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Eduardo Paim: The Father of Kizomba

Eduardo Paim, the creator of the musical genre called Kizomba, is well-cherished in the Latin Dance community for being one of the most influential musicians in Latin music history. He is internationally renowned as the godfather of Kizomba music.
Born in Angola in the 1980s, Kizomba music is a blend of Kilapanga, Semba, and Angolan Merengue. Semba is the traditional Angolan music. As compared to Semba, Kizomba has a more sensuous rhythm. It’s slower and more romantic than Semba. As the principal language of Angola is Portuguese, therefore Kizomba songs are mostly sung in Portuguese. Coming from the Bantu term “Kimbundu”, Kizomba means fiesta or party. The forefathers of Kizomba are Eduardo Paim and his band SOS that he founded in 1982.

Eduardo Paim
Though it was the album “Luanda minha banda” Eduardo Paim made his successful debut with, his real breakthrough is considered “Do kaiaia” which was his second recording in 1992.
This album exceeded 50,000 copies. Later on, he released the album “Kambuengo” which was a great success too. “Ka-Ne-La” “Rosa baila” and “Chindu a tempo” are still on the top of the list of his popular songs.
The father of Kizomba, Eduardo Paim, calls himself “the precursor of Kizomba”. According to him, it was in the early 80s that the process of creating Kizomba started. There were two groups, namely SOS and Afro Sound Star (ASS). The use of kilapanda (type of music and dance from Angola. It is related to semba and kizomba, two other popular genres of Angolan music) as a reference style by the group Afro Sound Star inspired him a lot. Moreover, traditional African music such as Semba also contributed to his inspiration for the development of a new music genre. Today, kizomba is danced worldwide.
Just like everything else in this world, Eduardo Paim also had his ups and downs in his journey to music. Having said that, a time came when his schedule was just reduced to one show per year from six shows a month! At this point, he dreamed to build up his own record studio, and started working for it. And yes, he succeeded in earning a name as a producer in Angolan music industry. He named his studio “EP Studios”. Being a producer, he supported many Angolan singers of the new generation. With his release of the album “Maruva na taca” he made his comeback to the music industry in 2006.

Eduardo Paim with Paulo Flores
Though it was the album “Luanda minha banda” Eduardo Paim made his successful debut with, his real breakthrough is considered “Do kaiaia” which was his second recording in 1992. This album exceeded 50,000 copies. Later on, he released the album “Kambuengo” which was a great success too. “Ka-Ne-La”, “Rosa baila”, and “Chindu a tempo” are still on the top of the list of his popular songs.
Many musicians of the new generation of Angolan music participated in his album “Maruva na Taca”. Yuri da Cunha, Nancy Vieira, Paulo Flores, Big Boss, and Bonga are to name a few. He also released his new cd “Etu mu dietu” a long period after “Maruva na taca”. You can keep yourself updated about his shows and releases by subscribing to Eduardo Paim Official Channel on YouTube.
Eduardo Paim, the father of Kizomba, has given birth to such a music genre that knows no borders. Known for having a sensuous, slow, and insistent rhythm, Kizomba is danced not just in Angola but also in other African countries and in USA and Europe as well. Moreover, Kizomba is also gaining a lot of fame in China, especially in cities such as Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Beijing.
Joel Uriola
Latino America / Venezuela / Caracas
Joel Uriola “I am the best, because I surpass myself”
Very soon the theme will be released, Cuidadillo there ok
This Venezuelan pianist, arranger and musical producer was born on January 4, 1963 in Caracas, in the popular parish of Antímano, the same one that saw the birth of Sonero del Mundo Oscar D´ León, by chance or his destiny was already written and en route. towards a dream that over the years would come true; be the best and that your work is recognized both nationally and internationally.
In our gathering, Joel tells us that when he is classified as the best, he has nothing to do with competing with others or with airs of greatness, but with surpassing himself in everything he proposes, he tells us that “my path is longer, but I came as Joel Uriola”, his name is a seal that ensures quality work.
With 38 years of musical career, Joel Uriola has plenty of talent, level and experience, in each production he uses the best group of Venezuelan musicians and continues to be at the forefront of music, all this is demonstrated in the more than 1000 musical productions in which he has participated as a performer, director or musical producer, with national and international artists.

