Search Results for: Tropical
Ralph Mercado: The Visionary Who Turned the Rhythm of the Barrio into a Global Phenomenon
The Giant of New York Salsa
Ralph Mercado was a music promoter and an iconic figure of Salsa and Latin music in New York. More than just an entrepreneur, Mercado was the strategist who took Salsa out of local New York clubs and placed it on the world’s most prestigious stages.
Through his vision, the sound of Latin identity found a commercial language without losing its “street” essence, making him the most influential tropical music mogul of the 20th century.

Creator of “The Perfect Combination”; Early Days in the Bronx and Brooklyn
Of Puerto Rican and Dominican descent, Mercado was born on September 29, 1941, in Brooklyn. As a mere teenager, he was already organizing parties and dances as the president of a neighborhood social club.
He later founded the 3 & 1 Club on Atlantic Avenue, which hosted local bands and musicians such as Eddie Palmieri and Richie Ray & Bobby Cruz, among many others. Shortly thereafter, he created his first production and promotion company, Showstoppers, through which he promoted R&B acts of the caliber of James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight & the Pips, The Stylistics, and The Chi-Lites.
Expanding the Empire
He eventually ventured into Manhattan, where he helped expand the legendary Fania All-Stars, promoted dances at the Cheetah Nightclub, and presented Latin Jazz artists at venues like the Red Garter and the Village Gate. In 1972, Mercado established RMM Management, representing Palmieri and Ray Barretto.

He managed the genre’s biggest stars, including Tito Puente and Celia Cruz, with whom he worked for 25 years. “I learned so much from her,” Mercado told the AP in July 2003, following the passing of the “Queen of Salsa.” “I witnessed the impact she had in every country we visited.”
Mercado credited Cruz and Puente with the internationalization of Salsa. “They were two artists with so much talent and such good hearts… something unrepeatable,” he expressed at the time.
The RMM Phenomenon
By 1987, his popular “Latin Tinge” nights at the Palladium attracted hundreds of salseros every Thursday. In 1992, he founded the independent label RMM, which branched into RMM Records, RMM Filmworks, and two publishing houses. With a catalog of over 140 artists, the label sold millions of albums annually.
Mercado brought Salsa to South America and to places as remote as Africa, Asia, and Israel. He personally discovered and launched the careers of talents like Marc Anthony, La India, Domingo Quiñones, Tony Vega, José Alberto “El Canario,” and Tito Nieves. For his work, he received numerous accolades, including the Billboard Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999.

The RMM Label: A Hit Factory
Mercado’s impact was solidified by his ability to adapt tradition to changing times. While others clung to the past, Ralph understood the potential of Salsa Romántica and the power of international collaborations. RMM didn’t just produce records; it produced culture, documenting the history of the rhythm through videos and massive concerts that redefined the concept of Latin entertainment.
His influence extended far beyond recording. As a promoter, he opened markets in Europe, Asia, and throughout Latin America, ensuring the tumbao was heard in every corner of the planet. He was a relentless negotiator and a protector of the legends’ legacies, ensuring that Latin Jazz and Salsa Dura maintained their academic prestige while dominating the pop charts.
An Indelible Legacy
“Without him, I don’t believe the Fania All-Stars would have achieved the success they did,” stated Eddie Palmieri. Meanwhile, promoter Leo Tizol remembered him as someone “accessible and noble” who never refused to share his knowledge with those starting out.

Ralph Mercado passed away on March 10, 2009, surrounded by his wife Cynthia, his five children, his siblings, and his grandchildren. His departure left a void that as the greats of music often say can never be filled.
Source: RMM / Photo: Ralph Mercado Archives
Also Read: Hector Maisonave Manager of the Greatest Salseros in New York
North America / April 2026
Uruguayan composer and multiinstrumentalist Sebastián Natal and his band Grupo Sensación
After having contact for days and overcoming some pitfalls, we could finally get to talking with producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Sebastián Natal, who kindly attended and revealed his views on the path he has followed to become the great artist he is today.

