MERENGADA is a 10 piece Latin band, specialising in the wild Merengue dance rhythm of the Dominican Republic, as well as excellent slick modern Salsa. Merengue music is very popular in the Caribbean and Latin America - it is reminiscent of the Soca beat - high energy carnival dance music easy to move to, and can be mixed up with the more romantic Salsa for variety, and a much needed rest!
*Merengada are the ONLY band in the UK, and one of very few in Europe to specialise in the musically demanding merengué rhythm*
MERENGADA is a 10 piece Latin band, specialising in the wild ‘Merengué’ dance rhythm of the Dominican Republic, as well as excellent slick modern Salsa. Featuring the highly entertaining front line of singers Guillermo Monroy from Mexico and Biembo Moreno from the Dominican Republic, along with dancing saxophonist Nina, and an all-star International line-up of top musicians with a lively show, Merengada has become the number one Latin choice in the UK and Europe.
Merengué music is very popular in the Caribbean and Latin America - it is reminiscent of the Soca beat - high energy carnival dance music easy to move to, and can be mixed up with the more romantic Salsa for variety, and a much needed rest!
Merengada are the ONLY band in the UK, and one of very few in Europe to specialise in the musically very demanding merengué rhythm, but their all round musicianship means that they compose and play excellent modern Salsa too, in New York/ Puerto Rican/ Cuban style, and the recently ‘discovered’ romantic Bachata music, also from the Dominican Republic.
They have been regularly recognised by Awards from the Arts Council of England, Jazz Services and the Performing Rights Foundation for New music. They are also one of very few European Salsa bands to secure a commercial record deal.
Merengada is:
• Guillermo Monroy - Vocals
• Biembo Moreno – Vocals
• Nina Jaffa – Alto Sax/ Vocals
• Dave Pattman - Güira/ Timbales/ Vocals
• Stan Rivera - Bass/ Baby Bass
• Wilson Batista - Piano
• Dave Bitelli – Tenor Sax
• Peter Rolinson – Trumpet
• Maurizio Ravalico – Congas/ Vocals
• Hamish Orr - Tambora/ Bongo
Merengada rarely perform without the full “A-team”, and have kept the same line-up in their 11 years of existence, making them a strong and intuitive powerhouse of a band!
Individually, they have performed with Salsa Greats such as: Marc Anthony; The Buenavista Social Club tour; Omar a Portuondo; Jesus Alemany’s Cubanisimo; Tito Allen; Jamiroquai and more!
Merengué, like Salsa, is sung traditionally in Spanish, although Merengada write their own material using English as well, to involve English audiences more. It is easy to dance to - similar in style to the classic Carnival hit “Hot Hot Hot”, and so far they have never failed to get an audience to their feet.
Merengué is hot and fiery; Salsa is passionate and romantic. With a lively stage show to involve the audience, a storming Brass section, and furious percussion, this is all round entertainment at its best. Whether you want to watch the show or dance the night away, Merengada has got to be your first choice!
10 Piece - 2 Singers, 3 Brass (Trumpet, Alto Sax, Tenor Sax), 3 Percussion (Congas, Guira/ Timbales, Tambora/ Bongo), Piano, Bass
DANCE 4 U Magazine
If you can stand still while their beats blast past, you'd better see your doctor- you must be dead!
The Rough Guide
Pure frenzied, kicking stuff- a must play for DJs anywhere!
The Guardian
Sheer enthusiasm and vitality in their playing, and the variety in their songs.
Dave Hucker, The Beat Magazine
A masterpiece of totally radical banging sublimeity.... an instant hit throughout the world... it is a top notch groove and production. Their ‘No Woman' works so well it makes you think maybe it was written as a salsa song first, and then Bob did his version!
Salsa World Magazine
The band are super- slick meren/ salsa dance machine Merengada. This is a killer.
Jazz FM Radio
The most requested Latin song of 1999.
Que Pas Magazine review by B. Heksel
Extolled by music critics near and far since its release last year, this highly polished work deserves an even wider audience. I defy you to stay in your seat... exceptionally high quality and ultimate danceability.
Performances have included TV and top festivals/ venues/ carnivals in Egypt, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, Switzerland, Germany and beyond. Plus, Weddings and Corporate events throughout the UK and beyond, including regularly playing at the Millennium Dome. Last summer they performed at over 40 venues and festivals, including Italy (Torino and Verona) and Belgium (Polé Polé - headlining with Orquesta Clave y Guaguanco, and Orlando Poleo, and Bredene with Alfredo de la Fe).
Merengada’s music has been featured on countless shows on BBC television (including, the Alexei Sayle Show, My Family and “Babyfather” film) and also Channel 4 TV (Ideal World Film).
Merengada have become a very high profile band following the success of their Top 10 salsa hit “No Woman No
Cry”- and their new album “Arrancando” is out now on Deep South West records.
Please Note: The fees indicated below are approximate and based on a central location for each county. They are intended to provide a rough guide only and exact quotes can only be given once the date and exact location of your event have been provided.