Joel Uriola The best?
“That’s right, metaphysics says that you can’t talk about yourself in a negative way, you can’t sell a product if you don’t have good marketing, you must see beyond, be your own manager, most record companies are in the hands of ignorant people. the music that drive the artist’s work”. “Artists have the obligation to cultivate themselves, learn and not only be musicians, we must project ourselves in a big way”.
How did your childhood develop and what was the atmosphere of the time like?
“I had a good education in my home, with values, a grandmother with character, who told me that no matter where you lived, your behavior would make a difference, she always motivated me, just like my mother who also instilled in me to prepare myself, my grandmother was an enterprising woman, my father was a rumba guitarist and a professor at the Católica”. “I remember that I saw the debut of the Trabuco Venezolano in the CC Propatria, as fate would have it, my mother had an office there, as did the people of the Latin Dimension.”
At what age did you start in music and with which orchestras did you take your first steps?
“My musical beginnings took place at the “Prudencio Esáa” School of Music, starting professionally at the age of 17 with a group called Galaxia, I was the conga player, it was a Son group and we rehearsed at the observatory”. “Then I became part of the Caracuchos of Joseito Rodríguez from 1977 to 1979, whom I met thanks to Jesús “Totin” Rebolledo, later with the Latin Dimension from 1979 to 1980, from Cesar Monges I learned a great deal, and from 83 to 87 with Oscar D´ León.
And why is there that change from the conga to the piano?
“Due to the noise I made in the house when I was rehearsing and the equipment turned on at full volume, my mother subliminally gave me an organ, it was less noise, and then I began to imitate what the pianists did in a self-taught way, I remember the theme of Pete Rodríguez… What things life has, life, life”. “Then my mother bought me a piano and took me to audition at the School of Music and I stayed, I was a student of teacher Tiero Pezzuti, Gerry Well and Samuel del Real”. “In the nightclubs of El Rosal I did many substitutions, there I polished myself, I had a good preparation and some great teachers who are my friends”.

What anecdotes do you have about your experience of working alongside Oscar D´ León, and about that piano solo on the song “Cuídate bien”, did you ever think that being so young, almost 20 years old, your name would remain forever on the mind of the salsero?
“The time with Oscar was glorious, I got to know many places, we toured for 3 and 4 months, we enjoyed ourselves but we also had a lot of fun, I learned a great deal and disciplined.” “I had the blessing of meeting many musicians that I admired such as Eddie Palmieri, Salvador Cuevas, Barry Rogers, among others, with Domingo Quiñones I made a great friendship.” “As for improvisation, I feel great pride, it was something that came out at that time, I don’t know if it will come out again -laughs-“.
Which musician has been your biggest influence?
Markolino Diamond, Eddie Palmieri, Papo Lucca.
A pianist you admire?
“Markolino Diamond is my idol, a lot of what I do has to do with this guy, if he were alive he wouldn’t exist…”. “He was irreverent, crazy, he broke the schemes.”
How do you see the response of the salsa audience with your productions?
“There will always be admirers and detractors, with the level of awareness that you gain, it doesn’t bother you that there are people who don’t like your work, I make music for everyone”. “Public opinion can kill you if you are not prepared for it, but you must believe in what you do.”
How do you see the support of the media to spread your music?
“Thank God the record companies disappeared, those who knew the least about music controlled them, they decided that it was commercial and that it was not, in the alternative media there is response and support, however, social networks allow you to reach in a matter of seconds many places and you can do your own marketing”.
What do you think about the fusions that you are doing with salsa, for example, salsa and reggaeton?
“It works perfectly, it’s urban salsa, reggaeton with its lyrical content has improved a lot, they’ve softened it, reggaeton artists have great economic and communication support.” “The good things are guaranteed, reggaeton is seen as Salsa was seen in its beginnings, with bad eyes, but you see, Salsa is worldwide even the Chinese dance it, people consume what the radio puts on it, even if it’s bad, there’s room for everyone”.

