• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content

International Salsa Magazine

  • HOME
  • Previous editions
    • 2026
      • ISM / July 2026
      • ISM / June 2026
      • ISM / May 2026
      • ISM / April 2026
      • ISM / March 2026
      • ISM / February 2026
      • ISM / January 2026
    • 2025
      • ISM / December 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
      • ISM March 2017
      • ISM February 2017
      • ISM January 2017
    • 2016
      • ISM December 2016
      • ISM November 2016
      • ISM October 2016
      • ISM September 2016
  • Spanish
  • Download Salsa App
    • Android
    • Apple

Search Results for: Grammy nomination

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?

Home

Maná – Biography / Discography

Latin America / Mexico / Guadalajara

Maná is a Mexican quartet founded in 1987 in Guadalajara, Mexico, whose sound is based in Latin rhythms, Latin rock, Latin pop and rock in Spanish. The band features members: Fernando Olvera (rhythm guitar, harmonica and vocal), Juan Calleros (Bass and double bass) Alejandro González (drums and vocals) y Sergio Vallín (lead Guitar and vocals).

Maná - Orchestra
Maná – Orchestra

Originally, towards the end of the 70s, Maná had the name “The Green Hat Spies” and played covers of groups they admired, including The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Police, The Rolling Stones, among others.

This band soon changed the name to the Green Hat abbreviation and finally in 1980 the quartet adapted to Spanish as Sombrero Verde. Its members Fher Olvera, such as voice; Gustavo Orozco, electric guitar; and Calleros brothers:

Juan on bass, Ulysses the electric guitar and Abraham on drums played in bars in his hometown (Guadalajara-Mexico), as the band will play rock in their own language, being the first groups to venture to compose their own songs, even when the rock in Spanish was not a global trend.

Under the latter name recorded 2 musical productions, which failed to achieve much popularity.

Maná - Orchestra - Photo
Maná – Orchestra – Photo

Currently, the group has won multiple awards: 4 Grammy, 8 Latin Grammy, 5 MTV Video Music Awards Video Latin America, 5 Juventud Awards, 19 Billboard Latin Music and 15 Lo Nuestro Awards. In addition, addition, the band has sold over 40 million records worldwide, making it the group’s most successful of all time Latin rock and taking international commercial success in Mexico, Australia and Spain, and so then gaining popularity and exposure throughout Latin America, United States, Western Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

Current Members

  • José Fernando Emilio Olvera Sierra (Fher): Vocal, guitar y harmónica
  • Juan Diego Calleros Ramos (Juan Calleros): Bass
  • Sergio Vallín Loera (Sergio Vallin): Guitar, choirs
  • Alejandro González Trujillo (Álex “el Animal” González): Drum, vocal, choirs and percussions
Maná - Orchestra - Photo 2
Maná – Orchestra – Photo 2

Discography of international Mexican band Maná, are composed of 8 studio albums, 3 live albums, 6 compilation albums, 5 video albums, 54 singles and 37 music videos.

DISCOGRAPHY

Maná (1987)

In search of his international projection: Maná, the name of the group was elected by the significance of the word in the Polynesian language: “Positive Energy”, signed with Polygram record and they released its first album and third -in general- of the band Maná, going on sale on May 12, 1987, an album that would strengthen the Rock movement in Spanish.

Maná (1987)
Maná (1987)

Among its 10 singles are: Robot, Mentirosa, Bailando, México, Entré por la ventana, Cayó mi nave, Mueve tus caderas, En la playa, Lentes de sol y Queremos paz. The total duration of this production is 35:20.

Despite some success, that first recording as Maná not entirely satisfied left the group. Various friction with the seal by the desire to maintain the identity of the group against the commercial interests, led Mana to sign

Falta amor (1989)

This album was released on July 2, 1990, under the seal Warner Music. Includes single known Rayando el sol. After the bad experience of the first album, Fher and Alex were aware of the risks involved in getting into the hands of a producer who saw the group as a purely commercial concept, so chose to start on a path from which there has been sectioned since: they assume production of all discs.

With that in mind recorded the album that does not get success until a year after its release thanks to the single “Rayando el sol”, which becomes the first big hit for Maná; singles “Pérdido en un barco”, “Estoy agotado” and “Buscándola” also come to like people. On the other hand, this album also highlights two songs that are characterized by its high degree of social commitment: “Falta amor”, dedicated to street children, and “La puerta azul” which presents their opposition to drugs.

