Jose Alberto "El Canario"
One of the most famous Dominican Salseros. To hear his music and read more about him please check out his website. For a link to his web site go to our
links page (opens in a new window)
Cuco Valoy “El Brujo” is one of the music legends of Dominican Republic. He studied music in el Conservatorio Nacional de Música de la República Dominicana where he studied music theory. His father, a carpenter, worked hard to get the entire family a musical education because he wanted to make the family business a musical one.
Cuco formed his first band, Los Ahijados (The Godsons), with his brother Martín Valoy. Cuco was the main vocalist and guitarist. Their orchestra was the first of its kind in Dominican Republic. In 1975 Cuco split from this band to form another called Los Virtuosos. Along with Ramón Orlando, this orchestra became very well known as they played all types of Latin music. As time went by they became known as La Tribu (The Tribe) because of some friendly joke about their skin color. The band played with many well known singers. Veloy has become a Hispanic legend and an ambassador of the afro-Latin music. He gained the affection and respect of his colleagues because of his creativeness and original musical expressions. His musical talents include the ability to play guitar and piano. He is also a great percussionist and can play the tambora along with a fine vocals. Veloy is a well rounded musician and artist. For a link to his web site go to our
links page (opens in a new window)
Raulin Rosendo, born in Santo Domingo August 30, 1957. He started his musical career as a member of the merengue group El Chivo y Su Banda when he was 12 years old. His first solo Salsa recording was in 1991 and he has continued recording Salsa music since that time.
Celia Cruz is not Dominican but I love her and just had to include her video here...sorry..
Celia Cruz singing with the Fania Stars in Africa. The Queen of the salsa, la guarachera de America, when was young. Azuuucaa...!! Celia Cruz, Cheo Feliciano, and The Fania stars
Te Quiero music video, song by Cuco Valoy,
Directed and Produced By Kris Areche.
Starring Edwin, Edgar, Alex, Heifal, George, Nelson and Kris.
Dominican Republic is not known for Salsa or Son styles of music and still they excell in the creation of these types of music. Dominicans have music in their souls.The souls in their being and the soles of their feet!
Read on to learn about our tallented musicians in these not so common styles to the island.
Henry García ,from Dominican Republic, sang much with Cuco Valoy but never received much acknowledgement for his magnificent vocal abilities. I did find a CD named Clavelitos y Azucenas Henry García made in December 1999.
Sex Appeal - This Dominican salsa group has a style with a more funky modern turn.
Learn to Salsa Dance Series Each DVD has more than 1 1/2 hours of the highest quality salsa dance instruction. This DVD collection is suitable for everyone, at any age, with anywhere from 1-3 left feet. They claim that after this in depth, step-by-step approach instruction, you will grasp the essentials of salsa dance be salsa dancing in no time!.Volume 1 gives the fundamentals so you will be ready to go out dancing by the time you finish this disc. Volume 2 takes up where Volume 1 left off. Now you have the fundamentals they pick up the pace, and starts putting together. Volume 3 puts it all together and you will look like you have danced the Salsa since before you could walk.
Just click on the cover picture to read more and to order.
Learn to Salsa Dance Volume 1
Learn to Salsa Dance Volume 2
Learn to Salsa Dance Volume 3
Copyright © 2005 - 2008 Colonial Zone-DR. All Rights Reserved.
Grupo Maniel was formed in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1989 by founding member César Namnúm.
The band plays many types and styles of Hispanic and Caribbean music including Son, Merengue, Bolero, Danzón, Guaracha, Latino Jazz, Salsa, Rumba among the many. The group has 12 very talented members These musicians play a variety of instruments including Congas, Bongos, Timbal, Tambora, Güira, Güiro, Claves, Maracas, y Bajo. They have Piano, Guitars, Trumpets, Saxophones and Flute. Included are 3 main singers and a chorus. All this talent and instruments come together to make some beautiful, enjoyable and danceable music.
Grupo Maniel, also known as “Los Grandes del Son Dominicano”
This band has gained much recognition in Santo Domingo singing and playing with national and international musicians alike. Some of these include Ibrahim Ferrer, Jonnhy Pacheco, José Alberto “El Canario”, Rubby Pérez, Chichí Peralta, and many others. They have won Casandra award for Grupo Sonero of the Year.
Grupo Maniel has 5 discs and 3 DVD recordings showcasing their great talent.To listen to their
song Marieta go here
Click the link to purchase the albums
César Namnúm, the founder of the group, also runs a radio station called Quisqueya FM.
The web site
picture of the band Grupo Maniel (click to enlarge)
Real Life and Times in the Dominican Republic
