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Peace Through Music

Carlos Santana was the main Latin artist in this lineup

The world renowned Mexican guitarist Carlos Santana took part in the concert “Peace Through Music: A World Event for Social Justice”, to celebrate the 75 years of the United Nations. This event was transmitted virtually through the Playing For Change Facebook page, the purpose was to gather musicians around the world, who would send a message of peace and justice through their music.

Carlos performed the famous song “Oye como va”, which originally was performed by Tito Puente, but was immortalized in the 70s by the Jalisco-born guitarist. This performance was accompanied by the beautiful landscapes of Hawaii, and the excellent drums of Santana’s wife, Cindy Blackman.

Carlos Santana in Peace Through Music — Carlos with his wife Cindy Blackman.

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“Music is a mystical medicine that heals the listener from the infection of fear, the infection of separation, of thinking that you are not enough. Music rescues you from thinking like that”, were Santana’s words during the broadcast.

But Santana was not the only Latin artist to be present at this beautiful event, Tito Puente Jr. and Becky G, also performed their songs and gave their messages about this complicated year. Together with different artists from countries such as Colombia and Brazil who showed the sounds of their land.

Ringo Starr was the other major artist to say present in Peace Through Music

Ringo Starr, the well-known drummer of the iconic British group The Beatles, was the other artist who attracted the most attention at this event, interpreting a song with many artists around the world called The Weight, where again a call is made for love and peace, a message that Starr has always professed since his beginnings with the Beatles.

Ringo Starr in Peace Through Music — Ringo Starr with his drums.

“I am honored to be here and to be part of this musical presentation celebrating the United Nations and 75 years of working for peace and justice around the world and I am sure that love was part of this in some way,” he commented during his participation.

In addition to him, artists such as Annie Lennox and Jack Johnson were also present. The first performed “Here comes the rain again”, a song that was immortalized by the British duo Eurythmics in the 80s. While Johnson commented: “Music has the ability to unite us”, a message that the entire event demonstrated despite being separated by kilometers, technology allows us to enjoy the talent of these renowned artists, who in one way or another only want to bring people together.

The event was organized by the Playing For Change and Blackbird Presents foundations, seeking to give a message of unity and strength in these difficult times for all. In fact, between each presentation you could see messages from many corners of the world, about the fight against covid-19 and its repercussions. Apart from that, the event also had slogans against racism, and of course the power of music in the world.

Role of the Triangle Trade in the birth of Cuban rumba

What Cuban rumba is

As we all know, Latin music is a very diverse mix of a series of rhythms and musical styles from all over the world. What we know today as Latin music was the result of a whole concoction of historical facts that must come first in any story that seeks to explain the origins of any Latin rhythm that wants to be studied.

A good example of this that we have just said is the Cuban rumba, which is part of a set of cultural concepts that can be found in many parts of the world. There are certain musical rhythms that have allowed us to see that some seemingly alien places have made us discover each and every one of the common points they have, both historically and culturally.

How Cuban rumba starts

Cuban rumba and the Triangle Trade — Some people dancing rumba and and playing drums

One of the most important historical events that marked the birth of the Cuban rumba was the triangular trade carried out between Africa, America and Europe. This fact was the emergence of a large number of musical genres that were resulting from the mixture of rhythms and styles from all the aforementioned continents.

After the Discovery of America, Europe saw in the New World a useful territory for many of the economic activities that were not possible in their respective countries. In the case of labor, many African chiefdoms offered for sale to part of their inhabitants, something that was seen with very good eyes by the powerful Europeans of the time. This is how what historically would be known as triangular trade began.

This activity consisted of sending low-quality materials to be exchanged by African slaves to work with African and American resources in terrible living conditions. Once in America, some African ethnic groups were in charge of introducing the rumba in the Antilles, although the origins of the groups that brought these rhythms continue to be controversial among many scholars of the subject.

Although the slaves worked very hard during the day, they continued to practice their traditional rituals and rites at night. These practices were entirely based on their traditional music and religious customs to stay united with their Mother Earth despite the remoteness and the circumstances. Over time, these rites and percussion instruments were banned, so the new inhabitants of America had to adapt to the instruments allowed by the Spanish Crown. This made these sounds unknown to the Africans together with their forbidden dances in this land were merging until resulting in what we know today as rumba.

Rumba today

Cuban rumba and the role of the slaves — People dressed in white to enjoy Cuban Rumba on the streets

The characteristics of the rumba vary enormously from one place to another, since there are many variations and changes from one continent to another. In Africa, many see this genre as similar to zouk or benga, while Europeans refer to it as flamenco or Catalan rumba. There have been many artists who have taken on the task of making this genre their own and making it evolve to unsuspected levels to make it what it is today.

Today, we can appreciate a good number of subgenres that have their origin in the same parrones rhythms from which rumba derives in its different versions.

