Hot Steppin’ Chamo
With his latest single ‘Hot Steppa’ breaking records as the fastest-growing UK-produced Latino song ever, clocking over 160k views in YouTube in 4 days, Angelo Flow is on a high. The song, a collaboration with dancehall legend J…
Let The Juice Loose!
Hailed as the most exciting new face in Latin music, Cuban singer, composer and producer, Cimafunk offers a subtle and bold mix of funk with Cuban music and African rhythms. Jose Luis Seijas talks to Cuba’s latest cool cat to…
Things That Matter to…Susana Baca
Three-time Latin Grammy winner, Susana Baca is Peru’s most internationally renowned artist, who shone a light on the previously little known world of Afro-Peruvian rythmns. In 2021, she marked the 50th year of her career with the…
The Accidental Hero
Once a struggling rock star in Bogotá, Carlos Vives became a national symbol almost overnight by fusing Colombia’s traditional vallenato rythmns with modern rock and pop. As if to represent the unity of a country in conflict, the…
Latin Jazz Next Gen
Unlike other music, Jazz musicians get better with age. In Jazz linguistics, at 40, you’re a toddler just starting to talk! The following artists have pricked up our ears with their exciting new sounds. Both blessed and burdened…
Lease of Life: an interview with Draco Rosa
Having made Ricky Martin's global career with the songs "Livin' La Vida Loca," "She Bangs" and "Shake Your Bon-Bon," Bobby Draco Rosa is considered Latin American music royalty. The two…
The Heart of Brazil
Brazil’s definitive fiesta front man, Zeca Pagodinho, is one of the country’s most loved artists. Embodying the free, easy-going Carioca spirit and representing the tradition of sambas de raiz (grassroot sambas), Zeca…
LatinoLife's 2023 Homegrown Music Roundup
We at LatinoLife are so proud of our UK Latin Talent, and the privilege of helping to nurture and showcase that talent to the world through our media, events and music label and activities as a National Portfolio Organisation.…
'The Marvellous Jew' - an interview with Fania legend Larry Harlow
Known affectionately as ‘the marvellous jew’ Larry Harlow was such a talent that the great Latino stars of Fania more than embraced him as one their own; they revered his musical leadership and vision. Jose Luis Seijas talks to…
Reggaeton Soul
At the age of 19, Manuel Turizo is fast becoming the latest Colombian sensation to explode in the world of Reggaetón. His first hit 'Una Lady Como Tú' received over 1.3 billion YouTube views, while 'Vaina Loca…
Orchesta Guayacán Tunes That Rock The Dance Floor
Orquesta Guayacan is without a doubt one of Colombia's greatest musical institutions. For over 35 years they have been one of the most prolific, consistent and best bands to come out of Cali, not an easy task considering…
OCTOBER REGGAETON RECAP
It’s hard to tell what’s dropping faster, the leaves from the trees or the singles and albums from these reggaeton stars. This month is all about the opposites as a formidable new duo discuss the ultimate love while another…
LATIN LONDONER #23 Mike Kalle - Urban Latin Artist
Born in London to Colombian parents, Mike Kalle is the leading light of the young, creative Latino community. Referred to as the godfather of UK Latin Hip Hop, Mike won a LUKAS two years running as Urban Latin Act of the Year.…
From Reggaetón to Urban Latin: What Happened after the Boom?
Five years ago Reggaetón exploded onto the US music scene with NORE’s Oye Mi Canto. Fresh out of the streets of Puerto Rico and Panama, Latino kids, the US’s fastest rising demographic, were going crazy for it in every major city…
THE ONLY WAY IS UP
It has been a rollercoaster few years for the Grammy award-winning singer, but now Lila Downs is appreciating life more than ever, she tells Elizabeth Mistry
THE JULY REGGAETON RECAP
July is the month of collaborations! From a trio packed with Argentinian All-stars to another who are each representing their own nation, it’s great to see artists working together providing the ultimate summer soundtrack.
