very proud of its roots.
“Grateful to God, to the Recording Academy and to all those responsible for participating in this important production that represents the sacrifice of many years of career and effort,” expressed the artist.

Santacruz was also part of the singers who entertained the meeting. He appeared from Boca Chica, Dominican Republic to the rhythm of “Larimar”, the promotional song for his album.
The young Dominican posted a video on his Instagram account where he is very happy. He thanked his family, wife, mother and his brother Manny Cruz. To its engineers, musicians, fans and manager. As well as his country, the people who listen and dance bachata, merengue and all his followers. Long live the Dominican Republic!

The event was one of total innovation and, surely, it will become a starting point for other awards. Of course, the dedication and effort on the part of the organization cannot be denied; as well as the artists involved, all left their hearts on stage and showed that better times are to come. So be it!

International Salsa Magazine Celebrates 2020 Latin Grammy Nominees

North America / United States

Latin Grammy Awards

The Latin Grammy Awards were created to honor Spanish-speaking artists. They are awarded by the Latin Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, created from the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, an American organization specializing in music and production in general. The Latin version was broadcast for the first time in 2000, through the CBS network.

The Academy was founded by Michael Greene and Mauricio Abaroa. The first Grammy ceremony was held in 1959. 41 years later the Latin version was inaugurated. They are not awarded by popularity but by the number of votes received by members of the academy.

The award for excellence in Latin recording achievements is a gramophone. Its base is red and the gramophone is gold. For its part, the statuette of “Awards for Musical Excellence” has a copper-colored gramophone. As you might imagine, its creation goes through a long process, it is composed of a zinc alloy and is plated in 24-karat gold.

Latin Grammy Nominees were announced recently — The Latin Grammy 2020 Edition will be soon

The ceremony is held annually in the United States, in the third week of November. The locations have varied through the years between Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Houston, Las Vegas for the last nine years and in 2020 is returning to Miami, at the American Airlines Arena.

The presenters have been a true parade of stars: Jennifer López, Gloria Estefan, Antonio Banderas, Lucero, Eugenio Derbez, Patricia Manterola and Ricky Martin, among others. In this opportunity, the honor will go to the Dominican Carlos de la Mota and the Polish, nationalized in Mexico, Ludwika Paleta.

On September 29, the names of the candidates for the awards were announced.

Among the nominees are:

Best Salsa Album

40 Años De Power
Luisito Ayala y La Puerto Rican Power
Record Label: Musical Productions, Inc.

Tentaciones Vol. 1
Charlie Cruz
Record Label: Get Crazy Note, LLC

40
Grupo Niche
Record Label: PPM USA

Memorias De Navidad
Víctor Manuelle
Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC

Un Gallo Para La Historia
Tito Rojas
Record Label: J&N Records, LLC

Some of these nominees belong to JN Music Group, J&N Records and Musical Productions Disquera, a company that for more than thirty years has been in charge of producing Latin music for the whole world. Tito Rojas and Luisito Ayala and La Puerto Rican Power have received the support of the record company and their directors are very proud of their representatives.

The emblematic band Puerto Rican Power — Pure energy of Puerto Rican Power

Puerto Rican Power was born in the 70s by the hand of its founder Jesús Castro. Later Luis Ayala, assumed the role of director and trumpeter of the band. They became known quickly, thanks to the participation they had with greats of the show such as Ismael Miranda, Cheo Feliciano, Héctor Lavoe, among others. The group has mixed the roots of Puerto Rican folklore with its great performance on stage; becoming known in the United States and Latin America. This is his first Latin Grammy nomination.

Charlie Cruz, a Dominican salsa singer, also competes in this category. He has collaborated with greats of the genre such as Tito Nieves. Cruz is proud to be Latino and to work with his heart. He thanked his producer, work team and members of the academy for their support in reaching his nomination.

For its part, Grupo Niche is enjoying its third nomination for the Awards. They proudly represent their home country, Colombia. 40, his latest production, refers to the number of years since his birth. The album was recorded between Puerto Rico, Cali and Miami.

Victor Manuelle participates with his album “Memorias De Navidad”, he sought to rescue the traditions of the Christmas season and remember two loved ones. In early 2018, he lost his father Victor Manuel Ruiz and last year his younger brother, Héctor Gustavo.

To finish the round of nominees, we find Tito Rojas, known for his salsa songs. He began his artistic career in the early 70s. He has more than thirty record productions (one with La Puerto Rican Power). Rojas thanked through his social networks for the support of his career.