Maná - Falta amor (1989)
Maná – Falta amor (1989)

The group performed 112 presentations in Mexico and their first massive concert outside the borders of their country, in the Coliseo General Ruminahui of Quito, Ecuador.

“Falta Amor” album sold nearly 1 million copies, had 10 gold records, 5 platinum, 2 Double Platinum and 1 Triple Platinum, besides been recognized by Billboard as the Best Album and give its authors recognition as best Pop-Rock Group.

¿Dónde jugarán los niños? (1992)

In 1991 Maná facing the first change in its lineup with the departure of Ulises Calleros, who since then is the manager of the group. This meant the arrival of two new members: keyboardist Iván González and guitarist César “El Vampiro” López.

With this new formation recorded in Los Angeles in 1992 ¿Dónde Jugarán Los Niños?, album is a real milestone in the history of the group and the rock in Spanish, staying for 97 weeks on the Billboard list of albums more sold in Latin America. The album was released for sale on 27 October 1992. Currently, ¿Dónde Jugarán Los Niños?, it has sold over 10 million copies worldwide making it the bestselling album in the history of Rock in Spanish.

Maná - ¿Dónde jugarán los niños? (1992)
Maná – ¿Dónde jugarán los niños? (1992)

8 singles simple of this production of 12 songs topped the charts of popularity throughout the Spanish-speaking America and have become classics from their repertoire: “Vivir sin aire”, “¿Dónde jugarán los niños?”, “De pies a cabeza”, “Como te deseo”, “Oye mi amor”, “Cómo diablos”, “Te lloré un río” y “Me vale”.

Maná globalization begins in 1993 with a promotional machinery of first level and a series of 268 concerts in more than 17 countries. The tour was a success and positioned the band between the Latino community in the US and in markets like Chile and Argentina.

Argentina and Spain, two historically difficult terrain to reach for non-native Latin artists were also conquered by the phenomenon Maná thanks to the song “Vivir sin aire” reached first place in the charts of both countries, which do not it had happened in 26 years. This single is a worthy prize at MTV Latino Video Music Award for best video of the year.

This album was the only race Mana as a quintet. ¿Dónde jugarán los niños? Was relaunched with two remixes on February 15, 1994.

Maná en vivo (1994)

With its new status in the international scene of Latin pop rock, the trio Fher, Alex and Juan released the live album Maná (1994) with the idea of capturing the energy and every moment they live during their performances.

The double album was recorded between August and September 1994, during the group presentations at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, the San Diego Sports Arena in San Diego, the Aragon Theatre in Chicago, the Teatro Gran Rex in Buenos Aires, the Stadium Nacional de Chile in Santiago and the Standard room in Barcelona. Again, Billboard magazine honored with the award for Best Rock/Poplive Album of the year.

Maná en vivo (1994)
Maná en vivo (1994)

CD1 has 10 singles: De pies a cabeza, Oye mi amor, Refrigerador, ¿Dónde jugarán los niños?, Soledad, Huele a tristeza, Te lloré un río, Estoy agotado, Perdido en un barco y Buscándola.

Likewise, the CD2 has 8 singles: La chula, El rey (José Alfredo Jiménez Cover), Como diablos, Me vale, Rayando el sol, Como te deseo, La puerta azul (Acoustic) (Bonus Track) y Vivir sin aire (Acoustic) (Bonus Track).

Cuando los ángeles lloran (1995)

Anxious to return to their original quartet format, Maná has the third and final change in their lineup. The band auditioned more than 80 guitarists from Mexico, Argentina, Chile and the United States, until finally in Aguascalientes (Mexico) find the talent they were looking, Sergio Vallin, whose sensitivity, technique and versatility to give a luster different sound guitar in the productions of the band. With this new lineup recorded and released the album Cuando los ángeles lloran (1995) between Los Angeles (USA) and Puerto Vallarta (Mexico).

This production is distinguished by a remarkable evolution in the lyrics and the sound of the group. The singles “Déjame entrar”, “No ha parado de llover” and “Hundido en un rincón” not only represented a success in the radio, if not that the corresponding video had a great rotation in the music channels and won several awards for their quality.

