Search Results for: Son

Cheo Linares is a Singer, Composer, Sonero, Poet and Caraqueño

National Culture Award 2023-24 and the Artistic Glories of Venezuela Award.

José Gregorio Linares Carrasco is one of the great singers, composers and defenders of Venezuelan Salsa,

Cheo Linares born in the city of Caracas-Venezuela, he has been part of groups such as La Salsa Mayor, Salsa Mágica, el Trabuco Venezolano and Saxomanía.

José Gregorio Linares Carrasco es uno de los grandes cantantes compositor y defensor de la Salsa Venezolana

He is one of the most important composers of Venezuela.Linares has just been distinguished with the National Culture Award 2023-24 in the music category, so it is his first musical release since this important recognition, which surely is an encouragement to continue his work.

Last Saturday, January 11, 2024, Venezuela’s Minister of Culture, Ernesto Villegas, announced the winners of the National Culture Award 2023-24 and the Artistic Glories of Venezuela Award 2024.

The names of the artists, teachers and researchers favored by the jury as winners of the 2023-24 National Culture Award were announced by Venezuelan Minister of Culture Ernesto Villegas.

In the Music Mention, the flute master Antonio Toñito Naranjo stood out “for his career as a performer and trainer of generations of Venezuelan flutists and for his contribution to Venezuelan culture”, according to Villegas.

Antonio Naranjo is an extraordinary musician, composer and musical director, as well as a member of the group El Cuarteto, which he formed together with his brother Telésforo Naranjo and brothers Miguel and Raúl Delgado Estévez (+).

Also linked to music, but in the Popular Culture category, the National Culture Award was granted to Rafael Salazar “for his long and uninterrupted career as researcher, musicologist, composer and cultural promoter”.

It is worth mentioning that Rafael Salazar has been one of the most outstanding researchers, compilers and disseminators of Venezuelan popular culture, in addition to being the author of books dedicated to folklore.

Cheo Linares es un Cantante, Compositor, Caraqueño, Sonero y Poeta

Several extraordinary musicians received honorary mentions in the National Culture Award, such as cuatrista Daniel Enrique Gil Rosado, llanero singer Cristóbal Jiménez, master composer Henry Martínez, oriental singer Hernán Marín, and members of Los Guaraguao, Eduardo Martínez, José Gerardo Cordero and José Manuel Chachata Guerra.

Artistic Glories of Venezuela

The Artistic Glories of Venezuela award deserved a special mention, which was given to great singers such as Cecilia Todd, Lilia Vera and Biella da Costa. The first two are part of the living history of Venezuelan folklore and their voices are part of the national heritage. Biella da Costa is one of the leading figures of jazz in Venezuela.

The award was also presented to Jesús Sevillano, a singer who was part of the historic Quinteto Contrapunto. It was also received by the stupendous composer and salsa singer Cheo Linares and the popular singer José Montecano, brother of Alí Primera.

Orlando Watussi, Jose G. Acero, Cheo Linares y Dj, Augusto Felibertt

Mario Díaz, an enormous exponent of the central joropo, was also recognized as an Artistic Glory of Venezuela, as was the great composer and oriental singer Perucho Aguirre.

The same award went to the Simón Bolívar System of Children’s and Youth Choirs and Orchestras, and groups such as the parranda La Flor de Cojedes, the Teatro Negro de Barlovento or Los Cañoneros, excellent representatives of merengue rucaneao, were not left behind.

In the world of rock ‘n’ roll, the group Los Tres Tristes Tigres, the mythical Ivo, and more recently, the singer Colina, famous for his pop hits in the 80’s, shone.

Tags: Antonio Toñito Naranjo, Biella da Costa, Cecilia Todd, Chachata cultura, Eduardo Martínez, Ernesto Villegas, Glorias Artísticas de Venezuela Hernán Marín Jesús Sevillano, José Gerardo Cordero, José Montecano, lilia Vera, Los Guaraguao, Mario Díaz, Perucho Aguirre. National Culture Award and Rafael Salazar.

Cheo Linares was not even 20 years old when something unexpected happened to him. Another young man, Gonzalo Martinez, came to his house looking for him to invite him to sing with La Salsa Mayor. It was perhaps 1983.

Cheo says that his aunt was the one who opened the door and then told him: “Hey, Cheo, they are looking for you. They are asking if you want to sing in La Salsa Mayor…”. Cheo, shirtless, came out. He couldn’t believe it.