Sebastián Natal’s beginnings
First, Sebastián appreciated our interest in learning a little more about him and began to describe his native country’s musical and cultural context at the time. First of all, the artist was born in Montevideo, Uruguay, where a tropical music movement was established by then, considering many genres from the tropics and the Caribbean, such as salsa, bachata, merengue, cumbia, guaguancó, and many more.
Obviously, these genres did not originate in Uruguay, as bomba is Puerto Rican, salsa is Cuban, and bachata is Dominican. However, there were quite a few groups and musicians who used these tropical roots to create their own identity. Outside of Montevideo, other provinces listened much more to cumbia and charanga.
The orchestras that played these rhythms were dedicated to developing covers of salsa songs, but by bringing them into other genres that were emerging at the time, such as plena, plena danza, and bomba, among others. Sebastián grew up with this sonority in his country, so the whole musical environment he was exposed to abroad became very familiar to him and easy to assimilate. From the early ‘nineties, as a young boy, he began to absorb all the influence from the dawn of romantic salsa and iconic songs such as “Aquel Viejo Motel,” “Cinco Rosas,” “Sin Sentimiento,” “Amores Como El Nuestro,” and many others of its kind.
It is worth adding that Sebastián comes from a family of musicians, starting with his own father, Yeneca Natal, who was the musical director and pianist for Grupo Sensación. Music always surrounded him, so it can be said that he was meant to follow this path.

When and why Sebastián left Uruguay and moved to New York
In 2005, at just 21 years old, Sebastián joined the Sonora Borinquen, which was the most popular orchestra at the time. Thanks to them, he had the opportunity to tour the United States and Canada, where he could see environments and ways of working that were completely different from what he was used to. Two years later, he toured the United States again, but by then he already saw the country as a new destination to advance his career.
Unfortunately, Uruguay was becoming too small for the plans he had for his development in salsa, which sparked his curiosity about the Big Apple and all it had to offer him musically speaking.
By 2008, he decided to move to New York for a few months, but so many doors opened for him that he never left and continues to live there to this very day.
Sebastián, the multi-instrumentalist
The first instrument Sebastián came in contact with was the piano, which he started playing it at age four and from which he graduated at age 11. Since he had not attended high school yet, he could not study a master’s degree to continue his musical education. In addition, he was a child who wanted to play football and do the usual things for his age, so a few years later, his father made him join an Afro-Uruguayan music group. In that orchestra Sebastián played piano and bass, which allowed him to further develop his skills with those instruments.

After that, he began to create his own tropical music band, inspired by the Venezuelan orchestra Los Adolescentes. All the members were minors, and, as well as in the previous group, Sebastián also played piano and bass.
Sebastián as a producer and composer
Regarding his role as a producer and composer, Sebastián confessed that he has no idea how he came to learn these areas of music. He did emphasize that he always lets his music and his feelings flow to deliver the message he wants to convey in each of his pieces. After that, he defines the ideas and adds the music.
He says he greatly admires professional lyricists and composers. He admits he is neither the best nor the worst composer, but he always tries to reach his own heart to convey what he feels.
Sebastián Natal Y Grupo Sensación
The idea of Grupo Sensación started with the orchestra of the same name where his father worked in 1982, but unfortunately the group did not have much impact due to how closed that environment was at the time. There were a number of orchestras that got the best contracts, and it was very difficult for the rest to achieve. Over time, Yeneca left Grupo Sensación and managed to join several of these more established orchestras to gain more reputation.
Soon after, when Sebastián moved to the United States, he almost immediately noted that the Uruguayan community needed a tropical orchestra, but he did not know what name give it. With the passing of his father on October 19, 2010, he chose to use the name “Grupo Sensación” as a way to continue the legacy of his father and the tropical movement born in his country so many years ago.