Victor Jara, Singer-songwriter (1932-1973)
Victor Jara was a popular folk singer in Chile, who was tortured and murdered in 1973 by the military coup led by Augusto PInochet. Ever since, the man and his music has been an inspiration for millions across the world. Almost…
JESSE & JOY (East West Records)
This is the album that won Jesse & Joy, the Mexican brother and sister duo, their first US Grammy for best Latin pop album in February this year. It’s also their first to feature songs in English, some of which have already…
Brazilian Virtuoso - an interview with Diego Figueiredo
At the young age of 35, Latino guitar sensation Diego Figueiredo has already recorded 23 albums and played in 60 countries around the world. Hailed by George Benson as “one of the greatest guitarists I’ve seen in my whole life”,…
Teleport yourself through Sech's Latest Album "42"
Panamanian Reggaeton Sensation, Sech releases his third album “42”, the 11 track album is vibrant and features Rauw Alejando, Arcangel, Wisin Y Yandel and Nicky Jam.
We Love Omar Geles
Omar Geles was one of Colombia's most important Vallenato singers and musicians and the most prolific composer of his generation. His band Los Diablitos, which he formed with Miguel Morales, produced a string of hits in the…
Football’s Bohemian
After a very successful career in the Spanish and Italian football leagues for Valencia, Lazio and Barcelona, Gaizka Mendieta felt the urge to experience the most acclaimed league in the world. At 29, the Bilbao-born Spanish…
Prodigious Child
Silvana Estrada grew up in rural Mexico in a home where music and instruments were made; both of her parents are luthiers. She was raised singing Mexican son jarocho before studying jazz and absorbing the music of the likes of…
Latin Londoner #33: Natalia Luisbassa, Conductor
Coming up through Venezuela's world famous El Sistema, Natalia became the first person to obtain a degree in Orchestral Conducting in Venezuela. She completed her postgraduate studies at the Royal College of Music (RCM) in…
Top 10 Noughties Reggaeton Tracks
From Tego to Daddy Yankee here are the top 10 Noughties Reggaeton hits from our freinds at Reggaeton.co.uk! From early to mid 00's this may even be a younger generations "old school" list.
Nature’s Children
We can all recognize the low whistle opening To My Love, or the growing drum and guitar rhythm of Fuego. Fans of Colombia’s hippest electro-tropical outfit will be dying to see Bomba Estereo after its 4-year break since Ayo. With…
REYKO @ The Waiting Room
REYKO kicked off the new year with an exceptional London concert in The Waiting Room. A concert hall filled with music enthusiasts, fans, and curious Londoners wanting to know more about this mystical Spanish band, making it the…
The Essence of Salsa Aristocracy: why we love Pete 'El Conde' Rodriguez
Of all the legendary crooners of salsa’s golden era, Fania founder Pacheco always claimed that Pete 'El Conde' Rodriguez was his favourite singer. And you only need to listen to his songs to see why: the understated…
The Future of Latin Music?
While Venezuela has always been the land of opportunity for Colombians, one of Venezuela’s most successful new musicians and innovative producers, has gone the other way and is coming back with some sounds that are rocking the…
Things That Matter… Jards Macalé
Having worked with some of the biggest names in Brazilian music, including Joao Donato, Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso and more, Jards Macalé has garnered status as one of the most influential samba and tropicalia artists. Macalé’s…
Things That Matter To...Mandinga
Hailing from Bucharest, Mandinga have come a long way since representing Romania in the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2012. Integrating the sassy Spanish lead singer Bárbara Isasi, this energetic, funky Tropical-Urban fusion…
At the request of their fans, Jacob Forever and Nacho release the remix "Te liberé"
The Cuban Jacob Forever and the Venezuelan Nacho are premiere! After several days of promotion in social networks, Latin urban singers have just given the green light on YouTube to their new collaborative song.
Marc Anthony’s Debut Concert in the UK
The biggest selling salsa artist of all time showed he could still be surprised by adoring fans, as he was visibly moved and energised by an 02 full of London's latinos.
Things That Matter to...Arya
The second profile in our series on Venezuelan Diaspora Music, we are delighted to present a true rising star; Italo-Venezuelan singer/songwriter Arya. Daughter of Orlando Watussi, a well-known Venezuelan salsa singer, Arya grew…
Cuban Spirit
Roberto Fonseca’s soulful, dynamic new album, Yesun, is a reincarnation, where the sounds of an old Cuba collide gracefully with the clean precision of modern day. The son of Havana’s streets, now on a European tour, spoke to…