The album gave them their first American Grammy nomination and the Billboard Award for Best Rock Album / Latino Pop, which set a record of 6 Billboard Awards received over a period of 3 years.

Maná - Cuando los ángeles lloran (1995)
Maná – Cuando los ángeles lloran (1995)

With this new album the group began its tour on May 12, 1995, with a total of 52 concerts in 13 countries, this in a period of less than five months, which showed the phenomenon Maná means.

During their visit to Spain in the same year, the group performed at the Plaza de Toros de Las Ventas with absolute plenty in each place they visited.

Cuando los ángeles lloran with their respective concert tour meant for the band other achievements, such as: the inclusion of Maná at the festival Montreaux Jazz and the Midem conference, which took place in Switzerland and France, respectively, something never before achieved. And they also participated with a theme in the film My Family, at the request of director Francis Ford Coppola.

In mid-April 1996, Maná continued an extensive and expected tour throughout Mexico and the United States. This tour earned them important articles in prestigious magazines such as Rolling Stone, Time, Details, People Magazine, Newsweek and Pollstar.

Sueños líquidos (1997)

This production was recorded in a beautiful house overlooking Banderas Bay, in Conchas Chinas. The result was an energetic mixture of rock, pop and Latin rhythms that go from Bossanova to Flamenco, through the Caribbean cadence of reggae. Important singles like “En el Muelle de San Blas”, “Hechicera”, “Clavado en un bar” y “Como dueles en los labios” emerge from this album.

The album was released in October 1997 and was released simultaneously in 36 countries; debuted in the first place on the Billboard Hot Latin 50 Chart.

On 30 January 1998 the band began its most ambitious tour, Sueños Líquidos World Tour in Chile, later visited Uruguay and Mexico.

Among the presentations that stand out in the Sueños Líquidos Tour 98 are those of Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Chile, Puerto Rico, Honduras, and El Salvador.

Maná - Sueños líquidos (1997)
Maná – Sueños líquidos (1997)

Other presentations most important are the concerts at the National Auditorium, room in which Maná broke the record, because it was the first time that a band of this genre is presented seven consecutive times on this stage.

Maná signed with the agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and thus joined the impressive list of represented that included Bon Jovi, Alanis Morissette, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Depeche Mode, Carlos Santana, Bob Dylan, George Michael, among others.

Their first tour with CAA began August 21, 1998 in Los Angeles and covered more than 30 cities with a total of 36 concerts in arenas and amphitheaters, most of them with sellout. Important presentations took place at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles and at the Rosemont Horizon Arena, where broken record by becoming the first Latin pop rock group in supply lasts. This tour was the biggest by a Latin pop rock group in America.

The band is nominated for the sixth consecutive time the prizes awarded by Billboard magazine for Sueños Líquidos, in the category Best Pop Rock Album of the Year, taking the coveted prize. On 24 February 1999 they had the first American Grammy awarded to a Mexican pop rock band.

Also in December 1998, Fher receives an invitation from Carlos Santana to participate in his new album. Fher composes “Corazón espinado”, a theme which open borders to the Latin music, after putting this single in the top of Europe, Asia and America. The recording was made in the cities of Los Angeles and San Francisco (California), where was born a great friendship between the two musicians.

As a result of this collaboration, Alex and Fher receive the Grammy award as producers and writers of the song, in addition to performing with Santana toured the United States and Mexico. The group shared arenas, auditoriums and stadiums in the United States and Mexico with Carlos Santana, on an extensive tour that started from 29 July 1999 until December of that same year with a total of 43 presentations.

MTV “Unplugged” (1999)

Maná - MTV "Unplugged" (1999)
Maná – MTV “Unplugged” (1999)

The MTV video chain had spent several years asking Maná their participation in the series of recordings Unplugged, without the band could have access to the request because of commitments that meant their recordings and extensive touring.

Finally the conditions for the project were given, so the March 9, 1999 the band recorded a Maná Unplugged in Miami intimate before an audience of 70 lucky fans. In this material the group includes hits from their repertoire, plus 3 versions in acoustic mode; it also contains the musical interlude Coladito, the percussion duel between Alex Gonzalez and guest musician Luis Conte, where you could appreciate the skill of both performers.