As a music teacher, what have you contributed to the country?
“Train the next generation, in values and discipline, and that seed continues to germinate, help people regardless of how they sometimes pay you.”
Why musician and not another profession?
“I wanted to be Disip (Venezuela’s intelligence corps), but when one is born marked for something, that’s what goes… My destiny is music.”
How do you see the music industry right now?
“Everyone is recording with their own effort, you make a song, you upload it to the networks, we have that powerful tool in our favor; the record companies limited you, hardly any albums are recorded anymore”.
Can you live from music?
“Well… Thank God I can do it, every day I get up like a conuquero to work, I can live from music.”
Of the 9 productions under your belt, which do you think is the best or the most important for you?
“Babalawo (2009), the best achieved, the best worked in all aspects, was sold in all religious houses.”
What motivated you to form your own orchestra?
“I’ve always been a leader, that’s why I decided to form my own orchestra, everyone has their moment”.
Isn’t it a difficult job to compose and arrange?
“You are born for this, it is not difficult, you must study and prepare yourself, my muse can arrive at 3 a.m., I get up and add or season my music in my own way, I listen to traditional Cuban music, jazz that inspire me.”
What is Joel Uriola doing right now?
“Currently I dedicate myself to producing for other artists of the Salsero genre, always offering quality, the most recent is the work with the Mercadonegro Orchestra with the theme Rumba Negrito”.
You are the arranger of the 3 songs that made the Bailatino orchestra known internationally, you have been the Producer and arranger in five songs of “Rumberos del callejón”, among other Venezuelan artists. What does it feel like to contribute so that other Venezuelans are successful?
“At the moment you do things, you do it with the best intention, and that is the greatest satisfaction, helping others grow regardless of how they pay.”
Do you feel that unity and camaraderie are lacking in the salsa guild?
“Totally, without unity nothing is achieved.”
What do you think of copying, imitating and not creating?
“He who imitates is destined to fail, one must have personality, you must not cling to something foreign to survive, what you do has more value, you must have creative capacity”.
Future plans or present?
“I am recording two songs, Cuidadillo there ok composition by Maurice Melo, a salsa with tasty rhythmic elements, timba and hard sauce, and the second song You are the teacher has a Christian connotation, with the Praise Orchestra, the song is my own. , a cool sauce with Christian sauce”.
Joel reaffirms us “My road is long, but I arrive as Joel Uriola, I am who I am, I am the best”.

La Topa Tolondra & its Salsa with Criterion – Colombia
Latin America / Colombia / Cali
Something magical happens in a unique space in Cali – Colombia: Topa Tolondra
La Topa Tolondra & its Salsa with Criterion ¨ A magical place in a unique space in Santiago de Cali¨
Because what matters is the music and its only and great protagonist “la salsa” a whole universe of happy individuals united by the melody, and all this happens because the salsa is tattooed in the hearts of many caleños and visitors to the area who It becomes evident on the dance floor, where you can find that visiting salsa public from all over the world that dances professionally, there are also those who dance well and those who don’t dance, but who doesn’t give a damn? “nothing”.
Those who are stung or guilla of dancers, those who go in sandals, those who go with tennis, those who go with heels, those who go elegant, those who go relaxed, the dreadlocks with long hair, those with afros, the gentleman and the lady, the chickens, the urban cyclists and even the rockers… and the list is endless because what matters is the music and its only and great protagonist “salsa”
“Lovers of Salsa and Bolero romantics attend weekly without age limits” To the rhythm of the Charanga, the Pachanga, the Boogaloo, the Guajira and the Son Cubano, it is enjoyed every night at the Topa Tolondra. Something unique happens in that magical place and that is that everyone forgets what they will say and they enjoy it from start to finish. In addition, local and international artists such as:
Esteban Copete y su Kintelo Paci co, Habana con Cola, Los Hermanos Lebrón, Clandestina Orquesta, Africali, Ebano y Marl, Bailatino, La Negramenta, Bobby Valentín and among others. For special dates ¬these and events such as Halloween that is approaching are organized. In “La Topa” as it is already known in Cali, sounds resound that arrived in the city between the 50s and 70s, where Salsa shapes the body and bolero its spirit, and going a little deeper we also perceive inclusive energies.
“Having fun is the only requirement to attend” “The Environment” For an unforgettable night you need two halves. The first is a table, chairs, water and drinks. And the second, and perhaps the most important: music and hit.
In Topa Tolondra there is plenty of space for gozadera, to sit down, to toast. Time does not run and there is no decache… “La Música” Here they marry the old guard of Los Hermanos Lebrón, Ángel Canales, La Sonora Ponceña, Frankie Dante and La Flamboyán.
The curatorship of its owner Carlos Ospina, its disc jockey and owner, is to learn it. It is not at all about impressing, it is about knowing how to find the subject at the right time.
¨Variety¨ Mondays are for foreigners. On Tuesdays there is a cinema-forum space and separate classes that are included with the 3 for 1 promotion (for every 3 Salsa songs, one bolero). Wednesdays are the best dancers in the city, Thursdays are dedicated to live salsa.
Finally, Fridays and Saturdays are reserved for these traditional Topa. “To Many Degrees” If your hair is long, bring something to tie it up with. If you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt, roll up the sleeves. If you are one of those people who is not used to consuming water, be prepared to drink what has not been drunk in a year. In La Topa you feel the harsh heat, so it is necessary to establish breaks to go outside to cool off “the heat outside will seem cool to you.”
For a round night, the ideal combination is beer, brandy and water, in dosed sips. Does the temperature exhaust? Yes, but it doesn’t matter if the song that is playing touches your ¬bras and reaches your heart. If you don’t know La Topa Tolondra, be sure to go and if you want to get a clearer idea before visiting, visit their fan page on Facebook www.facebook.com/Latopabar but don’t stay intrigued! Location of La Topa Tolondra. Cl. 5 #13-7, Cali, Valle del Cauca, Colombia Telephone: +57 323 5972646
Soneros Birthdays Party
Soneros Birthdays Party
Omara Portuondo, Ismael Rivera, Jimmy Bosch, and Luisito Carrión celebrate their birthdays this month
October is filled with talent and it’s that in this month a hurricane of brilliant artists of the Salsero genre was born, who have captivated us and have shown their Gift before hundreds of audiences around the world. These Latin Stars have bathed us in SABOR with their lyrics and infected with joy with their melodies. It for that, this month we celebrate their births and dance to the rhythm of the applause towards them. Happy Birthday, Soneros!
Omara Portuondo (October 29, 1930)
Omara was born in La Habana (Cuba). Her first encounter with music was at a very early age. Just as in any other Cuban home, the future singer and her siblings grew up with the songs which her parents, for lack of a gramophone, sang to them. Those melodies, some of which still form part of her repertoire, were young Omara’s informal introduction to the world of music.
She and her sister Haydee sang well-known American group “Los Loquibambla” and their style, a Cubanised version of the Bossa Nova with touches of American jazz, was known as “Feeling”. In their radio debut, Omara was introduced as “Miss Omara Brown, the girlfriend of Feeling”.
“Magia Negra” was her debut record released in 1959. It combined Cuban music with American jazz and included versions of “That Old Black Magic” and “Caravan”, by Duke Ellington. Later she joined one of Cuba’s most important orchestras, La Orchestra Aragón, with which she recorded several albums, such as the one she did with Adalberto Álvarez in 1984 and “Palabras and Desafíos” on which she was accompanied by Chucho Valdés.

