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TROPICAL
By Gloria Turin
or years, the music from the Dominican Republic has filled dancehalls all over the world, and one of the most distinctive and beloved voices comes from Hector Acosta, “El Torito.” Hector Acosta was born in Bonao, a city in the Monsenor Nouel province of the Dominican Republic. His first singing experience was in the choir of the Church of San Antonio de Padua, where it became the melting pot that would define his vocation for singing between the harmony of the voices, the smell of incense and religious rituals. After experiencing all of these, he could envision his way forward; which eventually led him to become one of the best meringue singers to come out of the Dominican Republic, recognized by his fans and peers alike for his immense talent. In 1982, Radio Novel sponsored a singing competition and the young Acosta secretly entered the competition against his father’s wishes. He eventually took first place, proving both his talent and determination to become a singer. For the next few years, Acosta performed in local casinos and restaurants, eventually earning a place with a local band, “Los Gentiles.” There, he learned to play the bass, along with other instruments, without the benefit of any formal training. His tenure with Los Gentiles served as a proving ground where Acosta was able to grow as a musician.
is a little torn apart because he won’t be allowed to celebrate his 20 year career as he originally planned. Unfortunately, his 20 years in music had not been consecutive, therefore forcing him to postpone the big celebration. Leaving his pain aside, “El Torito” acknowledges that 2011 has been an important year in his career and has managed to achieve more of his goals – his musical production “Obligame” has hit the Billboard chart and has also garnered him two nominations at the Latin Grammy Awards to be held in Las Vegas on November 10th. He has stated that he will throw a two day party in his motherland if he wins. Hector Acosta may have started as a Merenguero, but lately, he has been exploring the genre of Bachata and has been quite successful in the transition. Although he is well known as a Merenguero in the Dominican Republic and United States, in countries such Colombia, Mexico, Salvador and Honduras, he is considered the King of the Bachata. El merenguero is already working on his next musical production and has no doubt that his audience will be amazed upon its release. There will be many new surprises, he promises, in the new album that should be out sometime in the beginning of next year. He states that most of these songs are corta venas, so you better be ready for it!
In 1989, the popular “Rosario Brothers” came to perform in Bonao and Acosta was introduced to Gerardo Diaz. Diaz was so impressed with Acosta’s performance and improvisational ability that he immediately proposed forming a new band with Acosta as lead vocalist. Diaz, known as ‘El Toro,’ meaning the bull, named the group Los Toros, and Acosta soon acquired the nickname ‘El Torito’ (Little Bull). Hector Acosta stayed with the band for 15 years before he left the group to form his own orchestra.
Hector Acosta, “El torito,” will be performing this November 4th at Coco Cabana and you will not want to miss out on this great concert where you will undoubtedly have the best of both worlds – a mixture of merengue and bachata. “El Torito” promises to make you shake your body with his delicious merengue tunes and melt you heart with his bachata with songs such as “Me duele la cabeza,” “Primavera Azul,” “Tu primera vez,” “Me voy,” “El puerco ‘ta chivo” and so many more.
Just a few weeks ago, Hector Acosta began his fourth tour with his band in Europe and he is more than pleased with the support he has had; however, he admitted that he
For more information on this great event, visit kestadc.com or purchase your tickets at tickeri.com. █