On 22 June 1999 the material is released for sale simultaneously throughout the American continent, reaching the top of sales in the TOP 50 Latin Billboard magazine, which the band repeated the feat of being the only group Latin rock to do so. So far, this album remains one of the best sellers for television, plus it was the first Latin artist to release a material of this type (CD/DVD).

The first single came off of this production, original theme of Juan Gabriel, “Se me olvidó otra vez” remained for more than 5 consecutive weeks in first place in the radio charts for much of Mexico and Latin America. “Te solté la rienda”, by composer Jose Alfredo Jimenez was another hit single that was obtained from this recording.

In early January 2000, Maná receives the news of their nomination for a Grammy in the category of Best Latin Pop Album for their album Unplugged, this was the third consecutive time that the group was nominated for the prestigious awards.

In mid-April in the city of Miami were celebrated the Billboard Awards Latin Music, in which Maná got 2 major awards, the first for Best Rock Album Pop Latino for their production MTV Unplugged, and the second award to the Black Forest for Ecological Foundation, called Spirit of Hope which is given only to those artists who have distinguished themselves by performing altruistic for the environment and human rights.

In these same dates the group receives a recognition granted to them for the first time, the prize awarded by the chain of rental and sale of videos and largest US and music, BlockBuster Award for Best Latin Artist.

In September the group attends the first annual Latin Grammy in which was winning 3 Grammy for their participation in the album by guitarist Carlos Santana.

Revolución de amor (2002)

In early 2002 the band encloses to compose and make demos of what would be their next studio album five years after the launch of Sueños líquidos. Revolución de amor was launched the August 20, 2002, album in which the search for the band shows its essence by mixing with rock sound of the sixties and seventies, and other fusions of Latin music.

Maná - Revolución de amor (2002)
Maná – Revolución de amor (2002)

This, their sixth studio album, was shot entirely in Los Angeles between February and May 2002 and was attended by Carlos Santana and his guitar on “Justicia, Tierra y Libertad”, as well as Ruben Blades in “Sábanas frías”. Notably, the guitarist Sergio Vallin, participated, singing the theme “¿Por qué te vas?”, Dedicated to his parents.

Revolución de amor reached the first place in sales in Spain, Latin America and the United States for five consecutive weeks. It had the most outstanding singles “Ángel de amor”, “Eres mi religión” y “Mariposa traicionera”.

Thanks to its success in Italy, the singer Zucchero invited to participate in the song “Baila morena” duet is a success both in America and in Europe. Maná returns the gesture singer to invite him to participate in the song “Eres mi religión” but now in Italian, which was then, included in a special edition of the album Revolución de amor edited in Europe.

On September 29, 2002 Maná adventured to a new two-year tour that would like never before into the international market. The tour took the group not only to cities in the United States, Mexico, Latin America and Spain, also new places like Italy, France, Germany and Brazil. In total, the group performed more than 100 concerts in 24 countries.

During their stay in Europe, the band participated in the special Pavarotti & Friends alongside Zucchero, where they were presented with stars like Bono, Eric Clapton, Lionel Ritchie, Queen, Deep Purple, Ricky Martin and Andrea Bocceli. Maná received two nominations in the 4th annual Latin Grammy that took place in Miami on September 3, 2003, taking the award for Best Rock Album by a Duo or Group.

Esenciales (2003)

Maná - Esenciales (2003)
Maná – Esenciales (2003)

Esenciales is a compilation in CDs released by Maná on 18 November 2003. Three CDs with its most important songs until that year, divided into three themed discs: Sun, with its danceable songs; Moon, its themes with romantic touch; and, Eclipse, the best of their themes in general (which only came out in the Americas). The discs contain an unreleased track: “take you to Heaven”; and Cd Sun contains a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Fool In The Rain”, recorded by Maná in the disc tribute to the band.

By way of gratitude to their fans, decide to put on sale on December 12, 2004 the DVD called “Acceso Total”, which includes images Revolución de Amor Tour (2002- 2003), never before seen in dressing rooms, allowing the fans have “full access” to experience living Maná on tour.

