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Search Results for: World Salsa

ISM presents 2 Venezuelan DJ with a great passion for Salsa

Latin America / Venezuela / Caracas

DJ Katiuska Oropeza

Katiuska Oropeza. Born in Caracas, the capital of salsa in Venezuela, currently based in the Carabobo State, Valencia – Venezuela.

DJ Katiuska Oropeza
DJ Katiuska Oropeza

He mentions “My passion for salsa began at the age of 3, influenced by my father who was a great connoisseur of this genre and at the age of 7 I already wanted to learn to play the timbal since I love percussion.

Over the years and by chance I got to know the salsa movement produced by a number of virtual collection salsa stations where a number of music lovers gather to enjoy and keep alive what is the essence and basis of salsa, I become passionate and I begin an incredible learning about everything that Venezuelan salsa is and that is when I become a programmer for the pioneering station on the Internet called www.rumbayguateque.com through this I was the representative in Venezuela of Mr. Alfredo Maleta Torres, the last singer who had the Joe Cuba sextet.

Today I try to spread the little that I have learned from this genre that has an endless history and from time to time participating as a musicalizer in different salsa events.” “Long live salsa forever.”

DJ Jaime Guanipa

During his interview on La Maceta radio conducted by me, Jaime mentioned that he was born in December 1966 in Caracas Venezuela, a native of Sarria belonging to the La Candelaria parish, where he grew up in two aspects in his early years, between Sarria and Alta Vista. in Catia parish Sucre also in Caracas.

His first tangible experience within Latin music called “SALSA” was thanks to the Venezuelan “PHIDIAS DANILO ESCALONA” who gave him this label that has immortalized the genre, and for Jaime’s memory it was in 1973 with the premiere of the movie “Nuestra Cosa Latina” and The SALSA Movie in different theaters in Caracas, and through its soundtrack I was shocked, and began to develop a definitive taste within the musical field, nurturing and wanting to be more extensive…

In this way, through the years, I achieved a broader knowledge within the Latin American culture, where it was enriched by absorbing like a sponge everything related to the environment and listening to Radio where they moderated great knowledge to which I can name our Venezuelans and connoisseurs. and moderators in different Radio stations in Modulated Amplitude for the time in Caracas such as Phidias Danilo Escalona, ​​Floro Manco, Enrique Bolívar Navas, Héctor Castillo, Rafael Rivas, among other great broadcasters, achieving a very solid understanding within the majesty of salsa , but…

DJ Jaime Guanipa
DJ Jaime Guanipa

As of 1979 he has the concern to share and listen to the coarsest of our Latin music, beginning with family parties and friends, then he made comments and selected music from the acetate discs that were in said meetings, being this a cult and from 1982 he defined himself as a DJ. Salsero, enriching the technology and the true art of the moment, which is research, the study of the genre and the credits of his albums that logically were and are in LP format.

Generating in this way a breeding ground for experimentation and musical selection, it is from this moment referring to the date in which his experience and exchange of criteria between friends who throughout these years have followed and accompanied him within this passion, having successes as Salsero Musicalizer in extinct venues in the city of Caracas for the years 1985 to 1990, was triggered.

Later, in 1993, he temporarily retired due to family responsibilities, but without ever abandoning my passion for music and genre research both here in my country Venezuela and abroad, and in 2008, he decided to resume after a reasonable time. my most significant taste for salsa musicalization, already for the moment obtaining many valuartes but with its due time within the genre, evolving distinctively in terms of its versatility and exponents, highlighting that for me it is not a challenge since due to the concept earned and maintained has given me a preferential position within the taste of the salsero and the dancer that…

I call demanding, experience experience gained due to the fact that at the time I was surrounded by great friends who love the salsa genre that many of them share today, which is why and subscribed to current technology and its ease of access, it means that in a masterly way I can give the what the dancing public really wants and desires in each meeting, event and party, without a doubt, before it I expose an interactive referential synthesis of my time in this exciting world as it is and I define “Salsa musicalization in Caracas nightlife ”.

The best Salsa-Latin bands in London! Are you in London?

