How, why and when did you get into salsa?
I was working for Post Office Counters, a Secretary I worked with was a dancer at Simply Blue, and she needed a partner. That was roughly 10 years or so ago.
Who first taught you to dance salsa?
Whilst I was on holiday in Cuba, I hung out with some guys from a local band, and they taught me to dance.
Did you have any dance training prior to salsa?
No, just enjoyed going out a lot to jazz and funk nights in the seventies and eighties.
Tell me a little about your company. When, why and how was it set up?
No company, just me.
How, when and why did you get into DJing? Also, how did you get involved with El Rincon Latino on New Style Radio?
I was asked to do some technical work for New Style Radio in Birmingham. My interest in Latin America came to their attention, and I was then asked to put together a programme and have now been a regular Presenter for over five years.
I chose “Rincon Latino” for the name of the radio programme because it was something personal to me. By this time my collection of music was growing and I thought it would be a great opportunity to spread the music to a wide audience.
Started playing out in the last couple of years, mainly due to persistent requests, seems people enjoy listening to the songs I play. I do try to cover artists and songs that often get over-looked.
I am always looking for something fresh that gives me a buzz in the hope it will also thrill my audience.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I love Latin American culture; the food, the language, the music. There is a lot of African and Caribbean influence in them; and there is a history between Jamaica and Cuba; which is where my family is from.
Who do you admire?
Ibrahim Ferrer. But there are so many others.
What’s your favourite track at the moment?
Cubanoson by Cubanoson
What are your all time favourite tracks?
Anda Quiereme (El Toque del Ano) by Los Van Van; always was and always will be.
What are your favourite albums?
Charanga Habanera (Light); La Verdad (De Un Perpective Diferente) and Elvis Crespo (Regreso El Jefe).
What was the last CD you bought?
Grupo Caribe – Somos Caribenos
What music is in your car/cd player/tape player at the moment?
I use an mp3 player in the car, so there is a great deal of music with me all the time. Nothing but Latin American music is allowed, 24/7. Currently Elvis Crespo is running hot through the speakers, great new album beginning to end.
Who are your favourite artists?
Charanga Habanera is top of the list. Also Los Van Van; I love Cuban music. Also Edwin Bonilla, Sonora Ponceña, Ismael Miranda and Marvin Santiago.
If you were not a successful Promoter/Teacher/DJ, what would you be doing instead? Or if you also have a full-time job, what do you do?
I work full time as ICT Technician, been doing it for the last 10 years in various roles. Found it challenging, interesting; glad I chose this career or it chose me.
Tell me something most people wouldn’t know about you?
Gosh you want my secrets. Doing TV work in my teens.
What’s your all time favourite salsa club/event that you have played/taught/danced?
Best club; Aqua Luna in Barcelona; think I had a fair bit to drink but didn’t stop dancing, the music was coming hot off the decks. Latin American DJ, what more can you say.
Best DJ session, Ipanema Bank Holiday Sunday May 2007. I had not been out for a while, from the first record to the last it felt good.
What has been your most memorable moment?
Yet another secret. You may be embarrassed, so I will pass on this one.
Have you had any embarrassing/nightmare-ish moments in salsa?
Yes many. I have slipped and fallen on my bum; or a Neanderthal effort at dancing reggaeton; which someone somewhere has on camera. Take your pick.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Yes; tune into my radio programme Rincon Latino with Michael Silvera on 98.7 fm; every Sunday, between 12 mid-day and 2pm for the best in Latin American music; or listen online at www.newstyleradio.co.uk. No Sunday should be without it.
And, thank you.
www.newstyleradio.co.uk
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