Amar es combatir (2006)

Miami was the recording of this CD with the band performed a fusion of rock, pop, Latin music, reggae, drum and bass. Produced by Fher and Alex, like their previous albums, Amar es combatir was released on August 22, 2006 and is published in 40 countries worldwide, reaching number 4 on the Top 200 Albums of Billboard magazine in the United States, a record for a production only reached entirely in Spanish for the album Fijación Oral Vol. 1 Shakira.

Their first single, “Labios compartidos”, remained for eight consecutive weeks at the top of the Latin charts radio and is named among the most recognized Latino US media as one of the most heard songs and awarded 2006.

The singles that followed, “Bendita tu luz” (a duet with Juan Luis Guerra), “Manda una señal” and “Ojalá pudiera borrarte” are also positioned at the top of the charts. These add a fifth single, “El rey tiburón”, which is managed to stand out because it is becoming less common than a 5 easy production derived therefrom, given the difficult situation being experienced by the industry.

Maná - Amar es combatir (2006)
Maná – Amar es combatir (2006)

in November 2006 the group participates in the 7th edition of the Latin Grammy Awards, where in addition to performing with Juan Luis Guerra with an excellent interpretation of their successes, which earned them a heartfelt ovation from those attending the event and which was one of the climactic moments of the evening, are honored for career achievement and accomplishments in music.

In February 2007, after receiving 5 nominations for the awards Billboard Latino, 4 nominations for the awards Lo Nuestro and American Grammy for Best Album Alternative or Urban Rock, Maná began their “Amar es combatir” Tour, with the increased production the group has had so far (more than 60 tons of equipment), which would give 116 concerts over a period of a year and a half.

Among the most prominent awards that the band obtained by this production is an American Grammy in the category of Best Album Alternative Rock or Urban, 3 awards Lo Nuestro for Rock Album of the Year, Rock Artist of the Year and Song Rock of the Year; 2 Latin Billboard Alternative Rock Album for the Year and Pop Airplay theme of the Year Duo or Group.

Arde el cielo (2008)

On April 29, 2008 Maná presented in Los Angeles on CD / DVD called Arde el cielo, which was recorded during Amar es combatir Tour in the Jose M. Agrelot Coliseum of Puerto Rico in March 2007.

Maná - Arde el cielo (2008)
Maná – Arde el cielo (2008)

The material contains 12 live tracks that represent and review the history of Maná, from “Rayando el sol” to “Labios Compartidos” through “El rey” and songs as well known as “En el muelle de San Blas” or “Vivir sin aire”, and two previously unreleased studio recordings. The first of these new songs is “Si no te hubieras ido”, a song by Marco Antonio Solis and versioned by other artists, but in which Maná was able to put their unique stamp.

The second new song on the CD is “Arde el cielo” a theme composed by Fher and produced in conjunction with Álex González. Both themes were hits in 2008.

Drama y luz (2011)

Drama y luz represents a milestone in the career of Maná. This is an album gestated for over 1.000 days with their thousand and one nights.

The project began to take shape in June 2008 and ended in early April 2011. During those 34 months were composed, arranged and recorded more than forty demo songs. Only a rigorous selection of thirteen saw the light.

Maná - Drama y luz (2011)
Maná – Drama y luz (2011)

The first single of Drama y Luz is “Lluvia al corazón”, a theme that carries a message of hope in the dark clouds of an uncertain future by living in a half-dead planet, where humanity must not lose faith.

The second single is “Amor clandestino” a theme that became another new hit Maná. The third single “El verdadero amor perdona” is another success that sounded on the radio in its version with Prince Royce, which reached the top Latin songs and Latin Pop Airplay. Their fourth and final single of this production Drama y Luz is called “Mi reina del dolor”, a track that gradually climbed famous for its great rhythm, guitars and drums.

Exiliados en la bahía (2012)

Maná - Exiliados en la bahía (2012)
Maná – Exiliados en la bahía (2012)

Exiliados en la bahía is a compilation that was released on August 28, 2012 in which include the successes that the band has had throughout their 20 year career, it has two live tracks, Lluvia al corazón and El verdadero amor perdona that were recorded in the Drama y Luz World Tour in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The first single is “Hasta que te conocí”, a cover of Juan Gabriel. Also, it contains “Un nuevo amanecer” an unreleased track.