Artists he has collaborated with
Sebastián has had the opportunity to collaborate with artists of the stature of Nino Cegarra, Oscar D’León, José Alberto “El Canario,” Domingo Quiñones, Tony Vega, Roberto Blades, Cheo Feliciano, Tito Nieves, Viti Ruiz, and many more. However, few were the ones with whom he has truly been able to have a conversation or a close connection beyond purely profesional relationships.
“You can only say you played with someone if you’ve had a connection with that person. I’ve been able to play with great artists, but many times they don’t even know who I am. That’s why I don’t include them on my resume. Now if they call you back, then you can say you did things very well and that there’s someone really interested in you,” said Sebastián on this interesting subject.
The cases of Bill Murray and Camila Cabello were completely different, as he managed to record songs with them through his friend and fellow musician, Pedrito Martínez, whom he describes as “the best percussionist in the world”. It was also Martínez who connected him with the world-famous composer and guitarist Eric Clapton, with whom he performed at the American Airlines Center in Dallas—one of the most beautiful experiences he has had in his career and his life in general.
Read also: Bandleader and conga player Tony Rosa tells us how he built his career
Miami Bachata Festival 2017
North America / USA / Miami
The Miami Bachata Festival (MBF) 2017 will be held January 26-30 at the beautiful Deauville Beach Resort in Miami. MBF is a celebration of culture through live music and dance attended by a diverse international audience. For attendees looking to be adventurous or take their dancing skills to the next level we provide instructional dance classes from beginner to advance with a line-up of World class local and international dance artists www.miamibachatafestival.com
At night, MBF brings out the entertainment! Each evening begins with live dance showcases that are sure to wow any audience with a mix of acrobatic, sexy and high-energy performances. Then, move on to live music with internationally recognized artists and then end the evening with some of the best tropical music DJs in the world to ensure you dance the entire night away. MBF is an event that provides something for everyone and we hope you join for the fun.
Confirmed Artists
Music
- Grupo Extra
Dance
- Ataca & La Alemana
- Daniel & Desiree Ronald & Alba
- Sara Lopez
- Alex & Desiree
- El Tiguere & Julianna Pablo Vilches & Yaima Billy & Ahtoy
- Jose Ferrante & Elena Simone & Serena
- Alfredo & Andrea
- Frank Santos & Gatica Andrea & Silvia
- Gregory & Jessica
- Rodrigo & Wendy Paso Fino
- Zeke Ruvalcaba
- Roberto Lay
- Mike G y Pura Vida
DJs
- El Tiguere
- Soltrix
- Emerzive
- Khalid
Grupo Extra
The hardest thing for new projects in the music business is to find an identity, a new concept, a new sound, a different style, and new colors. All the above describes Grupo Extra. The key members of Grupo Extra are: El Nene Flow (Neftali Caba), El Turko (Yassir Neher), Tony Santana (Edward Anthony Regalado Santana), Manny Rod (Emmanuel Rodriguez) y Yewdry Alvarado.

Grupo Extra is already known as a group with a big stage presence, a lot of strength and energy, perfect choreographies and beautiful harmonies. In their relatively short career Grupo Extra has shared the stage with great figures of the International Latin Music scene like Daddy Yankee, Wyclef Jean, Jorge Celedon, Kasav, Los Van Van de Cuba, Guayacan of Colombia, Prince Royce, Hector Acosta and others.
Dance
Alex & Desiree
Alex Morel is known for his musical style and flavor on the dance floor. He has been teaching workshops and performing in countries such as Germany, Portugual, and Israel, to name a few. After moving to NYC, Desiree Godsell began choreographing and dancing for Atlantic recording artist Santigold, and touring all over the world. She was part of the opening act for artists such as Coldplay, Kanye West, Jay-Z, M.I.A., and Rihanna. Desiree began her Salsa career straight at the top, partnering with the Mambo King himself, Eddie Torres. She’s appeared on late night TV shows David Letterman, Jimmy Fallon, Conan O’Brian, and Jules Holland. She’s currently producing a dance concert series called the Pearl in BK.

Ataca & La Alemana
Tanja “La Alemana” Kensinger began teaching professionally in 2008 with Jorge “Ataca” Burgos. Initially, their primary dancing style was Salsa, but switched to a Bachata emphasis after a friend of Tanja’s recommended they do a routine together. Their dance organization, Island Touch Dance Academy, currently has over 100 teams in many countries across the globe.

