Tag Archives: Hurricane Irma

Ricky Martin Hands Over Keys to New Homes to Three Hurricane-Devastated Families in Puerto Rico

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Ricky Martin is making a special delivery on his native island…

Taking advantage of his time in Puerto Rico, the 46-year-old Puerto Rican superstar visited the town of Loíza to continue to hand over keys to new homes for three families left homeless by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane María last year.

Ricky Martin Foundation

“Thanks to each of your contributions to our fund, we rebuild homes, provide protection and hope to hundreds of families,” Martin said in a press release.

The Ricky Martin Foundation, a nonprofit organization named after the superstar, has handed over homes that are being rebuilt after the losses. Identifying and reconstructing the homes began in March, and the goal is to give keys to some 225 families by the fall of 2019.

In the reconstruction project, there are over 30 Loíza residents working, and each recipient, apart from collaborating in the reconstruction of your home, choose the color of your paint, slabs and other elements. They also receive workshops at the Tau Center as part of this initiative.

Part of the funds have been raised thanks to the viral campaign selling a black shirt with the Puerto Rican flag stamped on it, which was designed by Martin twins, Valentino and Matteo.

The campaign has received the support of many superstars, including Maluma, Luis Fonsi, Bad Bunny, Will Smith, Marc Anthony.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Teams Up with Frankie Negrón for Latinx Voter Mobilization Coalition ‘Respeta Mi Gente’

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Lin-Manuel Miranda is doing his part to get out the vote…

The 38-year-old Puerto Rican composer, lyricist, playwright, rapper, and actor, best known for creating and starring in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musicals In the Heights and Hamilton, has joined forces with salsero Frankie Negrón to support the voter mobilization coalition Respeta Mi Gente, which is focusing on inspiring voters in Puerto Rican communities in Central Florida to get out to the polls in less than two weeks.

Lin-Manuel Miranda 

“There was such a massive influx of Puerto Ricans to the mainland after Hurricane Maria,” Miranda said during a media call, according to a statementannouncing the effort.

“One of the most important things they can do is vote for the candidates [who] have been paying attention to what’s been happening on the island.”

That’s why Miranda and Negrón joined the drive spearheaded by the non-profits Alianza for Progress and Hispanic Federation to get Latinx voters to the polls with a series of television and radio ads as well as Negrón’s song “Respecta Mi Gente.”

The remix take on Hector Lavoe and the Fania All Stars‘ 1975 hit “Mi Gente” is an attempt to lift spirits after a difficult 12 months. “We’re using Hector Lavoe’s song and voice to address what a difficult year this has been for Puerto Ricans, and for all Latinos in general,” said Negrón in a statement.

Respeta Mi Gente has a few key goals, some of which include helping Puerto Rico recover from the devastation of HurricanesIrma and Maria, and encouraging Puerto Ricans in Florida to vote in order to give a voice to their family and friends on the island — who are American citizens, but are not allowed to vote in national elections. The organization has a full calendar of events planned over the next few weeks, from a senior voting drive on Friday (October 26), to a Scary Phone Bank event on Halloween (October 31) and a Boricua Vota auto show on November 3.

An estimated 5.4 million Puerto Ricans live in the United States, including 30,000 who moved to the mainland after being displaced by Maria in 2017. Florida has the highest concentration of Puerto Rican residents in the country, concentrated in Central Florida, one of the key battleground spots in this year’s midterms, according to the organization.

Victor Manuelle Partners with La Tribu de Abrante & PJ Sin Suela for Holiday Song “Mi Navidad No Se Apaga”

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Victor Manuelle is bringing holiday cheer to Puerto Rico…

The 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer has released a new holiday song, featuring the rootsy tropical dance outfit La Tribu de Abrante and artist PJ Sin Suela.

Victor Manuelle

“I don’t have water or electricity but the bet things happen in the dark,” Sin Suela raps [in Spanish] in “Mi Navidad No Se Apaga” — one of the many lines in the song that, with sabor and a smile, make reference to the catastrophic conditions that residents have experienced since the island was hit by hurricanes Irma and Maria in September.