Europe / England / London

London: Here we bring you the best Latin bands you must check right now!

London - Photo
London – Photo

PALENKE, the Latin dance leader in London

Palenke was born in 1990 to the collective talents of Fernando Suarez – “Kinacho” and Lisandro Zapata from Colombia. Both are highly professional performers and are widely experienced in the Latin and Jazz scene.

Photo 1 - The best Salsa-Latin bands in London
Photo 1 – The best Salsa-Latin bands in London

The Band’s eclectic repertoire is passionate, dynamic and eminently danceable: from the characteristically hot blooded tempos of Cuban Salsa and Brazilian Lambada, the traditional folk rhythms of Colombian cumbia and Dominican Merengue, to the latest Caribbean Reggae and universally popular Spanish style “Gypsy Kings”. This all singing band includes the traditional latin rhythm section, piano, guitar, bass, congas, bongos and timbale. It is fronted by Adriana Santana also Colombian, who has become the “Queen of Salsa” in London captivating the audience with her magnetic voice and sensual dancing.

Over the years Palenke has toured: Switzerland (Montreaux Festival), France, Italy, Spain, Tunisia, Morocco, Malaysia, Indonesia, Ireland and Turkey. The band has performed for dignitaries such as Prince Charles, the late King Hussein of Jordan, King Juan Carlos of Spain and has become a spicy ingredient at hotels, clubs and many pop stars parties.

In the UK, the band is well known from North to South as a leading Latin band spreading the Latin fever from small to big audiences. Palenke has been invited to the Barbican Centre, the South Bank, The Edinburgh Festival and several TV shows. Palenke over the years had worked with the collaboration of great Musicians such as: Oscar Ruiz, timbale; Bill Bland, congas; Alejandro Martinez, multi-percussionist and Luis Carlos Fuentes, Drummer.

Photo 3 - The best Salsa-Latin bands in London
Photo 3 – The best Salsa-Latin bands in London

SAMBOSSA, a band playing the sounds & rhythms of Brazil

With music ranging from sultry Bossa Nova & grooving Afro-funk to blistering samba, Sambossa have everything needed to delight both the listener & the dancer.

Featuring the unique vocal talents of ELISANGELA MAHOGANY, who brings originality to some classic Brazilian tunes.

Also from Rio is hugely talented multi-instrumentalist MARCELO ANDRADE who showcases his saxophone & flute styles.

Guitarist PAUL RUMBOL leads this band as well as being band leader of the celebrated group Viramundo. He also sings & plays the cavquinho (small Brazilian guitar) & has been working alongside the most talented Brazilian performers for more than 20 years.

Completing the quartet is XAVIER OSMIR from São Paulo, Brazil who brings his wonderful percussion & vocal talents. The band is also available as a trio and duo for smaller events/budgets. SAMBOSSA, a compact but very powerful Brazilian/Latin group.

Photo 4 - The best Salsa-Latin bands in London
Photo 4 – The best Salsa-Latin bands in London

RIAMBA: the professionals of rhythm!

With flair for performing, Riamba is one of the most sought after and lively Latin music bands on the London scene today. Its flexible 3 to 7 piece line-up is led by a superb female vocalist and backed by a strong rhythm section which includes: piano, trumpet, bass and typical Latin American percussion.

With their combined musical talents, the group is perfectly suited for the many different occasions and requests that Riamba receives; from a fully blown Salsa dance band with optional dance tuition, to a more relaxed event where lively background music in the Latin style is required.

Photo 5 - The best Salsa-Latin bands in London
Photo 5 – The best Salsa-Latin bands in London

Riamba’s musicians, who are from Latin America, Europe and the UK, have had an eclectic musical training with professional experiences to match, encompassing: Latin American, jazz, pop and classical music.

As individuals this has led them to perform on tours in the UK and around the world with artists such as: Björk, Jason Rebello, The Ghana Dance Ensemble, Stewart Copeland (The Police), and at venues which include: Pizza on the Park, The 606 Club, The Royal Festival Hall, Glastonbury Festival, The Sydney Festival (Australia) and The National Theatres (London and Ghana).

