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Search Results for: Grammy nomination

Willie Colon’s in Concert – Mexico City, Mexico 2021

The 50th anniversary of Willie Colón’s musical career will be celebrated in the National Auditorium in Mexico City.

William Anthony Colón Colón Román, better known as Willie Colón, was born in New York City, United States on April 28, 1950, his passion and dedication were highlighted in the salsa genre, being a salsa musician, singer, American composer of Puerto Rican origin which gives him a special touch, since salsa is characterized by the abundant use of percussion (clave, maracas, conga, bongo, tambora, cowbell, among others). This is inherited from the African musical influence mixed with jazz, which permeated the Latin American Caribbean since the colonial times and gained high popularity in 1960 for being the novelty of the moment in the lowest and highest society, starting in New York with Dominican singer Johnny Pacheco.

In the case of Willie Colón as a musician, he has been characterized by the fusion of rhythms such as son, mambo, guaracha, cha cha cha, guajira, Colombian cumbia, rumba, Venezuelan joropo, among others; He was also known as the master trombonist, blended various Caribbean African, and urban rhythms, formed one of the most important teams of Latin music of the seventies with vocalist Hector Lavoe and is considered one of the pioneers in the development of the genuine salsa movement in the late sixties and the early seventies.

His music, which has been a great influence on modern Latin Jazz, because it reflects a traditional lyrical rhythm and generates the goodbye and the hope as he was forced to leave his country to settle in the United States, and during his musical career, he got 11 Grammy nominations and received 15 gold and 5 platinum records.

It is worth mentioning that Willie Colón is one of the few artists who have worked with several well-known artists on the international scene in his entire career, some of them are: Hector Lavoe, Ray Barretto, Bobby Valentin, Reynaldo Jorge, Celia Cruz, Tito Puente, and David Byrne.

With the arrival of the new coronavirus (COVID-19) in late 2019, the world changed drastically everyone, including artists of which many have remained quarantined and others have been promoted on social networks or online events to avoid catching this dangerous virus. Now in 2021, the quarantine has relaxed and we have managed to keep a highly effective biosecurity system to be able to do certain witnessing activities such as events and/or musical concerts.

Willie Colon's at the National Auditorium of Mexico
Willie Colon’s Flyer at the National Auditorium of Mexico

So if you want to do something different during this quarantine, buy your ticket for the Willie Colon concert to be held on June 18, 2021, which promises to be a unique spectacle at the National Auditorium in Mexico City to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his career in the world of music.

The National Auditorium is known for being an entertainment center located on Paseo de la Reforma Avenue in Colonia Chapultepec (a neighborhood in Mexico City) where a variety of musical events are held to promote musical talent in general and to be an appealing tourist point for culture.

the organizers that boast the salsa event confirmed to us that “With his retirement still far from his list of priorities, Willie Colón is ready to go to Mexico again.” And if you want any news, we inform you that the artist is also currently engaged in writing his memoirs and producing emerging salsa groups, so we will be able to delight in the knowledge acquired by the salsa master Willie Colon soon.

Buy your ticket through the various websites:

  • https://www.songkick.com/concerts/39730937-willie-colon-at-auditorio-nacional?utm_source=53907&utm_medium=partner
  • https://www.stubhub.com.mx/boletos-willie-colon-mexico/ev1103843

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José Alberto “The Nightingale” Several genres one style, composer and singer of Cuban music

Cuban Cultural with José Alberto “El Ruiseñor” Nominated for Best Latin Tropical Album  “Mi Tumbao”For the 63rd Grammy®Awards.

Hollywood, CA. The 63rd Grammy Nominations were announced on November 24, 2020.

The astonishing surprise was the Nomination of Cuban born José Alberto “El Ruiseñor”, Nominated for Best Tropical Latin Album “Mi Tumbao”.

The excitement is building and it could not have happened to a better man.

José Alberto Tamayo Diaz, aka The Nightingale. Born into a musical family, José’s parents played a key role in his musical journey; his father was a tres player and his mother was a singer.

At fourteen years young José flourished as the leader of the Cuban based band, Grupo Rock Lasser; his charisma and popularity spurred his passion, and the rest is history.

