Reseña por: Diego Aranda
When the needle drops onto the grooves of this LP, memory is activated and dance becomes part of the ritual. As part of its 40th anniversary, Latina Stereo FM celebrates its history with a commemorative vinyl release that reaffirms its calling: programming only the very best.
The Latina Música label presents Salsa Éxitos del Mundo Vol. 2, a compilation of nine carefully selected tracks that directly dialogues with the first volume released in 2017 and confirms that today’s salsa still carries message, street spirit, and rumba flavor.
Side A opens with ritual strength. “Timbalaye,” by Los Hacheros, is a direct call to the dancer. Originally included on the album Bambulaye (2016), this track by the renowned Brooklyn-based group—produced by Jacob Plasse and featuring the powerful voice of Héctor “Papote” Jiménez—sets an Afro-Caribbean pulse in guaguancó time as a ceremonial overture.
The journey continues toward Canada with the support of percussionist and DJ Ricky Campanelli, who introduces Lengaïa Salsa Brava from Montreal with the track “Acó Acó,” included in the collection Nos curamos con la rumba (2023). A modern, urban, and flavorful descarga, designed both for the dance floor and the attentive listener.
From Barcelona comes Tromboranga, led by Joaquín Arteaga, with the track “Ah Caraj” (What happened here?), included on their album Sangre, sudor y salsa (2016). With vocals by Freddy Ramos, this cut reaffirms the raw, rumbero, hard-hitting sound that has become one of Latina Stereo’s great classic salsa staples, from an orchestra that is now a mandatory reference within the European salsa movement.
Side A closes with Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Jerry Ferrao and his orchestra, performing “Los Grandes Timbaleros,” a track released on Desafío (2022). A tribute to the instrument, the drumsticks, and the rhythmic architects who skillfully sustain salsa from its very concept—just as it should be.
Side B kicks off with a house artist: Mario Kaona alongside The Killer Mambo, performing “El Dictador,” written by Jorge Mario Vanegas “Mario Kaona,” with vocals by Kayvan Vega, included in the self-titled release on the Latina Música label. Salsa with character, linking a confrontational message against the imposition of personalities that prevent us from being better human beings.
The second cut features Orbe Ortiz “Papa Orbe” and Los Científicos del Sabor with “La Paciencia” (2022), included in the outstanding traditional work Sabor y Medio. A track that blends message, cadence, and flavor, confirming the artistic maturity of one of the sonero prodigies who has played a key role in the development of several national groups.
The third track on the complementary side once again raises the Colombian flag with “Mamacita,” by composer and singer Harold Aguirre, known as El Poeta del Barrio. Prolific, sensitive, and with a strong presence on the national scene, Aguirre has left his mark both on his own productions and through collaborations with various groups across the country.
The fourth song belongs to Cuban singer-songwriter Yuniel Jiménez, with “Hay gente pa’ tó,” the title track of his 2015 release of traditional Cuban music, which he also performed in a live session at Las Palmeras Studio for the Latina Stereo YouTube channel. Tradition, wit, and sonic truth.
The selection concludes with “El Fin del Mundo Contigo,” composed by singer and flutist Jeremy Bosch, frontman of Buena Vibra Sextet, included on their second production Flor de Verano. An elegant closing, filled with emotion and enriched by the depth of the vibraphone.
Visually, this vinyl edition features artwork by renowned illustrator and muralist Titania from Medellín. The cover portrays the members of the Latina Stereo team inside the radio station, each in their everyday role, while the inner sleeve reproduces the illustration in grayscale, identifying every staff member. A portrait of the Casa Salsera, starring all of us who work daily to promote Salsa through radio and digital media.
Pressed in Canada and designed for both dancers and demanding listeners, Salsa Éxitos del Mundo Vol. 2 is not just a record—it is a declaration of our mission to preserve the legacy of Salsa and its extensions through time. This is how Latina Stereo FM celebrates four decades of legend, elevating tradition to another level through El Sonido de las Palmeras.