Photo 2 - The best Salsa-Latin bands in London
Photo 2 – The best Salsa-Latin bands in London

Riamba has performed for many private clients and at venues which include: The National Theatre (London), The National Portrait Gallery, The Dorchester Hotel, The Cultural Olympiad, Battersea Park and Regent’s Park Festival as well as travelling abroad for European performances.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa”

North America / USA / New York

Melina Almodóvar

Melina Almodóvar
Melina Almodóvar

With an unwavering spirit, melodious voice, Caribbean cadence on her hips, friendly and cataloged by many as sexy, Melina Almodóvar has represented the Latin female son in the US. During her 20 years of artistic career, Melina Almodóvar has conquered audiences in the most imposing scenarios and has shared stages with the most recognized artists of the tropical genre

The nickname as many know she is “La Muñeca de la salsa” and which for a long period of time she sought to have because she had the same name that already identified another Salsa singer. Getting an ideal pseudonym to her was difficult, but not for a fan who, while delighting in her live presentation, cataloged her with this nickname with which they would later recognize her in the whole world.

“I wanted to give myself a nickname for Salsa … But I did not want to change my name … And then one day a gentleman says to me:” Hey, but you are a doll and look how you sing “, and then it was there that I stayed “La Muñeca de la Salsa”. It’s a name that stuck with me and it stayed there, so everyone knows who “La Muñeca de la Salsa” is and sometimes they do not know who Melina Almodóvar is, but I really like that name, I think it’s very beautiful”, she said.

At the age of 14, the interpreter born in San Juan de Puerto Rico lived an experience that marked her life since then. She moved with her mother to Memphis, Tennessee, leaving behind her culture and family, which caused an emotional shock and made her take full refuge in the music.

Melina Almodóvar - Photo
Melina Almodóvar – Photo

“Salsa saved my life.” The Salsa is my way of life. It’s my way of breathing, of doing things “.

“We moved to a very white place to an extremely American place. The south of the US is a very different place from New York or Florida. There are not many Latin people and for me it was very hard … I started studying music at the High School. I got into all the choirs that I could and all the bands in the school where I could be”, told me Melina.

Melina Almodóvar - Photo 2
Melina Almodóvar – Photo 2

This Puerto Rican composer not only prepared in salsa, also studied different musical styles: Blues, Jazz and Gospel. What made her race for only 3 years at the University of Memphis the career of Musical Execution. Studies that she decided to abandon for working at the same time as a receptionist and translator for the City Council and also to continue pursuing her dream of singing Salsa professionally. “I decided to quit my university studies because I was really doing what I wanted to do: that was to be a singer… I thought it was better to leave school and nothing has gone wrong, I have continued doing everything at that moment, but on a slightly larger scale and for me it was the right decision”, commented Amodóvar.

During the 90s, Melina and other music professionals created the first salsa orchestra in Memphis called “La Orquesta Caliente”. With this band toured places like Alanna, Kentucky and Alabama. They played at such iconic venues as Beale Street, one of the most famous music streets in all the US for almost 4 years, just as they did at Young Ave Deli, a place that filled to its maximum capacity just to hear them sing and play Salsa every Monday. In this regard, Melina told me: “That’s when I started singing Salsa. That’s when I fell in love with salsa and I wanted to continue being a professional Salsa singer.”

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert
Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert
Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert photo
Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” in concert photo

In 2003, she began her musical career as an independent soloist with her first album Rumba’s Salsa Soul Delight, where she exhibited her creative freedom to compose, work with other people in the music industry and create her own identity in this tropical genre. So, her second álbum was La Muñeca De La Salsa Y Más (2008) and Pasión y Salsa Live in 2013.

In all her productions this Puerto Rican singer based in Miami, likes to sing to the love in a very positive way. Each song is a tropical proposal of Latin culture, passion, celebration, dance and happiness that invites the dancer to enjoy. “I like to talk positively about things that make me happy. I do not like to shoot men … Because it’s not what happened to me. “She added: “I have a bolero that’s called Mi Nueva Página de Amor, but it’s very positive.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Cover
Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Cover

”Although the Salsa is a genre dominated by men, Melina has shown to take firm steps and open field solidly in the music industry, she has sung alongside major figures such as: The Great Combo of Puerto Rico, Andy Montanez, Bobby Cruz, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Marlo Rosa, Tito Puente Jr., el maestro Larry Harlow and Tromboranga.

