For the 12th edition of our Salsafestival Switzerland we're again able to present our guests an absolut world class live concert!

José Alberto, who is also known as "El Canario" due to his singing talent , was born in the Dominican Republic. He grew up in Puerto Rico, where he studied music at the "Las Antillas Military Academy". He later moved to New York. There he quickly became Sonero Auténtico (an improvising singer who is able to spontaneously produce new texts at any time) thanks to his wonderful gift as a singer and performer. Throughout his career, José Alberto has worked with the most influential artists.

The debut was in 1976 with the album "Curious?" by Tito Rodriguez. Between 1978 and the beginning of the '80s, he sang in the group Tipica 73 and produced 3 albums. "Tipica 73: intercambio culture" (1979) is a classic and records the first collaboration between the residents of New York Latin artists and their Cuban colleagues. Among these are Tata Guines, Feliz Chappotin and Nino Rivera. In 1983, José founded his own band with which he recorded three albums for the Sono Max. In 1987, he recorded his songs with the new label RMM by Ralph Marcado. José owes his sensational international success to "Sueño contigo" and "Mis amores" (1989).

In the '90s, "El Canario" released five new albums in collaboration with Sergio Vargas ("Dance with me", 1991) and Celia Cruz (in a duet in "On time", 1994) with whom he often sang live. In the last album ("Tributo a Machito", 1997) one can also find Tito Puente and Dave Valentin. Let us not forget his renowned songs: "Quiero Salsa", "Desculpame Señora", "Clavado en un bar". Wherever "El Canario" is, there is a spectacle; whether in New York with his famous orchestra or in Europe, where he accompanied the orchestra Mercadonegro and with whom he worked in the record production. An example is the beautiful piece "Comenzò la Rumba" with one of the Mercadonegro band singers Rodry Go!

MERCADONEGRO

The Mercado Negro „Project" emerged as the three lovers of Latin music and founders of the band (Armando Miranda, Cesar Correa and Rodrigo Rodriguez) met the producer of Bibomusic.

The band was named Mercadonegro due to their roots and connection with African-American music and culture, which they never forgot. The four friends connected from the beginning due to their love for the music of Latin American origins. Together they fought against problems of immigrants and today with their music, send messages about their experiences and emotions as immigrants.

Today, they are Europe's most important and best Latin music band. They accompany the most renowned singers on tour and have already released several albums of their own. Its founding members were from the famous Salsa Violinist Alfredo de la Fé, devoted exclusively to various projects. The highlight of the career of the three founders was the honor of accompanying Celia Cruz (Queen of Salsa) in the last two tours.

Meanwhile, the band consists of 12 – 14 passionate musicians. All with Latin American roots – thus sharing the passion and ensuring an expression of their culture and love for music.