Cama incendiada (2015)

This is the ninth studio album (and eleventh overall) of the band. It was released for sale on April 21, 2015.

Maná - Cama incendiada (2015)
Maná – Cama incendiada (2015)

The first single was Mi verdad which has the support of the Colombian singer Shakira, the second single is the prison after the July 24 came a version electronic with American DJ Steve Aoki breaking completely with the musical patterns that we had used the band. The third single from the album is the theme Ironía, the official video was released on October 12.

 

 

 

 

 

Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia Artists in November of HTV

North America / USA/ Miami
Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia
Andrés Cepeda & Mike Bahia

With a history of over 15 years, Colombian singer- songwriter Andrés Cepeda and Mike Bahia, representative of the urban genre, exclusively relate their experiences with each of their productions and the musical genres for which they have traveled.

Andrés Cepeda

Andrés Cepeda
Andrés Cepeda

The Colombian singer Andrés Cepeda, has been one of the most renowned artists of Latin American music scene. This Latin Grammy winner has been wowing his audience with his successes year after year since he began his career. The Colombian began his single career in 1999 releasing a first album: “Sé morir” disc in just one month received platinum status, framing in nearby rhythms like pop, bolero and the ballad.

In 2001 he released his second production, “El Carpintero”, for which he received double platinum.

In 2002 he published “Para amarte mejor”. This production was the first of that kind in Colombia. In 2005 he presented his work “To better love”. This album received platinum disc for sales in Colombia.

1- Andrés Cepeda
1- Andrés Cepeda

In 2007 he released a remake of “Para Amarte Mejor” in which two new songs he composed with master Jorge Luis Piloto included: “Pronóstico” and “Si fueras mi enemigo” songs that gave him international recognition and won him Latin Grammy nomination for Best Male Pop Album … “Día tras día” became after its launch in 2009, one of the most successful albums of his career, receiving gold and platinum discs.

This gave rein to that was nominated this year in three of the most important categories of the Latin Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Album.

2- Andrés Cepeda
2- Andrés Cepeda

In 2012 Andrés Cepeda presented to the public his seventh album “Lo major que hay en mi vida.” Cepeda received four nominations for this album by The Latin Recording Academy, taking for the first time Latin Grammy in the category “Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album”.

He was joined for this award three prizes that gave the Nuestra Tierra 2013 Awards in the categories Best Album of the Year, Best New Artist and Best Pop Performance. Additionally, he received double platinum. In 2015 he released his latest production, “Mil Ciudades” album that featured the participation of leading industry figures.

Andrés Cepeda flyers
Andrés Cepeda flyers

Mike Bahia

Mike Bahia
Mike Bahia

Meanwhile, in the second installment of HTV En La Mira of the month arrives on Thursday, November 17 the reggaetonero, Mike Bahia, one of the great musical promises of the moment.

1- Mike Bahia
1- Mike Bahia

Bahía had already begun his career by participating in the reality show “La Voz Colombia” (second edition), where he was a pupil of Fanny Lu. Then he debuted as a soloist in 2014 with the single ‘Buscándote’, a song produced by Montana The Producer (who worked for J Alvarez and Chris G), Juan Jhail (who collaborated on projects Kevin Roldan and alkylated) and Ronny Watts (alkylated and Hernán Saraza).

2- Mike Bahia
2- Mike Bahia

Later in his still brief career, Mike Bahía launched four singles: “Estar Contigo” (2014), ‘Buscándote (remix)’, ‘Tarde’ and ‘La Muñeca’ (all 2015). The latter will integrate the first album of Mike, which will be called ‘Soy Yo’. Mike himself wrote ‘La Muñeca’ in collaboration with Juan Jahil and Juan Gálvez, alkylated vocalist.

3- Mike Bahia
3- Mike Bahia

4- Mike Bahia
4- Mike Bahia

For his part, the director Nuno Gomez, who worked with alkylated in several videos, directed the clip in various locations in Venezuela. So you know, do not miss these two artists and enjoy their confessions in HTV because HTV it gets good!

Mike Bahia flyers
Mike Bahia flyers

Paoli Mejías A Talent Forged in the Streets and Discipline with a New Sound in Latin Jazz

From legendary sideman to the leader of a limitless musical vanguard.