She has developed a successful musical career of 20 uninterrupted years that has led her to perform at the biggest annual festivals and daily events in the country. For nine years “La Muñeca de la Salsa” performed live shows in South Florida at Tapas y Tintos club located in Miami’s South Beach with el maestro Ricky Torres, where thousands of dancers from all over the world gathered every Tuesday to dance and enjoy her music.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Singing
Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Singing

In 2010, Melina and approximately more than 600 dancers broke the Guinness Record for the largest number of people dancing Salsa at the same time a song. The idea got with her former manager Frank Nieves. The theme was “Lista pa’ Impresionar” of her authorship and doesn’t rule in the near future to do it again. “We were there seeing how we could do something different for an event that he was doing here for the Broward County Patron Festivities and we said why we did not try to break the Guinness Record. Establish a Guinness Record of the greatest number of dancers dancing a song and then we did it and it was spectacular”, said Melina.

In 2016, she released to the national and international market the salsa version single “Estoy aquí” of the popular Pop singer Shakira, whose arrangement was made by Seferino Cavan. The video of “Estoy Aquí” was shot on the famous beaches of Miami Beach and already has almost 1 million views.

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” - Photo
Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa” – Photo

Likewise, and in mid of 2017, Almodóvar recorded with Tito Puente Jr. a new version in Salsa Mambo of the song “Mi Socio” created by Tito Puente and Cuban singer La Lupe popularized in 1965. In the same way, she did with the singer and composer Bobby Cruz the song “La Chica del Bling”.

Currently, Melina does live performances every Friday to 6pm at Best Time Wine Shop located on 8th Street at 64th and 8th, a wine warehouse with a large dance floor. “Ándale! Pon a Sonar el Güiro” is her most recent single, it was released since last December and you can find it on all digital platforms. During this month of January, Melina will continue playing her music through the territory of Florida with the event Los Patrones de la Salsa and on April 7 she will produce along with her friend Kristina Moinelo the biggest salsa festival in Miami, the Hollywood Salsa Fest, in which she will also participate as a main star with great figures of salsa music.

la muneca de la salsa - flyers
la muneca de la salsa – flyers

Melina Almodóvar believes that the Salsa will never die because it is in the Latin idiosyncrasy and at some point this AfroCaribbean genre will return to be that people like most. She also commented that she does not rule out the possibility in the future to do a fusion with the new urban musical trends of the moment.

“For me to represent Latin music in the US is a very big honor because I love tropical music more than anything. It’s my life, it’s my way of breathing like all the SALSEROS … For me, it’s the whole world to be able to continue my long-standing career, to go ahead and bring good Salsa for the whole World.” Melina Almodóvar

The Salsa is the NUMBER ONE music genre that is danced around the world. I believe that we are keeping this genre alive with what we are doing every day. “Melina Almodóvar

Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa”
Melina Almodóvar “La Muñeca de la Salsa”

To more information about La Muñeca de la Salsa, please visit www.melinaalmodovar.com or like her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/pg/MelinaSalsa

 

What a pleasure to talk to Pablo Pérez ‘‘El Alcalde de La Salsa’’

It is a pleasure to talk to Latin music artists who have left our genres in a high place all over the world and today it is the turn of the great American producer, composer and percussionist Pablo Perez, also known as ”El Alcalde de La Salsa”, who we were lucky enough to interview to know his fascinating story with music. We say to our dear readers that they cannot miss it.

Pablo playing
Pablo Pérez ”El Alcalde de La Salsa” playing the bongos live

How Pablo became interested in music 

From the beginning, Pablo made it very clear that since his childhood he has been interested in music, to the point of beginning to study it at school, as his taste was great since then. To what we must add that the time when he grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, was marked by a total command of salsa, which greatly influenced the young boy. However, he clarifies that he liked all types of genres like ballads, boleros, cha cha chá, merengue, classical music, among others. 