Best Merengue and / or Bachata Album

The Genetics Of Bachata
José Manuel Calderón
Record Label: Baile Records

Bailando Contigo
Manny Cruz
Record Label: Manny Cruz / La Oreja Media Group, Inc

Los Conquistadores
Grupo Manía
Record Label: Mania Music, Inc.

Ahora
Eddy Herrera
Record Label: Intermusic

Larimar
Daniel Santacruz
Record Label: Penluis Music

Thanks to Diario Libre, we could know that Latin Grammy Awards were evaluating the possibility of eliminating this category. This, due to the lack of submitted proposals. This warning activated the exponents of the genre. The academy received around 40 applications. The competition is very close between artists with a long history and young people who have come to give a new air to the genre.

José Manuel Calderón is considered the pioneer of bachata. Most of his hits are his own and he has also dabbled in merengue. The artist is very happy with this recognition for so many years of experience. He considers it “a great blessing.”

Manny Cruz receives his fourth Grammys nomination in two different categories. “Bailando Contigo” is the singer’s second album and it took him more than a year to produce. The Dominican was very happy and sent his thanks through his Instagram account. He became the Dominican with the most Latin Grammy nominations.

For its part, Grupo Manía celebrates its tenth nomination. The Puerto Rican singers released their album “Los Conquistadores” to celebrate their twenty-five years of artistic career.

Eddy Herrera, renowned merengue singer, has been nominated for the fifth time and, within the framework of his virtual concert, he expressed his happiness.
“Being nominated in normal times is wonderful, but being nominated within this world of the pandemic is doubly great. This has fallen from my soul, from heaven, “he said.

Daniel Santacruz, has his eighth Latin Grammy nomination for his album “Larimar”, his seventh musical production. The artist was in charge of all the elaboration of the disc that counts on eleven subjects.

Best Tropical Song

Among the 5 nominees are:
Imaginarme Sin Ti
Elvis Crespo & Maribel Vega, songwriters (Elvis Crespo y Manny Cruz)
Record Label: Flash Music

Quédate
Paula Arenas, Debi Nova & Juan Pablo Vega, songwriters (Debi Nova & Pedro Capó)
Record Label: Sony Music Entertainment US Latin LLC

Y Basta Ya
Pavel Nuñez, songwriter (Pavel Nuñez)
Reco Grrd Label: La Oreja Media Group, Inc

Tropical Music is present in the Latin Grammy — Manny Cruz and Elvis Crespo

Elvis Crespo by the hand of his wife and manager Maribel Vega and the composition of Manny Cruz, received a nomination for the album “Imaginarme Sin Ti”. The promotional theme was dedicated to Crespo’s daughter. The singer thanked through his social networks and made special mention of his label and the singer Manny Cruz.

Debi Nova, a Costa Rican singer-songwriter, bet on romantic bachata and had the collaboration of Paula Arenas and Juan Pablo Vega. The promotional theme of the album talks about taking advantage of time with our loved ones.

We finished the round with the Dominican Pavel Núñez, a young man who has surprised with the amount of Sovereign Awards obtained, a total of eleven; took advantage of the global pandemic to make music. With his album “Y Basta Ya” he adds his third nomination for Los Premios.

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy will be held on November 19, in the city of Miami. Although it is an achievement to be on the coveted list, everyone wants to be recognized.

Who will be the winners?

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Sammy Figueroa is an exceptional percussionist known for his versatility and for playing in a multitude of musical styles

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948. He is the son of bolero singer Charlie Figueroa, whom he never knew, as his father passed away at the age of 32.

Sammy moved to Puerto Rico as a child to live with his grandparents and escape the Bronx’s gang violence.

Sammy Figueroa is an excellent percussionist who has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles

At 18, he started his professional career with bassist Bobby Valentín’s band. Throughout his career, he has stood out for his versatility, playing in a multitude of musical styles and contributing to nearly 400 albums, ten of which are platinum.

He has collaborated with major pop artists like David Bowie, Chaka Khan, and Mariah Carey, as well as with distinguished jazz musicians such as Miles Davis, Sonny Rollins, Quincy Jones, and George Benson. In 1977, he became a founding member of the Latin rock fusion group Raíces.

In 2001, Sammy Figueroa moved to South Florida and formed his own group, Sammy Figueroa and His Latin Jazz Explosion. His albums And Sammy Walked In and The Magician were nominated for a Grammy for Best Latin Jazz Album.

