The merenguero Manny Cruz continues its firm commitment to meringueits diffusion and its innovation. This Tuesday night he released his new album “2080”, a tribute to relevant performers of the genre who have been pillars in its support, in an event held at the Jet Set nightclub.
His love for native music and his admiration for these artists led him, more than a year and a half ago, to get involved in the creative process to release an album that refreshes the musical colors of his repertoire.
The merengueros that give body to this record production and who had a prominent presence in the 80s are Aramis Camilo, Fernando Villalona, Wilfrido Vargas, Sergio Vargas, Dioni Fernández, Rasputín (tribute) and The Rosario Brothers.
Manny Cruznominated six times for Latin Grammy, was the general producer of the album with Antonio González. The singer revealed to Free Diary that these artists marked their childhood with their different proposals to meringue.
When referring to “2080”title that gives its name to the album, said that he dedicated the necessary time to offer a well-deserved tribute to the iconic merengueros and that the public received a quality proposal, as it has always characterized.
“It’s a tribute album to the 80’s musicto these living legends who, in one way or another, shaped my childhood, youth and adolescence. I have been listening meringue since I have use of reason; I have always been attracted to him, and it has been my passion ever since. Each one of them represents a need that I have had for a long time,” he said.
The genesis
Their initiative began with a collaboration with the now deceased Johnny Ventura.
“It all started with song ‘How delicious is the merengue’ with Don Johnny, which I launched three years ago, just before his departure. I had in mind to make a video clip with him for this issuewhich I wrote for this collaboration. The idea of the video clip was to recreate a video that Don Johnny made in ’82, singing ‘Caña Brava’ on the program television Teleantillas ´Party´”.
Due to the death of Johnny Ventura (July 28, 2021) could not record the video, but did promote the song.
“Don Johnny left, and I was left with that desire, thanking God that I had the opportunity to record at least the song. However, I was left with the desire to make the video, recreating the golden age of meringue“.
This is how the process to create the album began. Later, last year he recorded with the maestro Wilfrido Vargas its popular meringue “funny man“, an adaptation that achieved an excellent reception.
“I have always felt identified with this songas well as with others that I have done tribute to artists like Sergio Vargas and Dioni Fernández, or the meringue ‘Hey’ by Rasputin, to whom, although he is not with us, I also wanted to pay this tribute, one of my favorite songs,” he commented.
Cruz explained that the production flowed without major problems and he continued recording with Fernando Villalonawith whom he made a medley of some of his successes.
“With The Rosario Brothers we record ‘The owner of the swing‘, the only song from the 80s that I wanted to include. Knowing that I have the affection of each of the artists and receiving their advice is a dream for me,” he recalled.
“When I was little, I saw it on television and listened to it on the radio, without imagining what I would be experiencing a few years later. For me, enjoying that love from each one of them means a lot”Merenguero
The first single
Aramis Camiloleader of the Secret Organization, is another of the artists who influenced his career. For this reason, he began promoting his album with meringue “The engine“, the third song of his production that hits the market.
“Aramis CamilowithThe engine‘, is one of my favorite songs of all time. I was always shocked to see him televisionwith the little hats and glasses of his orchestra”.
Way to Latin Grammy
Manny Cruz stated that this album will be submitted to the Latin Recording Academy for evaluation with the purpose of achieving a nomination and, perhaps, the award Latin Grammy in the Merengue/Bachata category.
“Yes, I think I can register it. I do things thinking about that. I would love to do it, not only because of the work we do together, but also because I have the opportunity to direct all the videos, which are ready and I will release them monthly. The next topic to promote will be ‘The owner of the swingof The Rosario Brothersscheduled for release on November 26, National Merengue Day“.
About the creative process
- “I like to take my time, especially on an album tribute. I wanted to respect as much as possible the arrangements and the original productioninjecting them with a bit of modernity. That’s why the name ‘2080’: it is the essence of the 80s, but with a light touch from the 2000s. The cover is simple, but meaningful: I’m on the Jet Set dance floor, having a selfielike I was in that time of the 80s.”
“2080” will be brought to the stage
He tribute to the merengueros of the 80s will become a showalthough he still did not want to reveal the date or place. “I already have the date set aside for next year, and in the next few days I will define everything.”
Achievements
The career of Manny Cruz has been on the rise. His great bets scenic and the constant publication of meringues have assured him an important space in the entertainment industry. The artist feels grateful for everything he has achieved.
“It’s amazing to think about my life. I was born herewhen I was 14 we went to the US because my parents lost their jobs. I always longed to return. I got it after eight years selling car parts, with the simple desire to get into an orchestra of meringue. Even though everyone told me I was crazy, it was all worth it and I’m grateful.”
Manny Cruz has capitalized on his positioning to market personal items, such as the sneakers he is selling in the Jumbo department store. “When we launched them, they sold out immediately and are now available for purchase on my website, mannycruz.com.”
Regarding the celebration of National Merengue Day, he will once again perform a free concert for the public, this time in the southern region. “This year I want to continue this tradition. Last year I presented a free concert in Puerto Plata and I want to make this an annual event in a different city in the Dominican Republic, which will be on Sunday, November 24.”