He grew up listening to all sorts of artists and groups such as La Fania All Stars, Ray Barretto, Willie Colón, Johnny Pacheco, Spanish Harlem Orchestra and many others. To some extent, all of them have influenced the style he applies to his own work today.

World traveler

Throughout all this process of being involved with music and learning what he knows today, he came to live in a lot of Latin countries like Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Ecuador, Argentina, Panama, Costa Rica, among others. During all these travels and stays, Pablo dedicated himself at all times to play and present his music to the populations of those places.

In the same way, each of these places has given something new to his style and, in them, he was able to hear new versions of other songs that he knew before. He himself did a new version of the llanera song ”Quierela más que yo” by Venezuelan singer Luis Silva, making it into a salsa song and giving it his own touch. ”I’ve always wanted people to connect with me through my music and I’m always looking to do new, danceable and interesting things,” Pablo said on the subject.

The artist has always liked to mix different sounds and instruments, so he had the idea of creating a trombone orchestra (the first instrument of his career) and seing how it worked. Finally, this group included two trombones, two trumpets and a baritone in order to obtain a bigger sound, helping with a ”baby bass” (an electric double bass model designed by Ampeg), and a piano.

Pablo in the studio
Pablo Pérez recording in the studio

The Pablo Pérez Project and Orquesta Yanes

Although it is true that Pablo’s first major project was The Pablo Pérez Project in 2005, prior to that, he already had a group called Orquesta Yanes (2001), with which he recorded two albums back then. During that time, what was used were LPs and cassettes, one of them being a recording made in Belgium (country where he also lived) and called ”Pablo Pérez con el paisaje latino”. This was the same name of a group he created with local and Latin European musicians in Europe.

At the same time, the musician was also part of other orchestras in his native New Jersey as well as in Puerto Rico and some of them were ”El Nuevo Sonido”, ”Paquito Y Su Tumbao”, ”Peligro” and many others.

Time in Belgium

One of the most important events in Pablo’s career during his time in Europe was his involvement in the album ”Algo Diferente” by Mexican musician Héctor Islas y Su Pachuco 21. The artist referred to Islas as a very good person and a great singer whom he met in the aforementioned country and it was not long before they worked together.

Hector invited him to join his orchestra as a timbalero and they both toured the rest of Europe together, taking their music to anyone who wanted to listen to them in those territories. Later, the Mexican went to Cuba to make a series of recordings in which he asked Pablo to play the bongos.

During their tours, they were able to play alongside El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Jerry Rivera, Original de Manzanillo, Sin Damas, La Fania All Stars, La India and many more.

Pablo and Luis
Luis González ”El Tsunami de La Salsa” next to Pablo Pérez

El Alcalde de la Salsa

A very interesting facet Pablo had was that of a politician in 2014, when he ran for mayor of Trenton, New Jersey. Although targets were not met, the artist explains that this decision to compete gave him many positive experiences with the community.

One of the biggest endorsements he received at the time came from Willie Colón, whom he had known for many years. When the trombonist asked Pablo about his motivations for running for office, he replied that what he wanted was to help the community from a better position. That is when Colón nicknamed him ”El Alcalde de La Salsa” (The Mayor of Salsa), which Pablo liked so much that he decided to use it for the rest of his career.

It is worth mentioning that he also received the endorsement of Tito Nieves during his aspirations for political office.

Music played a crucial role in the campaign events, since the artist’s orchestra was very attractive to people, especially for the fundraisers that Pablo and his team carried out. Likewise, it was a good tool for the former candidate to connect with the community, especially the Latino community. 

It was in this same period that he made contact for the first time with his current bassist and arranger Michael Colón, pianist Efraín ”Juanito” Dávila and other musicians with whom he was able to form his orchestra, which helped him a lot during his political career to gain the sympathy and attention of people. 

When asked if he would be interested in running for public office, he assured that this stage of his life is over and that he prefers to concentrate solely on music for now. 

