Merengue Music Evolves And Moves On Thanks To Mutual Collaborations Among Dominican Artists

New York, NY August 31, 2006

The national music of the Dominican Republic is one of those needs the native absents from the island seek out and enjoy to the fullest while away from their land. New York City, being the geographical location with a bigger number of people from such country (outside of their national territory) becomes the second home of Dominican immigrants whose neighborhoods look, sound, taste and smell like just another town in Quisqueya (Original name Taino Indians called the island prior to colonization).

The love and passion for Merengue music is just natural among Dominicans. All different styles of Merengue are heard throughout the city of NY at any time of the day or night, especially during the summer season.

The artists and songs are abundant in every Merengue style, from Eddie Herrera and his elegant image and sound, to the electrifying rhythm of The Rosario Brothers Band, to Krisspy and his countryside Merengue, whose style is known as Merengue Tipico.

In the Big Apple, this particular kind of Merengue (Tipico) has maintained a consistent presence for many years through radio airplay, live presentations in night clubs, and sold out concerts.

The biggest contributor to this craze caused by Merengue Tipico is a band with a particular name: Aguakate, a word most Dominicans love since it’s the exact translation of Avocado, a fruit that’s an integral part of their daily diet.

Gerpis Correa, a.k.a. “Shino” has been the lead singer of Aguakate for years since the group was founded, and it seems as if he’s ready to follow his own path after having grown bigger than the band itself. His charisma and his innate ability to entertain and interact with the masses it’s undeniable for anyone who has seen him in action. However, his talent and broad appeal is also shown every day during his participation in El Vacilon De La Manana, the highest rated radio morning show in the city.

One of Shino’s latest accomplishments is to have recorded a Merengue Tipico song with Dominican icon Sergio Vargas, a recently elected congressman with a long and fruitful career singing Merengue, mostly Adult Contemporary style. In the song, Sergio sings with his signature style, clean and classy. Shino appears to try doing the same, but his true style is comic, and he ends up shifting gears and utilizing his weapon of mass seduction which are his lyrics and his particular, funny delivery.

The song has raised awareness in the entertainment industry since collaborating in other peoples’s albums has not been a common occurrence for Merengue performers. With this work, Sergio Vargas and Shino provide more proof that the national music of the DR is on the upswing.

Every kid on the streets of Washington Heights and Villa Altagracia looks up to these guys as role models due to their humble origins and their consistent efforts which helped them rise above their limitations.

Perhaps these two performers don’t understand the impact of their work, but history is being made in front of our eyes (and ears) as Merengue continues to gain traction as a result of works like the one mentioned above.

Merengue is a music that deserves more attention and refinement from its makers, regardless of their style.

It’s definitely a must, since there is a growing number of people in the U.S. who are relentlessly voicing their commitment to this music with the phrase: Merengue For Ever.

In some ways, the work of Shino and Sergio could add a brick to the foundation of Merengue at an international level. Shino is a highly creative individual who keeps making hits and coming back with some funny music that never seems to lose its effectiveness.
His fans await the development of his of his career as a solo artist, since his voice and onstage antics are the kind of act Dominicans can really get used to. Shino does, after all, brings them closer to everything they miss about their homeland, a package carefully flavored with funny Merengue Tipico.

Lorenzo Fenix
OntargetMedia@hotmail.com
Ontarget Media Management, LLC
www.OntargetMedia.biz
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