“Venezoa is a term I created to name the Venezuelan salsa music lover, to whom I dedicate this production, which in turn I extend to the salsa brothers of the planet, this CD was made with all the love, mysticism and professionalism of the musicians, technicians and designers who participated in it, to them I present my most sincere and expressive thanks for the support provided. Grateful to all the people who have supported my career, especially journalists, announcers, DJs, collectors and promoters, for all, blessings, love and light …”.

Cheo Linares.

Source: Radio Café Atlántico

Also Read: Marcial Isturiz from Capaya with soneos and melodic phrases and his popular “Agua pa’ los Gallos “Puerto Rico

Sitara Son Cuban – Latin Band

North America / USA / Angeles

Sitara Son - Integrants — Sitara Son – Integrants

Master percussionist and singer, Maestro Lázaro Galarraga is a native of Havana, Cuba, now living in Los Angeles. He was a founding member of the premier Cuban music troupe, Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba (1961-62, 1977-82) A world-renowned teacher, performing artist, choreographer and writer of Afro-Cuban music, culture and folklore, he has recorded, performed and taught across the U.S. and worldwide. He is also regarded as one of the great ‘Akpons’ or lead singers in the Afro-Cuban religious traditions and a master of the bata drums.

Guitarist/Vocalist, Jon-Oliver Knight is an accomplished classical guitarist who has toured extensively throughout the US, Central America, Mexico and Europe. He has played countless wedding ceremonies, cocktail hours and receptions and epitomizes the flexibility required to be a wedding guitarist. Jon-O is also in demand for his Vocals and plays sitar (Indian) and cuatro (Puerto Rican) in the band as well.

Bobby Wilmore’s is an incredibly well seasoned percussionist. From drum set to congas, bongos, or anything that Bobby can find that will make a noise, he is sure to captivate with his precision and creativity behind the drum. Bobby is one of the busiest percussionists in California with his unique “good vibes” personality and his astounding rhythmic ability and passion.

Pianist extraordinaire, Matt Amper is not only one of the most sought after Latin pianists on the west coast, but is also an accomplished Jazz and Classical pianist. Matt’s musicality is preceded by his need to dive deeper and deeper into exploring and perfecting his craft which many would say has already reached perfection!

Josiel Perez has performed and toured all over the world with some of the best bands out there. He currently plays Trumpet with SitaraSon among other La based bands. A wizard with his countless percussion instruments, Josiel brings that same skill and creativity to the Latin side.

Together these accomplished musicians form a Band that will astound and captivate you, leaving you wanting more.

Jose Bello “The Singer-Songwriter”

North America / USA / New York

At International Salsa Magazine, we were able to chat with this incredibly talented artist. Below is the interview:

How was your first presentation? Did you know after that that music would be your passion?

In the kindergarten of the La miraculous school they had parties and they had a stage where I sang constantly and even had choirs that accompanied me and also acted, since I can remember, my passion is music.

How did you and Carlos Castillo meet? Did you know about his career before?

I met Carlos Castillo, because my mom lived in the house next to him and she talked about me to Carlos’s mom and they both agreed to introduce me, I had no idea who he was, until I met him.

What inspired you to compose those songs?

The experience of life and the gift that I always knew I had to compose, at any time.

Tell us a little about Aldemar Barona, what year did you decide to start with the label?

My great friend Aldemar Barona always went to my presentations and when the contract ended with the best record, we decided to make our own record label in the late 80s, early 90s.

Was this performance during a tour? Which album were you promoting? Where could that DVD be purchased?

Exclusive record. He hired me to make that dvd in the mid-90s and you could get it online, or at the Musical 90 record store in Jackson Hghts Queens New York All these artists are very well known worldwide and having been able to share stages with them speaks volumes about your incredible talent and career.

Which of these artists would you say is your greatest inspiration or example?

As I said before, my inspiration is a divine gift, I love all my colleagues very much, I respect and admire them, some started before me, others are from my generation and others became famous after my love, and I respect music, I They have bitten as I am and have led me to feel fulfilled in what I do, blessed and immensely happy.

Where would you like to present yourself in the next opportunity? How was your first presentation?

After I would like to personally take my art to some countries that I have not visited to this day, such as Mexico, Peru, Panama, Canada, Japan, Chile, and Argentina.

What comes next in the life of Jose Bello, El Cantautor?

Make my new recording, already as JOSE BELLO EL MAGNATE DE LA SALSA 40 ANIVERSARIO and finish negotiating my next tours, to Central Europe and South America.

