Orlando residents this weekend can expect to shake their bon-bons and whatever else they can jiggle with one of
"My career spans more than 25 years, and I've recorded 28 albums. I'm considered a pioneer in merengue music," says Quezada. "Folks, leave your high heels and platform shoes at home, and come barefoot if you want to because we're going to dance all day long." The colorful Quezada can trace her musical roots back to her homeland. As a small child in the
She later moved to
Quezada, now in her 50s, not only is aware of the sea change in Latin music but has tested those waters.
In 2005, the merengue singer released her first reggaeton single, "Mala Palabra" ("Bad Word"), off her album MQ. Reggaeton is a catchy form of music from the
The singer says that reggaeton's popularity in the Caribbean not only has ensured its longevity overseas but also a growing interest among listeners in the
"I see that because of reggaeton, more non-Hispanics now are interested in Latin music," says Quezada. "Reggaeton has the power to gather audiences, and the
Since breaking her contract recently with her label, J&N Records, Quezada feels liberated and eager to tackle more independent projects.
As a free agent this year, she released "Ella" ("Her"), a cover of contemporary Spanish-born singer Bebe. Although the single can be heard only in the
The multitalented Quezada doesn't shrug off the idea of releasing an album in English either, as have other Latin American merengue performers. Dominican-born Juan Luis Guerra is currently working on an English-language record for
"I admire what Marc Anthony has achieved on an international level and what Juan Luis Guerra is accomplishing," Quezada says. "As an icon, you have the ability to move people, and I think that through music you can bridge all styles, cultures and ideologies."
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