However, Omara Portuondo catapulted to her well-earned fame was in the mid-1990s when she collaborated in the recording sessions for Buena Vista Social Club on which she sang “Veinte Años”.
She was the star of the third launching of the Buena Vista Social Club released in 2000 and she toured Europe, traveled to Japan, and performed in the USA and Canada.
Omara went back to the studio to record her second solo album “Flor de Amor” (World Circuit), which was produced by Nick Gold and Alê Siqueira, signals a change in direction in her career: it is an album marked by a more subtle sound and a richness of texture. Portuondo brought in a mixture of Cuban and Brazilian musicians for this album, and it is this factor which influences the particular style of the music.
Omara returned to Europe in 2004 to promote this album, performing at such illustrious venues as the North Sea Jazz Festival, Marble Hill House in London, Olympia in Paris and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam. “Flor de Amor” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Traditional Tropical Record category and the 16th edition of the Billboard Latin Music Awards (2005); this album obtained the Tropical Record of the Year award.
Later, Omara released “Gracias”, the record that marks her sixtieth year in the music business and won the Latin Grammy Award for the Best Contemporary Tropical Album. It was a very special night as Omara was there to receive the prize in person and she also presented one of the awards, the first time that a Cuban artist has done this. The album was also later nominated for a Grammy in the Best Tropical Latin Album category.
After touring with the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club in Europe during 2010, “the girlfriend of Feeling” released the latest recording, Omara & Chucho (Montuno Producciones) in spring 2011. 14 years after their last joint album, they reunite once again to continue unravelling the thread of their first joint project, and show us their talents in the simplest, most unclad manner on a context that enables them to lay emphasis on some of the features that been characteristic of their music at various stages in their careers.
Omara will also tour with the Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club later in Europe and the U.S.
Ismael Rivera (October 5, 1931 – May 13, 1987)
Puerto Rican singer and songwriter contributed to the dissemination of the island’s native rhythms such as the Bomba and Plena, and he was one of the first standard-bearers of the Salsero movement of the decade, the reason for he was called “El Sonero Mayor” and also known for others by the nickname “Maelo”.
In 1952 he was hired as a singer for the Lito Peña’s Orquesta Panamericana with which he became known and reaped his first hits: “La vieja en camisa”, “La sazón de la abuela” and the most popular “El charlatán”, a song in Plena rhythm that was widely heard through the Puerto Rico’s local radio stations.
Two years later he left this group to join the Combo de Cortijo with whom he popularized “El bombón de Elena” by Rafael Cepeda Atiles, and as well as performed on Puerto Rican television in the “El Show del Mediodía”.
At the end of the ‘50s, they were presenting their shows at the prestigious New York club Palladium Ballroom, where they contributed to making popular the tropical rhythms imported from the island with great hits such as “El negro bembón”, “Maquinó Landera”, “Tuntuneco ”, and others.

