Search Results for: Music Awards

“Alfareros” launches “Guerrera”

One of the countries located in the Caribbean, we have the Dominican Republic being the 2nd largest island in the Caribbean, where the most popular music is Spanish and African, in rhythmic, tonal and harmonic aspects.

The Catholic Music Ministry Alfareros, are the winners of the Latin GRAMMY 2018 in the category “Christian Album in Spanish”, released their most recent single entitled “Guerrera”

Which is a sticky musical cut of meringue with a typical flavor, which serves as a tribute to all women who face the battles and phases that life holds for them every day as true warriors.

The launch coincides with the celebration of 25 years in the art of ALFAREROS. Junior Cabrera, director of Alfareros and composer of the single, affirms that “Guerrera”, “is a hymn of hope and with it we want to recognize all the women fighters, who without fear have faced or still face diseases, abandonment, discrimination or violence”.

Felina Tejada, is the main interpreter of the song and one of the most recent members of the group, shares that “this song is a call for joy and faith, in this time of trials in which the world is facing the pandemic of COVID-19 ”

Along with the song, a video clip has also been released, shot in the city of Santiago de Los Caballeros, Dominican Republic, directed by Kelvin J Bido and in which some twenty (20) “warriors” appear as protagonists, whose testimonies have been growth and blessing for many people.

The single and the video are now available on the YouTube and Spotify digital platforms, as well as on the Ministry’s social networks (@alfareros).

Alfareros - Guerreras — Alfareros lanza Guerrera integrantes

Alfareros, directed by Junior Cabrera. Its vocalists are Katia del Cid (Guatemala), María Fernanda Wilches (Colombia), Oscar Roque (El Salvador) and the Dominicans Felina Tejada, Artemio Vargas and Fermín Amador.

They were winners of the Casandra Award 2005 from the Association of Art Chroniclers of the Dominican Republic as Religious Association of the Year and the Latin GRAMMY® 2018 for their production “70 times 7”.

They are the first and only Christian group to perform a full house concert at the Altos de Chavón Amphitheater with the concert “A Chavón for you” in 2005. This concert was also nominated at the 2006 Casandra Awards in the Concert of the Year category: first time for a religious concert.

Throughout their career they have performed in mass meetings and concerts throughout the Dominican geography, as well as in the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Panama, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Peru. They were also part of the artistic attractions of the World Youth Days in Sydney (Australia), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and Panama.

The musical productions they have are: Un Canto Nuevo (1995); Do what He tells you (1997); Pa’Lante (2000); The Day Has Come (2004); From Blessing to Blessing (2008); All my Love is For You (2011); 70 times 7 (2018).

All are available for free download on their web portal www.alfareros.do

Home

The Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

These are the top latin names of this year

The times are changing, influencers and new talents are gaining ground within the industry. Meet some of the most influential latin artists of 2020!

Latin America has been the birthplace of singers, songwriters, producers, and artists that have taken their talent to the USA and the rest of the world. With their flags held high and their nationalism deep rooted, they have been the ones that impulse their culture in North America and Canada, that way they have opened many opportunities to the next generations.

2020 was a year of challenges and so many changes, however some personalities from the media industry didn’t give up. Many of them took advantage to work on projects that they had in mind, and surprised their fans. While others were dedicated to remember their biggest hits, and used digital platforms to perform remote concerts. For this reason, we want to mention and give recognition to five latin artists that keep afloat during this year; they were revelations, and got a larger scope that anyone could have imagined.

Five Most Influential Latin Artists of 2020

Manny Cruz

The Dominican with Cuban origins has been one of the exposures of his genre, that has known how to take advantage of his fame to position himself within the media. He was the Dominican artist with more nominations on the Latin Grammy.

“The Lord loves so much and I feel so grateful with these two nominations. And very happy of how the people had embraced my music, and to be able to contribute a little to our merengue history”, expressed the artist.

Manny Cruz one of the most influential Latin Artists of 2020 — Manny Cruz

Cruz ‘s career has been on the rise, because it doesn’t leave space to anybody. During this year he had made collabs with Ilegales, Miriam Cruz, and a tribute to Juan Luis Guerra. He also has shared projects with the merenguero Eddy Herrera.

After being part of several groups, he decided to try a solo career without knowing what his destiny, and talent had prepared for him: he obtained the award for Solo Singer of The Year in the “Premios Soberanos”. In 2017 he was the winner of a Latin Grammy, thanks to writing together with his brother Daniel Santacruz, the single “Deja Vu” for Prince Royce and Shakira. In 2018 he got three awards at “Premios Soberanos”.

Manny has specialized in merengue and pop-ballad, he is a singer and songwriter. “Santo Domingo” is his latest music video, which has gained more than 2 million of views on YouTube. More and more are the singers that want to share their works with him, and of course have the opportunity to count on him as a songwriter. He is one the young musicians that are here to stay, and he is now well placed among the american audience, and spanish speakers.

Nathy Peluso

Another singer that has broken barriers, and has gained a position within the industry is Nathalia Dora, better known as Nathy Peluso. Even when she is only 25 years old, she is already a trendsetter in different musical genres. She is acclaimed for her fusions with rap, hip-hop, jazz, and salsa, a combination that is only possible for a woman like her. She was born in Argentina, and she was one of the honor guests invited to this year Latin Grammy.

She is a singer, songwriter, and started her career from very young. She studied theater with teachers from Dominican Republic, Cuba and Colombia. That way she took their accents, and it can be noted on the majority of her singles. She is inclined for blues and jazz styles.

Even when she is living in Spain, it has surprised the acceptance of her music in Latin America and the USA. 2020 has been her year, she released her first single of her next album: Business Woman, with which she wants to continue showing her strong side, and consolidate her place within the industry. Plus, she got her very first nomination to the Gardel Awards, and two nominations to the Latin Grammy in Best New Artist and Best Alternative Song categories.