José Alberto "The Nightingale" Several genres one style Composer and singer of Cuban music
José Alberto “The Nightingale” Composer and singer of Cuban music

José Alberto has dedicated his love of Cuba through his music. A win for José Alberto on Jan 31, 2021 would make him the first solo Cuban male vocalist to win a Grammy in 21 years, since Chucho Valdez in 1999.

El Ruiseñor confesses, “The Grammy Awards are way up there, it is the Oscars for music, winning a Grammy award would mean a lot to my country.”

Hailing from Bayamo, the capital city of the Granma Province of Eastern Cuba, “Bayamo is my life”, Alberto admits proudly in reflection of his group BNM, Bayamo National Movement.

For over 30 years, Jose has thrived as a prominent citizen of Cuba, and has constantly worked hard for his city, his music and his valuable culture. As the most internationally awarded solo artist of Granma, José Alberto El Ruiseñor has dedicated many songs to his fellow countrymen.

With the pandemic numbers growing, he curated an online philanthropic concert, to recognize the efforts of doctors and nurses titled, “Cuba Saves”, broadcasted from his own backyard. Before the pandemic he was keeping up with his hometown roots by performing every Saturday in the main street of Bayamo.

Hailing from Bayamo, the capital of Granma province in eastern Cuba, "Bayamo es mi vida" (Bayamo is my life)
“Bayamo is my life” José Alberto “The Nightingale”

The album title, “Mi Tumbao” translated to “swag” or “grace to move,” transcends the listener into the origins of Cuban music, and the raw roots of his Cuban nation.

The album breathes three decades of artistic life, composed of Guaracha, Son, Salsa, Cumbia, and Merengue. Homage is vibrantly paid to his influencers and godfathers of Cuban music; Sindo Garay, Ñico Saquito and Miguel Matamoros, all who were introduced to him by his father.

The album has 10 illuminating, action packed tracks, some unpublished and others adaptations of known Cuban classics.

In the feature track “Emigrante” (Immigrant), José narrates the overlooked struggles of migrant life with pure vulnerability, through lyrics such as “This has to change, down ambitions, there is only one heaven in this world, why so many divisions”.

In the title track, "Emigrante", José narrates with pure vulnerability the forgotten struggles of migrant life, through lyrics such as "This has to change, lower your ambitions, there's only one heaven in this world, why so many divisions".
The album’s title, “Mi Tumbao”, translates as “swag” or “grace to move”,

A timely song meant for acknowledging all the current problems brought on by controversial governments. In contrast, José transforms the internationally known anthem, “Lagrimas Negras”  (Black Tears), to more of an inspired traditional salsa.

The project is backed by English label Tumi Music. With legendary A&R director Mo Fini at the helm, the UK based label specializes in authentic and original music from all corners of Latin America.

José Alberto’s innate vocal techniques, and the ability to relate to the common man through his music, will captivate and inspire any and all of its listeners.. Miracles do happen and this time it’s all rolled up in a profoundly talented troubadour, José Alberto; he is a force to be reckoned with. If you’ve never heard his music before, now is the time to listen; make yourself a cubano and a cafecito, take the old Victrola for a spin, your feet will do all the work. José Alberto’s contagious rhythmic vocals will get you going!

With legendary A&R director Mo Fini at the helm, the UK-based label specializes in authentic and original music from all corners of Latin America.
José Alberto Tumi Records

José Alberto

Tumi Records

www.tumimusic.com

Media Inquiries

Jodi Jackson

JJ Entertainment

323-356-0797

[email protected]

 

 

 

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Sheila King in Latin music

North America / United States

Sheila King is an international singer/songwriter born in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico

(Sheila King) Her passion for singing started at the young age of 6 singing the music of her favorite childhood artists.

From the age of 13 she began to compose her own music. A quality that she began developing further the older she got. Today she writes and co-writes all of her music.

Her massive lyrical ability is demonstrated by her dominance of different styles of music. In her beginnings she was a vocalist of the group “Dulce Material” and backup singer of various musical productions under the guidance of the music executive Miguel Correa.