Willie and Pablo
Willie Colón endorsing Pablo Pérez’s campaign

Read also: How freelance musicians are viewed today

“DeBÍ Tirar Más Fotos” is not just an album; it is an invitation to reimagine music and the cultural impact it can have in an increasingly interconnected world

Bad Bunny was born as Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on March 10, 1994. He is a composer and singer of urban music, especially trap and reggaeton.

Bad Bonny DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS
Bad Bonny DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS

Although he never took formal music classes or studied any instrument, he is a singer, composer and creator of his own songs. The first samples of his art were seen on YouTube, where he slowly began to gain fans.

In mid-2016, Bad Bunny joined Hear This Music, a label created by DJ Luian and Los Mambo Kingz, presenting the hit “La Ocasión,” an anthem of trap music. There he also recorded singles such as “Diles,” “Soy Peor,” and “Tú No Vives Así.”

Bad Bunny has also participated in songs with numerous artists, such as Farruko, De La Ghetto, J Balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam and Ozuna, among other urban music stars.

In 2017 he conquered Europe, touring with more than 20 concerts in 20 days. Upon his return he sang “Si Tu Novio Te Deja Sola” at the 2017 Billboard Latin Music Awards with J Balvin.

In addition, he sold out concerts at the Luna Park in Buenos Aires on September 8 and 9. In November he released “Sensualidad” with Prince Royce and J Balvin.

The year 2018 began with great success.

On January 12, he released “El Baño”, a collaboration he recorded with Enrique Iglesias.

On February 6, he released “Salimos A Buscarte”.

On the 9th, he presented “Fantasía”, with Alex Sensation.

On the 14th, she released a version of the hit “Báilame” by Nacho, together with Luis Fonsi, Yandel and Daddy Yankee.

On the 15th, she released “Amorfoda”, a new single in which she says “no” to love.

She didn’t wait and on the 22nd, she released “Dime Si Te Acuerdas”.

On March 16, she released a song with Khea, Düki and Cazzu, titled “Loca”.

On the 23rd of that month, “Dime” was released, recorded with Revol, J Balvin, Arcángel and De La Ghetto.

On April 1, she presented “Me Rolié”. In the same month, she released: “Te Boté”, with Ozuna, Nicky Jam, Nio García, Darell and Casper Mágico; and “Explícale”, with Yandel, Noriel Cosculluela and Brytiago.

On May 5, she recorded “Contigo”.

Bad Bunny nació como Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio
Bad Bunny nació como Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio

On the 12th, 13th and 14th she presents her songs live, again at Luna Park. In between these concerts she releases “Sólo Avísame”. Then she releases “Quiere Verme”, together with Anuel Aa and “Diles”, with Ledy Medina.

On June 22nd she releases “I Like It”, recorded with Cardi B and J Balvin. On the 28th of the same month she releases the single “Estamos Bien”. She participates in Marc Anthony’s song “Está Rico”, together with Will Smith. On October 11th she releases “Mía”, in a spectacular collaboration with Drake singing in Spanish. On December 8th she releases the hit “Desde el Corazón” and on the 14th of the same month she presents “Sólo de Mí”, whose video reflects gender violence. On the 23rd her debut album goes on sale, under the name “X100Pre”.

On June 28, Bad Bunny & J Balvin present the eight-song album “Oasis” with the first single, “Qué Pretendes” (with special appearances by Mr. Eazi and Marciano Cantero of Enanitos Verdes)

Following the death of basketball player Kobe Bryant, Bad Bunny paid tribute to him with an emotional song titled “6 Rings.”

YHLQMDLG was released by the artist at midnight on February 29, 2020. The title means “I do what I want” and features collaborations with Daddy Yankee, Yaviah, Jowell & Randy, and Ñengo Flow. The album is a tribute to the marquesinas (garage parties) that Bad Bunny grew up attending, and features many nods to reggaeton from the early and mid-2000s

On May 10, 2020, he released his third studio album “Las que no iban a salir,” which features the participation of Don Omar, Zion & Lennox, Nicky Jam, Yandel, among others.