Gregory & Jessica
Gregory and Jessica were the champions of the TV program Yo Bailo Bachata in Spain. They also won 2nd place at the World Championship in the Bachata Cabaret division in Miami, Florida. They are known for their fusion of Salsa, Bachata, and Hip Hop. They have choreographed numbers for television appearances for artists such as Luis Fonsi, Chino y Nacho, and RedOne.

Daniel & Desiree
Daniel and Desiree are one of the hottest Bachata couples in Europe, and now, in the world! In a short partnership of only 3 years, they have achieved multiple titles, including the 2012 World Bachata Masters. Together, Daniel and Desiree have more than 15 years of combined dancing experience. They are known for their Bachata, but they also teach all kinds of Latin dancing. Some of their titles include Campeones BachataStars España 2010, Subcampeones BachataStars Europe 2011, and Campeones World Bachata Masters 2012.

Jose & Elena
Jose and Elena Ferrante Avella started dancing together in September 2011, debuting with “Just Promise,” a mix of Acro Dance and Bachata that represents the fusion of love and passion. This choreography, created in no time, was their winning piece in two choreographic Bachata competitions in March 2012: Bachata Day in Italy and The King of Bachata in France. In 2013, they won the Bachata Open in Spain and qualified for the 2014 World Bachata Masters. To date, Jose y Elena continues studying in various disciplines such as ballet, pas de deux, acrobatics, Latin Hustle, Bachata, Salsa, and Kizomba.

Kizomba Chick
Maria Ivanova (AKA Kizomba Chick) is a Kizomba instructor, promoter, and performer who has been sharing her love and passion in the U.S. and overseas. Maria is the first official face of Kizomba in Florida, spreading her vision for this breathtaking sensual dance tempestuously. She learned Kizomba with some of the greatest masters, such as Kwenda Lima, Petchu, Ricardo Sousa and Paula Loureiro, Albir & Sarah, and Joao & Mafalda. She continues to travel abroad to satisfy the thirst of learning and dancing, bringing back to her students the latest techniques and newest patterns.

Paso Fino
Paso Fino Dance is a brand dedicated to teach you the joys of Latin Dancing. Their mission is to bring passion to the people, to bring out the dancer in everyone, and empower people along the journey. Their instructors guide students through a fun dance experience that is designed to benefit the mind, body, and soul. They describe the experience as tribal, primal, and fun.

Tiguere & Julianna
EI Tiguere’s father was a self-taught musician, and he imparted a feel and love for music that would permeate in all that El Tiguere does. Some of El Tiguere’s earliest memories are dancing the night away with his mother in New York. El Tiguere has been dancing formally (studio taught) for three years and gotten his name for his sexy, and sometimes unconventional, style of dancing with swag. A true believer in “dance what you feel,” El Tiguere loves and embraces all styles of dancing. However, his true loves are Bachata and Mambo. A passionate teacher, El Tiguere has been teaching students what he knows about dance since his third month dancing!

Ronald & Alba
Ronald (from Colombia) and Alba (from Spain) were the Champions of the 2012 BachataStars in Spain and 2- time BachataStars Champions in Europe in 2012 and 2014. They’re currently the Champions of the World Bachata Masters 2015. They both currently reside in Alicante, Spain.

Rodrigo & Wendy
Rodrigo and Wendy Jimenez are renowned instructors and performers who have graced numerous stages locally and abroad. With intensive training under World Master Instructors and ESPN World Salsa & Argentine Tango champions, they also have been featured in several public broadcast television shows as well as the International Latin Dance Film “La Epoca.” They have conducted workshops and performed “SalsaTango” and “Bachatango” fusions at numerous Salsa congresses, festivals, and galas in major national & international cities. They have performed with Salsa star Eddie Santiago, the Queen of Salsa “La India,” and Salsa bands Guayacan and DLG.



































































