Sheila King is an international singe
Sheila King is an international singer/songwriter

Miguel Correa has been responsible to pushing many artists in Puerto Rico like Mayra Mayra and Jessica Cristina under the label BMG. Now under the guidance of Raul RAZ Zeballos, Rare Monkey Entertainment, Sheila King Publishing, Rare Monkey Publishing, and Dustelli Music and Publishing; Sheila has produced a new album titled Trascendencia this album is the culmination of the work of superproducers Raul RAZ Zeballos, Mr. Vla, Tony Choy, and Ivan Nazario.

This new album is a vision and creation that Sheila shaped through her life experience. With this new production Sheila King plans to surpass everything she has already achieved with her first album Supernova her 2018 Latin GRAMMY nominated album and Galaxia Musical her 2019 release that was shortlisted for several Latin GRAMMY nominations on 2019.

Grammys and Awards

Sheila has had a very illustrious career as a solo artist culminating with her highest achievement to date; being nominated for the 2018 Latin GRAMMY Award for best Tropical Fusion Album with her freshman Album Supernova. Other notable awards, nomination, and recognitions.

Sheila King
Sheila King Grammys and Awards

She was named winner of the Premio Urbano as the best new artist of 2015.

She was nominated to the Premios Latinos Fama as the best pop new artist in 2015. In 2017 Sheila was honored to win the Supremacy Award in Venezuela as top Latin Female International Artist.

Sheila King is currently recognized as one of the top vocal talents in Latin music. She has taken her energetic and vocally exhilarating shows to many countries including the Dominican Republic and many cities across the United States.

Sheila’s music has been very well received by fans in Canada, Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Germany, and Israel where she has had much success in radio airplay and captured a large audience.

Sheila is ready to leave her stamp on Latin Music and 2019 only looks to brighten her star and grow her career. Grammys and Awards TRASCEND.

Trascendencia

Trascendencia is comprised of 9 tracks starting with the title track Trascendencia a Latin – Reggae – Dancehall fusion featuring Notch.

Sheila King
Sheila King Trascendencia

This song leads the album’s theme with transcendence and becoming a better version of yourself. This song is a global theme of togetherness, brotherhood & sisterhood, and love for life and one another.

Then the album follows with the track Están Hablando de Ti a traditional fusion, in this song Sheila speaks about a relationship where the woman is disrespected, the song becomes an anthem of strength. Amor del Bueno follows a beautiful reggae pop style that defines what that “good loving” feels like and how you embrace that once in a lifetime love.

Love remains the theme with the Rock Latino Fusion Espectacular a production where the guitars and style of Latin rock creates a memorable fusion.

Now the album takes you to Colombia with Si Me Dejas a Cumbia, Reggaeton, Tropical fusion that again poses the question of let me love you like no one else would.

Then it’s a celebration a party song with Guarachando a vision of the future of Latin pop music with reggaeton and hip-hop elements showcased on this track.

Closing the Album is Indiferencia a tragic break up salsa about a woman done with the indifference of a lover that really does not care.

Sheilaa Kingg
Sheila King

 

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Willie Colon

North America / USA / New York

William Anthony Colón Román, better known as Willie Colon, was born in New York (USA) on April 28, 1950.

Willie Colon
Willie Colon

This American musician of Puerto Rican descent. Master trombone and fusion of various Caribbean, African rhythms and urban music, formed with vocalist Hector Lavoe one of the most important couples in Latin music of the seventies, and is considered, one of the pioneers in the development genuine salsero movement in the late sixties and early seventies.

Grandson of Puerto Rican immigrants, Colón grew in the Latin Quarter district of the Bronx, a fact that has marked much of his personal and artistic career, which implies rebellion and transgression of the rules. After studying trumpet and clarinet, his admiration for Mon Rivera led him to opt for the trombone at age fourteen, thus initiating his professional career playing in community centers with fellow high school.

Willie Colon - Photo 1
Willie Colon – Photo 1

A year later when he was 15 years old, he signed a contract with the Fania record label. Two later, in 1966, he recorded his first album with the significant title of El Malo, which sold 300,000 copies.

In this first work already he had the unmistakable voice of Hector Lavoe and introduced elements of Puerto Rican folk music, especially the pump, mixed with own hurtful and harsh rhythms of the trombone, what were good examples topics as successful as Jazzy and I wish I had watermelon.