In July, after being the first Latin urban artist to be on the cover of Rolling Stones magazine, El Conejo Malo becomes the protagonist of the first digital cover of the legendary Playboy magazine.

On July 25, he releases the song and video: “Un día (One Day)” with Dua Lipa, J Balvin and Tainy.

On January 3, 2021, he releases the video for his song “Booker T”. That same year, he releases the single and video clip “Lo sentir BB” with Julieta Venegas and Tainy.

Bad Bonny
Bad Bonny

Throughout the year, he publishes several singles and video clips.

On May 5, 2022, he releases the album “Un verano sin ti”.

On June 2, he releases the video clip for the song “Tití mepregunta”.

On November 30, he releases the single “La Jumpa” with the video clip.

On December 22, he released the single “Gato de noche” with Ñengo Flow.

On February 15, 2023, he released the video for “Ojitos lindos” with Bomba Estéreo.

On May 18, he released the single “Where she goes” along with its video.

On July 21, he collaborated with Travis Scott on the single “K-Pop” with The Weeknd.

On September 25, he released the single and video “Un preview”.

On October 13, he released the album “Nadie sabe lo que va a pasará mañana” becoming a hit single.

Becoming the most listened to album of the year in a single day.

“What are we overlooking in Bad Bunny’s ‘DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS’? Beyond reggaeton, a lesson in artistic evolution.”

While social media is boiling with divided opinions about Bad Bunny’s new album, it is worth moving away from the extremes and analyzing “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” from a broader perspective.

Beyond being a reggaeton album, this work is an artistic, cultural and strategic manifesto that leaves valuable lessons for all musical genres, including salsa.

Bad Bunny has used his position as a global artist to fuse elements such as salsa with urban rhythms, achieving a musical dialogue that transcends generations and tastes. However, the impact of this project does not stop there.

I’d like to share five key aspects that other artists could learn from this release to innovate and connect more deeply with their audiences.

  1. The power of nostalgia: plastic chairs as a universal symbol

The album cover, with the humble plastic chairs, connects directly with the everyday life of Latin American neighborhoods. These common objects evoke memories of family gatherings, celebrations, and moments of community. The message is powerful: simplicity can be deeply meaningful and resonate globally.

  1. Exclusivity that generates value: “Residencia” concerts

Instead of a world tour, Bad Bunny is betting on “Residencia,” a series of exclusive concerts in Puerto Rico. With this strategy, he not only boosts tourism and the local economy, but creates a “FOMO” (fear of missing out) phenomenon in his fans. This generates massive advance reservations on hotels and flights.

  1. QR codes: intelligent digital interaction

Integrating technology with music is something that Bad Bunny has done masterfully. QR codes in Puerto Rico allow fans to interact with the album in innovative ways, unlocking exclusive content and creating a bridge between the physical and the digital.

  1. Incorporating traditional genres and sounds

Bad Bunny is not afraid to mix salsa with reggaeton, betting on musical arrangements that celebrate his cultural heritage. This shows that genres are not compartments or “silos”, but platforms for dialogue

  1. Expectation and release strategy

From the announcement of the title to the release date, passing through a short film full of cultural references, everything in this project has been designed to create a narrative that maintains the interest of the public. The lesson here is clear: music is not just released, it is experienced as a complete cultural event.

Final thoughts: innovation and evolution

In a world dominated by technology, staying traditional is not an option for artists who want to grow. Tools like Web 3.0, Blockchain, NFTs to offer immersive experiences and AI are revolutionizing the way musicians interact with their audiences and generate income.

While some lose themselves in criticism, others take advantage of these tools to redefine their art and project themselves globally. The lesson is clear: you have to look ahead and dare to evolve.

“DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS” is not just an album; it is an invitation to reimagine music and the cultural impact it can have in an increasingly interconnected world.

Also Read: Sessions from La Loma brings together salsa fans from all over the world in Puerto Rico

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International Salsa Magazine (ISM) is a monthly publication about Salsa activities around the world, that has been publishing since 2007. It is a world network of volunteers coordinated by ISM Magazine. We are working to strengthen all the events by working together.