Paoli Mejías is a pivotal figure in the evolution of contemporary percussion, renowned for his seamless fusion of Latin jazz with masterful conga technique.

Paoli Mejias: From accompanying legends to leading a musical vanguard without borders

Paoli Mejias: From accompanying legends to leading a musical vanguard without borders

While he is an exceptional multi-percussionist, his command of the congas has established him as one of the most in-demand soloists in the world.

He is distinguished by a melodic style; he doesn’t just keep time he makes the drums “sing,” utilizing precise tuning and astonishing speed.

After touring the globe alongside icons such as Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Seis del Solar, Chick Corea, and Marc Anthony, Mejías has solidified his status as an international benchmark. His vast musical, folkloric, and cultural knowledge positions him today not only as a percussion virtuoso but as a visionary leading his own quintet.

With a career marked by success, Mejías has produced three high-caliber independent albums: Mi Tambor (2004), which received a Latin Grammy nomination, Transcend (2006), and Jazzambia (2008).

Paoli Mejías, a talent forged in the streets and through discipline

Paoli Mejías, a talent forged in the streets and through discipline

These works have placed the Puerto Rican percussionist at the forefront of the genre, earning glowing reviews in the world’s most influential publications, including JazzTimes, DownBeat, Jazziz, and Modern Drummer.

A Talent Forged in the Streets and Discipline

Born in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico, on March 7, 1970, Paoli discovered his calling at the age of twelve. Inspired by the records of Carlos “Patato” Valdés and Ray Barretto, and the innovation of groups like Batacumbele and Irakere, he bought his first conga and began a self-taught journey.

Without formal teachers, he learned the language of percussion by mimicking the sounds emanating from his favorite vinyl records.

Paoli Mejía with Nuevo Sonido en el Jazz Latino

Paoli Mejía with Nuevo Sonido en el Jazz Latino

His true training took place in the effervescent musical atmosphere of San Juan, absorbing the styles of his mentors in street rumbas.

His professional debut came via Rafú Wagner (former vocalist for Bobby Valentín), and while still a teenager, he was already collaborating with renowned local artists such as José Nogueras, Glenn Monroig, and Charlie Sepúlveda.

The Leap to the Global Stage

His impeccable technique and melodic sensitivity quickly made him the preferred sideman for the greats. For over eight years, he was a key member of maestro Eddie Palmieri’s orchestra, recording on historic projects like Masterpiece/Obra Maestra (with Tito Puente), which won a Grammy Award.

Paoli Mejías is a fundamental figure when discussing the evolution of contemporary percussion
Paoli Mejías is a fundamental figure when discussing the evolution of contemporary percussion

His discography now exceeds 20 commercial productions, including the nominated Acuarela de Tambores.

This exposure to world music enriched his creative fire. As Elmer González noted in Latin Beat: “Through Mi Tambor, Paoli achieves a watercolor of rhythms and textures that make this album one of the best Afro-Latin jazz productions released as a leader, and he aspires to continue a career forged on the stages of the world’s most important festivals.”

Beyond the Traditional Genre

Today, Paoli Mejías’ group offers a style that transcends labels. His proposal fuses the “Salsa Gorda” of the big orchestras with Puerto Rican bomba and plena, incorporating nuances of Greek, Flamenco, Indian, and African music. The result is a vibrant experience where the audience ceases to be spectators and becomes participants.

His versatility was cemented at the Heineken Jazz Festival, where critics highlighted his absolute mastery of minor percussion, timbales, bongos, and ethnic instruments like the Nigerian Udu, hailing him as one of the most complete percussionists of our time.

Paoli was there: Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Seis del Solar, Chick Corea and Marc Anthony

Paoli was there: Eddie Palmieri, Tito Puente, Seis del Solar, Chick Corea and Marc Anthony

Beyond his role as a performer, the “Maestro” shares his knowledge by conducting clinics at prestigious institutions such as the University of Washington, the University of New Mexico, and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.

Sponsored by leading brands like Latin Percussion and Sabian, Paoli Mejías continues to elevate the legacy of Latin jazz into exciting new dimensions.

Member of Santana

Paoli Mejías is a world-renowned percussionist who was a member of the band Santana, led by Carlos Santana.