Willie Colon - Photo 2
Willie Colon – Photo 2

Along with other prominent musicians of Caribbean origin as Ray Barretto, Bobby Valentin, Reynaldo Jorge and self-Héctor Lavoe, he participated in 1971 in the concert recording of the FANIA All Stars, considered the event that launched the salsa movement in New York.

That same year, his masterful rendition of Piranha, consisting of Tite Curet Alonso, he shot to fame and became one of the icons of the musical movement.

Under this record label and with Hector Lavoe recorded over a dozen albums until 1975, among which were Guisando (1969), Cosa Nostra, El Juicio and Asaltos Navideños (1972), in this last album this expert and risky arranger, combined rhythms and styles to help create music that would be known today as the sauce. He incorporated elements of Puerto Rican Jibaro and thus created hit singles that became popular among Puerto Rican listeners.

Willie Colon - Photo 3
Willie Colon – Photo 3

In 1975 he recorded The Good, the Bad, the Ugly. All their albums show genuine urban or what came to be known as “sounds of the neighborhood,” the most faithful sample of Puerto Rican immigrant feeling in the great metropolis New York salsa. After his work with Fania his fame spread among the Hispanic community in the US and much of Latin America; in 1975 he had the opportunity to play alongside his idol Mon Rivera.

In the late seventies, his rebellious spirit led him to develop along the Panamanian singer Ruben Blades what became known as salsa awareness, songs denouncing the political and social situation in Latin America and the Caribbean; conjunction with Blades was especially fortunate, with high quality work as Metiendo Mano (1977) and Siembra (1978). Canciones del Solar de los Aburridos album in 1982 was awarded a Grammy.

Willie Colon - Photo 4
Willie Colon – Photo 4

Willie Colón has worked throughout his career, in addition to those already mentioned, with artists like Celia Cruz, Tito Puente and David Byrne, and played some roles in Mexican television such as: Demasiado Corazón, La Intrusa y Corazón Partido. Furthermore, it could also be seen in the films “Vigilante”, “The Last Flight” and “It Could Happen to You”.

From the nineties his artistic side gave way to intense activity in social life and American politics, according to its commitment to the Hispanic community: thus, in 1966 Willie Colón was named by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the 100 most influential Hispanics in the US; in 1993 it was presented to the primaries in the State of New York; in 1995 he became the first Hispanic ASCAP entered in the National Council; and in 1999 he was part of the delegation was received at the Vatican by Pope with the Jubilee 2000, in addition to regularly collaborate with humanitarian organizations like the United Nations and Amnesty International.

Willie Colon - Photo 5
Willie Colon – Photo 5

As a musician, it has been characterized by the fusion of rhythms such as son, mambo, guaracha, cha cha cha, guajira, Colombian cumbia, rumba and Venezuelan joropo, among others.

His music, which has been a big influence on the modern Latin Jazz, reflects a traditional lyric rhythm, and goodbye and hope forced to leave their land to settle in the US generates.

In his 42 year career, Columbus has released more than 45 albums, among which we can mention “Crime Pays”, “The Baquine of Angelitos Negros”, “49 Minutes”, “Solo”, “Fantasmas”, “The Last Fight”, “Contrabando Especial No. 5”, “Honra y Cultura”, “Tras la Tormenta”, “Demasiado Corazón”, “Idilio” y “El Malo 2”, this latest album which was released in 2008.

Willie Colon - Photo 6
Willie Colon – Photo 6

In his career, Willy took 11 nominations for the Grammy Awards and received 15 gold records and 5 platinum.

Adriana Mosquea: Between Strings, Winds, and Spirituality

Vocal Excellence, Instrumental Versatility, and Artistic Training

Adriana Carolina Mosquea Santana, born on August 25, 1993, in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, is a multi-faceted artist who has built a solid career as a solo singer, bassist, stage actress, and vocal coach.