Sammy Figueroa, a percussionist with an excellent career

His 2023 album, Searching for a Memory / Busco Tu Recuerdo, is a tribute to his father. The project, produced by his wife, Rachel Faro, with whom he has also co-produced other albums, allowed Sammy to reconcile with his father’s legacy. On this album,

Sammy sings on a record for the first time and transforms his father’s classic boleros into modern Latin jazz arrangements. The album was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the “Best Jazz/Latin Jazz Album” category.

Sammy Figueroa has received numerous awards, including two Percussionist of the Year awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS), two Drummie Awards for Best Hand Percussion, and a Best Percussionist award from the Jazz Journalists Association.

Discovered by jazz flutist Herbie Mann, Figueroa became a well-known session and studio musician, touring and recording with The Brecker Brothers, Average White Band, Morrissey – Mullen, The Mahavishnu Orchestra John McLaughlin, and Miles Davis.

He has also appeared with Blondie, Sonny Rollins, David Sanborn, Quincy Jones, Dave Grusin, George Benson, Chet Baker, Stanley Clarke, Grover Washington Jr., Al Jarreau, Lena Horne, Joe Williams, Mark Murphy, Mike Mainieri, Néstor Torres, Chico O’Farrill, Mike Stern, Chuck Loeb, Bobby Watson, Dave Valentin, Arturo Sandoval, Paquito D’Rivera, Rubén Blades, Eddie Palmieri, Bobby Valentín, Tania Maria, Mariah Carey, James Taylor, Dr. John, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Celine Dion, Blues Traveler, Natalie Merchant, David Lee Roth, Hall & Oates, Joe Cocker, Rickie Lee Jones, Annie Lennox, Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Grace Jones, James Ingram, Diana Ross, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, and many others.

Some of the R&B hits he is featured on include Sister Sledge’s “We Are Family,” Luther Vandross’s “The Night I Fell In Love,” and Ashford & Simpson’s “Solid (as a rock),” as well as most of Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards’ hits on the Chic and Sister Sledge record labels.

Michel Camilo wrote the song “And Sammy Walked In” in his honor, and it was also recorded by Giovanni Hidalgo. Two of his CDs, And Sammy Walked In and The Magician, have been nominated for Grammy Awards in the “Best Latin Jazz Album” category. Figueroa hosts a Latin jazz show on WDNA-FM in Miami, Florida.

Sammy Figueroa was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1948

If you’re not very familiar with Sammy Figueroa’s work, you can try an experiment with this album: listen closely to see if you can guess what his instrument is. In a medium-sized combo, what instrument seems to take center stage? The answer: it’s impossible to guess, which says something about Figueroa’s maturity as a leader.

It’s also surprising to see how pared down his forces really are this sextet sounds like a big band. (Spoiler alert: he’s a percussionist.) It also says something about him that the term “Explosion” is a misnomer for his band. There are no pyrotechnics, no crazy tempos, and no wildly layered rhythms here.

But there are some very impressive horn arrangements (check out “Cha Cha Pa’ Ti” and the lovely “Cuco y Olga”), along with some of the sweetest, most tender ballads to appear on a jazz album of any genre in recent years (“Queen from the South” and “Zuliana” are the best examples).

For a percussionist acting as a bandleader, giving this kind of sustained, loving attention to compositions that only make a tenuous use of his talent is further proof of Figueroa’s taste and maturity. Let’s hope Figueroa keeps going in this vein. Rick Anderson.

Sammy Figueroa & His Latin Jazz Explosion – Urban Nature (2011).

Tracks:

Gufillo (Silvano Monasterios)
Urban Nature (Gabriel Vivas)
Latin What? (Michael Orta)
Zuliana (Silvano Monasterios)
7th Door From The Left (Silvano Monasterios)
Cuco y Olga (Nicholas Martines)
Cha Cha Pa’ Ti (Gabriel Vivas)
Queen From The South (Silvano Monasterios)
Funny Talk (Gabriel Vivas)

Musicians:

Sammy Figueroa (Percussion)
Silvano Monasterios (Piano)
Gabriel Vivas (Acoustic bass)
John Michalak (Sax)
Alexander Pope Norris (Trumpet)
Nomar Negroni (Drums)

Guest Musicians:

Ed Calle (Sax)
Mike Orta (Piano)
José Gregorio Hernández (Percussion)

Website: Sammy Figueroa

By:

Dj. Augusto Felibertt

L’Òstia Latin Jazz

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