Joining Santana: Paoli joined the group in 2013, taking over the conga chair. His arrival brought an impressive technical energy and rhythmic depth, establishing him as a fundamental piece of the band’s world tours for several years.

Source: Paoli Mejías

Photos: Paoli Mejías Archives / © Martin Cohen

Also Read: Carlos “Patato” Valdés: One of the Greatest Percussionists in Latin Jazz History

Buika. The Multicultural Sensation

European Union
Buika
Buika

“It takes a lot of guts to expose your true self to others, and acclaimed singer, songwriter, poet, composer and music producer, Buika (pronounced BWEE-ka), does that every night she goes on stage. As plain as the tattoos on her skin, Buika bears her soul to her fans across the world, which she affectionately calls her “tribe.””

This summer, Buika continues her journey of storytelling across Europe and South America in support of her latest album, fittingly named Vivir Sin Miedo (To Live Without Fear). Her eighth album and one with the most English lyrics, Vivir Sin Miedo, co-produced by Grammy Award-winning Swedish producer, Martin Terefe (Mary J. Blige, Mutya Buena, Coldplay) features Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Jason Mraz, German neo-soul artist Meshell Ndegeocello, and Spanish underground flamenco legend Potito.

2- Buika
2- Buika

Born María Concepción Balboa Buika in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Buika grew up immersed in Spanish culture with her African-born parents. Surrounded by multiple cultures throughout her life, Buika had a variety of musical influences, from jazz and flamenco to pop, soul and African polyrhythm. This eclectic upbringing shaped Buika’s ability to make music without limitations. During her 15-year recording career, her albums flow seamlessly between pop, jazz, soul, reggae, afro beat, R&B and flamenco. Equally diverse are her collaborators, which include Pat Metheny, Anoushka Shankar, Chick Corea, Niño Josele, Bebo and Chucho Valdés, Seal and Nelly Furtado.

Photo 2 - Buika
Photo 2 – Buika

“Filmmaker and longtime fan, Pedro Almodóvar, remarked about Buika, ‘Seeing her draw from such different genres…mix them all together with such grace and spontaneity, one cannot help but think that there is a brighter future as long as one can witness the boundless evolution of this infinite performer.'”

A brighter future did arrive for Buika with each new album. Her 2006 album, Mi Niña Lola (My Little Girl Lola), won Buika high praise from the US media, including The New York Times, The New Yorker, Miami Herald and NPR. She received two Latin Grammys, one for her 2009 album, El Ultimo Trago (The Last Drink) and for her 2013 album, La Noche Más Larga (The Longest Night), which also won a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Jazz album.

Photo 3: Buika
Photo 3: Buika

Other Latin Grammy nominations included Best Album and Best Production for Niña de Fuego (Girl of Fire, special 2-CD Edition, which included her first collection of poems – 2008), Record of the Year for her albums, Se Me Hizo Facil (2010) and La Nave del Olvido (2013) as well as the new Record of the Year nomination for Vivir sin Miedo for the song “Si volveré” (2016)

Buika knows no boundaries when it comes to language or geography. She has collaborated with musicians and singers in Spanish, Catalan, English, French, Portuguese, Iranian and Armenian. Her touring has spanned the globe, covering Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean Islands, Asia, Africa and the US.

A great music ambassador, she reaches any small or large crowd..i.e performed at the US Embassy in Madrid, Spain, on a great 4th of July or a year ago at the Spanish Embassy in DC, for a larger audiences at different music festivals, such as “La Notte della Taranta” Italy over or “Jazz al parque” Bogotá just a month ago.

Photo - Buika
Photo – Buika

She has no barriers in terms of artistic expression and rejects any kind of self-limitation, a business owner, singer / songwriter, producer and poet, whom on her time off immerses herself in the world of photography, some of her best portraits and self-portraits can be seen on any of her books, Niña de fuego (Girl of fire) “special edition” and -A los que amaron a mujeres difíciles y acabaron por soltarse (To those who loved difficult women and ended up letting go)

Buika singing
Buika singing

For Buika, her music is more than a career. She says, “I am music (…)!”

  • [email protected]
  • [email protected]
  • [email protected] 
  • [email protected]
  • « Go to Previous Page
  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Page 3
  • Page 4
  • Interim pages omitted …
  • Page 15
  • Go to Next Page »

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.