Adriana Mosquea Between Strings, Winds and Spirituality
Adriana Mosquea Between Strings, Winds and Spirituality

Early Training and First Steps

She began her musical journey at the age of five in school and church choirs. At nine, she entered the Centro de la Cultura de Santiago, where she studied singing, electric bass, and classical guitar. By age 17, she became the only female voice and bassist for the fusion group Oveja Negra.

After an accident that hindered the mobility of her hands for eight months, she defied medical diagnoses and achieved a full recovery through self-directed therapy, resuming her career with groups such as Sol Latino and La Piña Tá Dulce.

The Leap into Lyrical Music and Theater

In 2014, she received a scholarship from the La 37 por las Tablas school, joining the elite vocal group Les Cantatis. Under the tutelage of Roberto Guzmán and María Ligia Grullón, she performed pieces by Vivaldi, Pergolesi, and Tchaikovsky, and participated in the opera Carmen. In 2019, she was part of the choir for the opera La Traviata at the National Theater, conducted by José Antonio Molina.

Solo Career and National Projection

As a soloist, she has released tracks such as Humo y Humo and Zombie, performing at festivals like Arte Vivo and the Alliance Française. Her multidisciplinary project, Circo Imaginario, led her to open for the iconic Dominican rock band Toque Profundo.

Her appearance on Dominicana’s Got Talent in 2019 earned her massive recognition and excellent reviews from the judges. That same year, she joined Belkys Concepción y las Damas as a bassist and backing vocalist, sharing the stage with legendary figures like Johnny Ventura and Fefita la Grande.

Adriana Carolina Mosquea Santana, born on August 25, 1993 in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic
Adriana Carolina Mosquea Santana, born on August 25, 1993 in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic

Professional Background and Academic Formation

Adriana’s dedication goes beyond performance; she is an art scholar. She holds a degree in Art History and is currently pursuing a degree in Special Needs Education, focusing on music pedagogy.

Key milestones in her professional journey include:

  • Oveja Negra: Her first professional group at 17, where she served as the bassist.
  • Son Santiaguero & Sol Latino: Projects where she explored Cuban Son and alternative rock.
  • Belkys Concepción: She performed as the bassist for the band led by “The Mother of Merengue,” highlighting Belkys’ overwhelming energy on stage.

Innovation During the Pandemic and Recent Collaborations

Between 2020 and 2021, she produced her album Arte, Magia y Libertad (Art, Magic, and Freedom) in collaboration with Venezuelan producer Daniela Yánez. Her singles have received nominations at the Indie Dominican Awards and Expo Cibao.

Additionally, she participated in the In Memoriam segment of the 2020 Soberano Awards and composed part of the soundtrack for the film La Soga 3. In 2025, she stood out in a tribute to Maridalia Hernández, performing the duet Te Ofrezco.

Pedagogical Work and Vocal Coaching

Currently, Adriana is a prominent vocal coach. She has been a key figure in the technical evolution of the artist Tokischa, working on projects nominated for the 2025 Latin Grammys and 2026 Premios Lo Nuestro. She is a graduate in Art History and is currently completing a Degree in Pedagogy at CESUMA University in Spain.

Excelencia Vocal, Versatilidad Instrumental y Formación Artística
Excelencia Vocal, Versatilidad Instrumental y Formación Artística

“Singing is a means of expression and healing. My focus is on a balanced life and technical discipline to set the voice free.”

The Multi-instrumentalist and the Winds of Communication

Although her primary instrument is the bass (and double bass in her early years), Adriana is proficient in guitar, piano, drums, and ukulele. her foray into woodwind instruments, such as the clarinet and saxophone, was born from a spiritual search:

“Wind instruments work with air, which is communication. As an artist, I needed to work on my ability to communicate what I was keeping silent.”

Identity, Flavor, and Spirituality

Proud of her roots, Adriana describes Santiago de los Caballeros as a peaceful “city-countryside.” Her palate travels between the Dominican Sancocho de siete carnes and the Venezuelan Mondongo, a dish she confesses has captivated her.

Adriana Mosquea
Adriana Mosquea

For her, music and spirituality are tools for self-knowledge. She defines spirituality as the acceptance of human duality—seeking balance between light and shadow, far from the pretensions of the ego.

Also Read: Dominican bandleader and singer Papo Ross is triumphing in Montreal

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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.