Where does his nickname El Magnate de La Salsa come from?

On July 23, 2017, I married the designer Patricia González on the largest luxury yacht in New York called “Infinity”, around 2000 people and with two orchestras. Tito Nieve with his orchestra and my orchestra. The ceremony was on the high seas. When in Mexico they found out about my marriage, they wrote me congratulating me and told me “Now you are the salsa magnate” I was surprised and asked them why? and they told me “Only Arab tycoons get married on the high seas on a luxury yacht” I liked the idea.

I always hear that in music there are kings, princes, knights, but there are no tycoons and I think that because of the explanation of the Mexicans, I am the salsa tycoon

Marcial Isturiz from Capaya with soneos and melodic phrases and his popular “Agua pa’ los Gallos “Puerto Rico

In 2023 Sergio George, the famous “magician” who produced the artistic career of famous salseros and artists, said that salsa was “dead” and called on new artists to resurrect it and support each other as urban singers do.

This caused commotion and controversy among salseros and made them doubt without a doubt what is the reality that salsa lives and more with the progressive physical departure of emblematic legends who made history in the world, coupled with the proliferation of the so-called “DJ” who multiply many times the nostalgia of the public for living the times of said legends and who became a trend due to this fact. In 2024 we saw how important salsa concerts were held in our country Venezuela where foreigners who had not visited us for a long time did so and so we enjoyed what some call “the last of the Mohicans”, as well as Venezuelans who took to various stages making it clear that, if they continue creating, either by adjusting the sound of the old and modernizing with quality staging or simply delighting with their career and style what they have already established.

We think that there is a lot missing since there is plenty of musical talent and a new generation in every sense, but not who listens to them and supports them, this being a truth bigger than the size of the sun.

After this necessary reflection we want to talk about Marcial Isturiz who was born in the sandunguera town of Capaya, Barlovento in the Miranda State of VENEZUELA, and we put it in capital letters because this “extraordinary sonero who wandered through the streets of Petareña hitting any pot he found in his path, finding out where and at what time the “arayé” was lit, always on the “hunt” for a good opportunity”, a quote was written by Ángel Méndez in his book “Entren que Caben Cien” describing how clear this man has been since childhood in pursuing and having the firm certainty of where he had to go to achieve his dream. He understood, from my point of view, that he who perseveres succeeds and we have seen his professional growth during all these years, thirty years recently completed, being a musician performing several instruments, going on to be also a composer and arranger, accompanying with his voice in duos of consecrated stars and groups, renowned orchestras as well as others not so well known, his voice being a characteristic seal that draws the attention of his followers, a sonero that we can say “gets lost from sight”.

A man who has earned the respect and affection of the public wherever he goes and to name one of the presentations in which he has demonstrated his “people skills”, we had the opportunity to travel and share with him closely accompanying him Sonero Clásico del Caribe in that free event that the Barquisimetanos salseros put on at the end of January 2024 to Ramón Méndez, where by the way Marcial took advantage of the invitation to perform the National Anthem the day before at the Cardenales – La Guaira Game, impeccably. Undoubtedly, that presentation was an omen of good fortune for what would be a year full of success.

Marcial Isturiz began hitting a home run this 2025 by performing on January 5 in Puerto Rico on the “Island of Enchantment”, at the traditional Three Kings Eve dance at the Sheraton Hotel, Convention District, with Don Perignon and La Puertorriqueña, with salsa figures such as Herman Olivera, Pedro Bull, Pichie Pérez, Joe González, Rico Walker, Josué Rosado, Jerry Rivas, Gilberto Santa Rosa and of course our Marcial Izturiz.

We saw him singing choruses with these greats, specifically next to Herman Olivera and Rico Walker waiting for his turn like each of those called to this meeting until Peter Perignon introduced him for the first time with his Orchestra La Puertorriqueña and said that the person responsible for that invitation and presence of our sonero there was his friend Gilberto Santa Rosa.

Briefly, Perignon told the audience that he knew Marcial since he was part of Bailatino and he fell in love with that group, since then he had been following him and now recently in his participation with the Latin Dimension he knew that Marcial with this performance made his dream of being in that country come true.

Saying good night to Puerto Rico he performed the song “La Familia” (authored by José Curbelo and musical arrangement by Louie Ramírez, inserted in the production titled Indestructible by Ray Barretto and his Orchestra in the voice of Tito Alen for the year 1973) with soneos and melodic phrases and his popular “agua pa’ los gallos Puerto Rico” left established what this Venezuelan is made of, acclaimed and congratulated by his peers on stage.

