Name: DJ Mambo
Nationality: Puerto Rico
Currently residing: San Juan, Puerto Rico
Profession: Salsa DJ
Salsa Style: Advanced On 2 and On 1
How long have you been salsa Djing?
I began collecting salsa music seriously around 1998 in NYC where I was living at the time. Later, around 2001, I started creating CD salsa mixes to share with friends and Djs. At that time some of that music started to get played in salsa clubs in Puerto Rico. Eventually, in 2004, and thanks to promoter Luis Salgado, I made my first dj apperance at a club in Old San Juan called “Dalí”. Luis, whom I had met a couple of years earlier, generously continued to feature me steadily as part of those salsa nights. Since then I have made dj apperances at numerous venues such as Drums and Brava in Puerto Rico, as well as Taj and Imperial in NYC.
What made you start?
My motivation to begin Djing, no doubt, laid in the dancers and in the love for the dance. My interest was not in radio Djing. I was a social dancer. I believed in building a mood of intensity on the dance floor with music that would incite you to move. This included all of the classics but also many of the old and new recordings that were rare to listen to. I wanted to share salsa with those who had both the passion for the dance and the passion for the music.
Do you dance salsa yourself? If so what styles and levels?
You could say I’m an advanced On 2 social dancer but I also dance On1 which was what I first learned. I am influenced by both Puerto Rican and New York dance styles. My instructors in Puerto Rico have been Norma Rivera, Joey Costoso, Tito Ortos and Jackeline Ramos. In New York they have been, from Abakuá Dancers: Manny Blackett, Carmen Sosa, Johnny Matos and Frankie Martinez.
Describe your best salsa mix
I would have to say it is one that is in dialogue with the dancers, one that interprets the mood of the crowd and speaks to it specifically at a determined place and time. It should include both known and rare classics as well as new recordings. It should not get stuck in a single rythm style or pattern, but rather, ought to try to combine as much as possible: mambo, PR style salsa, cha cha, NY style salsa, conjuntos, Cuban style salsa, Fania recordings, charanga, boogaloo, big bands, music of the Palladium etc...
Top 3 salsa artists and why?
There are so many... But if forced to choose... they would have to be the following: Tito Puente, for his great big band and mambo classics. Bobby Valentín, for his great salsa arrangements with both Fania and his own band. And El Gran Combo, which followed the tradition of great Puerto Rican flavor instilled by Cortijo and Ismael Rivera.
What’s your best memory spinning records?
There are so many..... The musical dialogue with the dancers and their energy on the dancefloor is always amazing and fullfilling. Also, I’ve been blessed to have Dj’d at events in Puerto Rico alongside the likes of Willie Rosario,Tommy Olivencia, Roberto Roena and more.... One particularly great memory though, was being part of the PR Hustle and Salsa Festival “Palladium Night” in 2008 when Gilberto Santa Rosa, José Alberto “El Canario”, Camilo Azuquita, Choco Orta, and the great Meñique provided an incredibly special and elecrifying tribute to Tito Puente, Tito Rodriguez and Machito that I will never forget. It was a great night in Salsa and truly a once in a lifetime experience.
Which salsa DJ inspires you most?
There are many that I admire, respect and have been influenced by. In Puerto Rico DJ Andy and DJ Georgie. In New York DJ Henry Knowles, DJ Franklin Ayala, and Dj Elvira. Also, I have grown and developed greatly as a DJ alongside my colleagues, Boricua Swing DJs: Tito Massas and Louie Love (aka Luis Salgado.)
3 tips for aspiring salsa DJ’s:
1) I believe musicians, dancers and Djs alike should make it their priority to study both the music and dance histories of salsa.
2) Learn to dance. Good non-dancing DJs are the exception, not the rule.
3) Create your own DJ style and repertoire.
Where do you see salsa going in 5 years from now?
I believe salsa dancing will continue to professionalize even more. The numerous schools, competitions and congresses will continue to fulfill a crucial role in spreading salsa globally. By the same token, there have been many changes since the Fania years when salsa dancing was in the streets. It was for the enjoyment of the masses then. The lack of support from the big record labels today, is greatly to blame for the diminishing commercial exposure of the music with the exception of places such as Colombia where it is massively treasured and protected by the people. Still, Salsa has been going on for 60 years and more. This is very good reason to believe it will continue to inspire dancers around the world for a long time. It’s up to each one of us to ensure this happens by making our own small contribution to support the musicians and to sponsor and spread this wonderful and unique sound that is Salsa.
Lastly, if there was one salsa wish you could make, what would that be?
Dance with the music not to the music, and don’t forget to dance with the soul.
I’d like to thank and acknowledge others not mentioned above: Tito Ortos, Tony Quiñones, Mayra Febus, Jonathan Medero, Henry Knowles, Willito Otero, Edwin Nieves, Richard Diaz, Felix Rivera, Norma Rivera, Sammy Vélez, Mike Peña, Jimmy Anton, Carlos Konig, Gilbert Orta, Camille Sálamo, Yamel Sierra.
Que Viva La Salsa!
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