Ismael Rivera’s triumphant career was interrupted in 1962 for paying four years under the laws of Puerto Rico for possession of narcotics. Then, after recovering his freedom, Ismael formed his musical ensemble “Los Cachimbos” and immersed himself in the nascent Salsero movement to which he contributed two classics such as “Dime por qué” y “Mi negrita me espera”.
In the mid-70s “El Sonero Mayor” became the ambassador of Salsa throughout America, working for the record label of the genre Fania, and triumphing with emblematic songs such as “De todas maneras rosas”.
In his facet as a composer, he wrote very notable pieces such as “Besito de Coco” (famous song by Celiz Cruz), “El incomprendido”, “Arrecotín, arrecotán”, “El que no sufre no vive”, y “Mi libertad eres tú among many others.
In his last years, he suffered a throat cancer that caused him to lose his voice and he died as a result of a heart attack. R.I.P MASTER!
Jimmy Bosch (October 18, 1959)
Jimmy Bosch was born in 1959 (New Jersey, U.S.). He is a world-renowned Trombonist, composer, singer, and bandleader in the world music genres. He has been performing professionally since age 13. Jimmy’s first two solo CDs, “Soneando Trombón” and “Salsa Dura” established him as the Ambassador of the Salsa Dura movement. He ignited this movement by combining old school quality salsa arrangements with a modern NY aggressive edge and socially conscious lyrics. “El Avión De La Salsa” demonstrates and solidifies his commitment to dancer centered music, while “A Millón” is the title of Jimmy’s 4th solo record released.

Appearing in over 100 recordings, Bosch “El Trombón Criollo de La Salsa” has garnered at least 10 Grammys and has toured with his orchestra, his sextet or as a solo artist, as well as with: Eddie Palmieri, Ruben Blades, Celia Cruz, Ray Barretto, Willie Colon, Manny Oquendo y Libre, FANIA Allstars, and the list goes on.
Jimmy has been featured throughout the world in major venues and festivals, including; Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center (NYC), Celebrate Brooklyn (NYC), Montreal Jazz (Canada), Madison Square Garden (NYC), Sydney Opera House (Australia), Barranquijazz (Colombia), El Poliedro and Teresa Careña (Venezuela), and many other important places.
Luisito Carrión (OCTOBER 26, 1962)
A native of Arecibo in Puerto Rico, Luisito Carrión has been singing since he was 13 years old. He began his career as a Salsa artist with the Orquesta Kafe, Orquesta La Nativa and Grupo Concepto Latino.
In his first performances, he sang along with Celia Cruz, Adalberto Santiago, and Santitos Colón. Later on, he was a member of Salsa Fever together with Julio “Gunda” Merced, were several hits come from: “Renta de Amor” and “Señores ahí va Julián”. Afterward, he joined the Bobby Valentín Orchestra, where he sang songs, such as: “El Señor de las Señoras”, “Ramos de flores”, “El Gigoló”, “Tributo de Cali” and “Como lo hago yo”. In his evolutionary process, Luisito joined the Orquesta Don Perignon where he sang “La Fuga” and later with the Sonora Porceña, where he performed songs, such as “Yaré” and “A Comer Lechón”.

In 1997, he recorded with Roberto Roena y Su Apollo Sound “Mi música 1997”. At the end of the 90s, Carrión began his career as a soloist with the record company MP Records with Julio “Gunda” Mercéd and Rafael Bodo Torres, which led to hits, such as: “Sin tu amor”, “La Chica Más Popular”, “Nadie Como Tú”, “Porque”, “Amiga Mía”, “Muriendo”, “Como Ave Sin Rumbo” and “Para Ser Real”. Nowadays, Luisito Carrión is one of the best Puerto Rico’s Soneros bringing on “Histeriaaaa…” in his fans.













