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Latin rhytms preferred by Europeans to learn to dance

A brief introduction about Latin music

In the last several years, Latin music has become a real phenomenon throughout much of the world, especially in Europe. Currently, Latin rhythms are heard in almost every corner of the Old Continent, which has been really beneficial for the great men of these musical styles, who have started their artistic careers in major cities of Europe.

After becoming an overwhelming success for this music in Latin America and the US, it gradually expanded throughout many European countries, in which Spanish and family languages have a strong presence. In these countries, the Latino community has been growing steadily, which has made locals take an interest in its culture and traditions, including music. There are many Europeans who want to learn how to dance many Latin rhythms, but there are some that distinguish themselves from others.

Salsa

Europeans love Latin music — A drum for Latin music

Among the many Latin rhythms that many Europeans wanted to learn how to dance, salsa can never be lacking. This is because this world-renowned musical genre is very sociable and entertaining, which few Europeans were accustomed to see in ages past. Salsa is commonly danced in Los Angeles and very present at all kinds of parties and amateur competitions, especially in Continental Europe. In that part of the continent, it is quite common to find dance academies that teach this specific style.

There are many European nations that organize dance championships in which salsa occupies a very special place.

Bachata

Another genre preferred by Europeans in order to learn how to dance is bachata, which is from the Dominican Republic and characterized by very slow and sensual movements on the part of the members of the couple. After all the success achieved by bachata artists, this genre has become one of the rhythms with the largest presence in European music festivals.

There is no denying that a set of soloists and groups have offered an unimaginable contribution to the expansion of bachata throughout the world, such as Juan Luis Guerra, Romeo Santos, Prince Royce, among others.

Tango

Europeans dancing Latin music — A young couple dancing Latin music

If there is a genre that cannot be out of any list of options to learn how to dance, it is Argentine tango. One of the reasons why this elegant and distinguished dance has had this incredible success in Europe and elsewhere in the world has been the huge presence it has had in numerous Hollywood films and the great interest which ballroom dances have awakened in countries like England.

It is anticipated that its popularity will increase and have as much presence as salsa and bachata in dance events throughout the Old Continent. It is not long before it does.

Rumba

One of the most interesting details of a genre like rumba is that it has undergone a great number of changes in the mists of time. This is due to its Cuban origin and its many fusions with certain Spanish and African rhythms, so no wonder the sympathy that many Europeans have for this colorful musical genre.

The ones greatly responsible for the expansion of rumba in Europe have been the dance masters who have devoted much of their work to the promotion of this and other rhythms from Latin America.

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“GOD LOVE UFO” is the new from Homero Gallardo

We present you Homero Gallardo’s new single

“GOD LOVE UFO” is what the great Ecuadorian guitarist and music producer, Homero Gallardo brings us to close the year with style. This single is produced by PC Records and distributed by Sony Music Entertainment.

The president of PC Records Hamilton Caucayo has expressed that Gallardo is The New Santana 2020. Because they consider the single as a masterpiece, and the best that Homero has done, since he was in charge of the lyrics, the music, arrangement, and production. This way the guitarist puts his touch and guitar on the current music, focusing on his projects.

“Immensely grateful to God and the entire team involved in the project! Without you it would not have been possible. I love you all very much”, Homero posted on his Instagram profile.

Homero Gallardo GOD LOVE UFO — Homero Gallardo is now presenting “GOD LOVE UFO”

MAFFIO is the multi-award winning artist and producer that Homero currently works with, to whom he entrusts all his projects, and both know how to work as a team to present the best of their talents. But he is not the only artist with whom Gallardo has worked, this great guitarist who comes from Ecuador, has managed to collaborate in many ways with artists such as: Maluma, Kymani Marley (Bob Marley’s son), Luis Miguel, Zion & Lennox, Yandel, Jencarlos Canela, NACHO, Nicky Jam, Manuel Turizo and many others. Not to mention that he has shared the stage with Marc Anthony, Puff Daddy and Jason Derulo.

A little about Homero’s trajectory

Homero Gallardo was born in Ecuador specifically in Guayaquil, from the age of 9 he showed love for music focusing on the classical genre, but three years later he was found performing professionally at festivals and activities in his hometown. His recognition as an artist was immediate, winning several contests at his school.

At just 16 years old, he managed to perform with renowned artists such as the Colombian Fonseca and the Venezuelan Jeremías. Then he decided to move to Miami in the United States to continue his studies in music, obtaining a scholarship with the Jazz Ensemble, that way Homero was in contact with Miami music scene which made him surround himself with Latin artists, and appearing with them in television, among those artists we can name: Thalia, Luis Fonsi, Chino & Nacho, and others.

In 2014, he was nominated for a Latin Grammy as a guitarist. Not only has he collaborated with many artists on stage, but he has done so much more behind the scenes as a producer and composer, as evidenced by his participation in the production and recordings for artists such as Periko and Jessi León.

With “GOD LOVE UFO” Gallardo wants to remain firm in the music scene, managing to conquer more audience simply by playing the chords of a guitar, that manages to make more than one fall in love, that is why he won the title of the New Santana.

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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.

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