Peluso has become one of the most important latin artists of the musical scene. She sings about feminism, sex, and even politics.

“Women let me know that I am an inspiration to them”, expressed the artist.

Prince Royce

Prince has been another musician that hasn’t stopped this year. He has topped the first places on Billboard, and was nominated to the Latin Grammy 2020 as Best Contemporary Album / Tropical Fusion. Alter Ego is the double album that makes him stay on everybody’s minds. Many important talents participated in this album, around 60 songwriters, 21 musicians, 23 songs, 18 musical producers, and it has obtained different golden and platinum records around the world. Beside that, it was the only album to debut on the number one of the latin Billboard list of 2020.

The Latin Music Academy considered him as one of the most consistent artists that has been kept loyal to his fans and his origins. The bachata singer has evolved over his career, and he keeps showing his versatility on the market. Geoffrey Royce Rojas de León is an American singer, songwriter, and music producer with Dominican origins.

Tonny Succar

Antonio Guillermo Succar better known as Tonny Succar is a Peruvian-American songwriter, arranger, percussionist, band leader, and producer. In 2019, he received the Latin Grammy for Best Salsa Album, and a second award as the Producer of the Year. As a young boy, he auditioned for a latin jazz ensemble in his school, and of course he got his desired position. Then, he went on to assume the family band’s Musical Director position, which was named Mixtura. After graduation he continued as an artist, and teaching other music students.

His talent went beyond borders, and had the opportunity to work with renowned artists such as: La India, Tito Nieves, Michael Stuart, Jon Secada, Obie Bermúdez, and Kevin Ceballo. He was also the crucial piece in a tribute to Michael Jackson, this project was a great chance for him to be close to artists that he admired. Succar is still forming, and is planning to be part of a musical legacy that goes beyond borders.

“If you don’t take the opportunity when it has to be, the train will leave” he commented after getting the Latin Grammy.

Tito Puente Jr.

He always knew that his career would be compared to his father’s, and he was very clear that it won’t be easy to reach that level. For that reason he decided to make his own name with his own identity. From very young he participated in different bands including a rock one. That way Tito Jr. formed his own trajectory and now is well known within the industry.

However he is continuing his father’s legacy at performing several of his most famous songs. He also has never doubted making tributes to his father, with different events for youngs and children where they learn to play different instruments. Tito was born in New York on June 2nd,1971, he is 49 years old, and has several albums of his own. He is very proud of his origins, but at the same time he has created his own name.

“I have my father ‘s spirit”, he said proudly.

This new generation is promising to hold their countries’ names high with passion, enthusiasm, and so much commitment.

Home

That’s how the Latin Grammys were

The 21st edition of the Latin Grammy

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

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

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

“My heart is crying,” Balvin commented.

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

J Balvin bled in the stage of the Latin Grammys

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

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

Winners of the night

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Greeicy premiere “Los Consejos”

Greeicy premieres her new single “Los Consejos” and is nominated for the 2020 youth awards

This time we have the Colombian actress, singer and dancer Greeicy Rendón who has moved into the world of current music; Since she was little, she was interested in acting and music, so with the help of her parents, she began to take acting classes, piano, flute, guitar and singing.

On August 3, 2017, she made her debut as a solo singer with the release of her first single, «Brindemos» and subsequently, in the company of other artists or alone, they developed various musical themes; currently the charismatic and talented Colombian singer and songwriter, Greecy premieres “Los Consejos” the second preview of her new album.

"LOS CONSEJOS" the second advance of his new record material — New single “Los Consejo”

“Los Consejos” is a ballad with a fresh proposal that incorporates urban pop tones with a sweet melody and powerful lyrics that fuse nostalgia and disappointment “Duele quererte y tú tan lejos, tenía la fé de que íbamos a llegar a viejos, me hago la fuerte, pero es complejo, si la tristeza se me nota en el espejo”

The song was written by Greeicy, Andres Torres, Mauricio Rengifo, Keityn, Rudeboyz, Lexuzbeatz, Bullnene, Flybot, and Juan Camilo Vargas Vasquez.

“Los Consejos” is accompanied by a music video, directed by Greeicy and Dario F. Burbano and produced by Mike Bahía, where Greeicy is seen longing for that love that could one day be, while he is seen alone on a swing, transmitting that pain we feel when love escapes from our hands, without really knowing why.

This new song follows in the footsteps of the premiere of “Los Besos” and its version on piano, a song that was initially released in April this year. “Los Besos” already has more than 60 million combined reproductions and its video more than 40 million views and is currently in Spotify’s Top 200 and Top 50 Viral lists in 9 countries, and also in the Top 100 of Apple Music Latino in 11 countries.

“Greeicy Rendón delights with his version of ‘Los besos’ on piano” – RCN Radio

“In this new romantic and fresh version, the charismatic and cheerful personality of Greeicy continues to be reflected, who today is positioned as one of the most important Latin pop artists of the moment.” – 40

Since entering the music scene, Greeicy has become one of the most prominent female figures within the genre, projecting sensuality, sparkle and style. For this reason, she has established herself as one of the most influential female artists, reaching 4.1 million subscribers and almost 2 billion views on her YouTube channel.

The nominees for Youth Awards 2020 were announced through social networks and in the voice of the most important artists of the moment, where the Colombian artist Greeicy achieves a nomination.

The awards given by the leading Hispanic network in the United States Univision, which year after year recognize the best of music, confirm Greeicy’s nomination in the Hottest Core category with their single “Aguardiente”.

The award ceremony will take place live at 8P / 7C on August 13 from Miami, Florida, in compliance with strict public health and safety measures.

Votes are already available at www.premiosjuventud.com/vota until next July 21.

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