Joy is not enough for what we salseros in Venezuela feel for this representation that should not be overlooked because if there are soneros from Venezuela and with class: Marcial Isturiz is one of them; with his own style and professionalism, this is how our “Mayor of Capaya” was seen next to these greats, comfortable, safe and proudly waving our tricolor wherever he goes.

At Swing Latino we say congratulations to Marcial, keep doing your thing without resting like until now, because later it will be too late:

AGUA PA’ LOS GALLOS y

¡Ponle Sabor!

Source: Giorgenling Méndez from Swing Latino

Also Read: Salsa at its best, led by the leader of La Puertorriqueña: Don Perignon

Songoyó the perfect idea Experimental Cuban Son Group with its own style

Songoyó is an experimental musical group of the Cuban son genre with a particular style, since it fuses many musical rhythms, born on the initiative of Professor John “Goyo” Useche, on November 11, 2021 in La Victoria, Aragua State, Venezuela.

In order to unite Victorian musicians and start putting together songs by the remembered Madera Group, icon of the Caracas parish of San Agustín in Marín, and thus present themselves at the Guataca Salsera, which takes place every December 31 at the Madera 15 court, located in the Las Mercedes urbanization of the same town.

The idea immediately begins to take shape and that is when Professor John “Goyo” decides to communicate his project to Shinaury Rojas, a personal friend of many years, who at that time was based in Argentina, then informs the poet guitarist Rafael Pérez who was in Brazil and knew by reference of salsa groups via the web. Communication was fluid and accepted, regardless of the distance. John, Rafael and Shinaury embody everything that Songoyó is today.

It should be noted that the first name of the Victorian group was Son Madera 15, due to the loyalty that is maintained with the Madera 15 foundation, then it was changed to Sabor Madera 15 and finally they decided to name it “Songoyó” as the definitive name.

Songoyó is an experimental musical group of the Cuban son genre.

The communication was continuous and they immediately began to organize the activities that had to be carried out to group the musicians who were willing to belong to the group, musicians were contacted by phone and in person, finally the interested parties were grouped and the rehearsals began in an accelerated manner at Professor John’s house, to fulfill the main objective which was the presentation at the Guataca Salsera at the end of the year, in that 2021.

From that moment until the present, there have been many musicians who have passed through the son group, including the young music teacher Willian Herrera who is assigned the task of directing the group, the rehearsals are given and four songs are put together that were played at the Guataca Salsera achieving total success in said presentation causing the acceptance and applause of all those present.

Our Sonero Machado Noel the indigenous salsa singer and our General Manager John Goyo

By January 2022, the creator of the group calls the musicians and proposes to continue the project, achieving the acceptance of all. In the following months they contacted maestro Fael Alvarado, an expert musician who knows the TRES very well, the base instrument of the Cuban son, who agreed to join the project and professor William Herrera gave the musical direction to maestro Fael.

In February of that same year, the second presentation was made before a large audience at the Juventud de la Victoria festivities on Paseo La Juventud and Songoyó was again liked by the public.

The rehearsals continued, and it was maestro Fael himself as musical director, who proposed to everyone to create their own style with songs that belonged to the group and to have a unique sound in order to accept more contracts from then on.

In January 2024, the recording of the first and unpublished production of Songoyó “EL NEGRITO BEMBA” began under the creation and pen of the poet Rafael Pérez and the general recording direction of maestro Fael, in the recording studio “Fael Alvarado” in San Mateo, Aragua State. This recording was a huge success and can be found on various digital platforms, Its release took place in January 2025, with a great acceptance.

From that moment on, the group began to be sold and promoted for public and private events inside and outside Venezuela.

Currently, there are 8 musicians that make up the group: Norberto Machado, güiro voice, Noel Machado, clave voice and percussion direction, Rafael Pérez, maracas voice, Alexis Tovar, tres, Edwin González, bass, Jonhy Vergara, tumbadoras, Fael Alvarado, tres, piano, violin and musical director, and John Goyo, bongo and general direction.

“SONGOYÓ, THEY ARE AS WE ARE”

For hiring, contact Professor Useche by phone at

+58 424-3212762

Instagram: Songoyo

Facebook: Songoyo

Research and Writing Source:

Djane. Shina Rojas

Also Read: Cuban Son is one of the most popular musical styles in Cuba and Kiki Valera is one of its greatest exponents.