The song is one of a wave of post hurricane-referencing songs that Puerto Rican artists have recorded to keep spirits high in a country where the holidays are known for being exceptionally merry, and very musical.

They include Grupomania’s “Navidad Con Vela,” and “La Fila de la Gasolina” by the group Algareplena.

“Whatever happens there is always a party,” Puerto Rican pop star Olga Tañon said in this year’s Banco Popular Christmas television special, in which she sings a rousing version of “La Vida Es Un Carnival,” the uplifting song made famous by Celia Cruz.

La Tribu de Abrante and PJ Sin Suela also perform in the special.

The airing of the showland release of its soundtrack, an annual holiday event, has taken on special significance this year as sign that in Puerto Rico there will be Christmas this year in spite of the hurricane damage.

“Mi Navidad No Se Apaga” debuts at No. 22 on Billboard’s Tropical Songs chart this week.

Erika Ender Inducted Into the Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame

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She’s the woman behind the song of the summer… And, now Erika Ender has earned her place in Latin music history.

At the fifth annual La Musa Awards gala last week — hosted by Jane the Virgin‘s Jaime Camil – the Panamanian-Brazilian singer/songwriter was inducted into the prestigious Latin Song Writers Hall of Fame, the youngest inductee in the hall’s history.

 Erika Ender

Along with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, Ender is co-writer of the biggest hit of the year, “Despacito,” featuring Justin Bieber, which spent 16 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100.

Born in Panama to a Brazilian mother and a U.S.-born father of German ancestry, Ender speaks fluent Portuguese and Spanish, and moves easily between cultures.

Before “Despacito,” she had written hits for Chayanne, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Gloria Trevi, Ednita Nazario and Los Tigres del Norte. She also is a TV personality in Latin America, where she has been a judge for a Latin version of American Idol.

Along with Ender, Ana Gabriel, Roberto Livi, Martin Urieta, Carlos Vives and Camilo Sesto were also inducted into hall of fame.

Each was presented at the James L. Knight Center with the coveted hand-crafted trophy, originally inspired by “the muse” of the late Cuban songwriter and poet, Elena Casals.

Additionally, Vives was presented with the Icon Award, while Wisin, the late Julio Jaramillo and “La Bamba” garnered the Victory Award, Legacy Award and Song of All Time, respectively.

Amid a political climate currently riddled with anti-immigrant rhetoric, as well as the devastating aftermaths of hurricanes Irma and Maria throughout the Caribbean, Urieta offered words and sentiments in support of immigrants, while  Nazario performed a brilliant tribute to the island of Puerto Rico.

The Latin Songwriters Hall of Fame is dedicated to educating, preserving, honoring and celebrating “the lives and music of the world’s greatest Latin songwriters, composers and lyricists in every genre while developing and inspiring new generations of music creators through master classes, workshops, scholarships and digital initiatives.”

Marc Anthony Among Artists to Perform at “Unidos Por Puerto Rico” Concert & Telethon Event

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Marc Anthony is ready to unite for a cause…

Puerto Rico’s First Lady, Beatriz Rosselló, announced the resumption of “Unidos Por Puerto Rico” concert and telethon event, with the 49-year-old Puerto Rican salsa singer among the featured artists.

Marc Anthony

The charitable initiative was originally organized in early September to help those affected by Hurricane Irma and now joins the effort to raise funds for damages caused by Hurricane Maria.

In addition to Anthony, the concert-telethon will feature Luis Fonsi, Juan Luis Guerra, Ednita Nazario, Olga Tañón, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Zion & Lennox, Carlos Vives, Maluma, La Secta, Tito el Bambino, Vico C, Nicky Jam, Jowell & Randy, Pirulo y La Tribe, Víctor Manuel, Wisin, Ozuna and Yandel, among others.

The artists will also unite for a song and video titled “Isla Bendita“, which will honor the event.

“United for Puerto Rico” will air on October 22 directly from Puerto Rico through more than 20 Spanish Broadcasting System radio stations and on television through Telemundo, Univision and Mega TV in the U.S.

“Puerto Rico needs us now more than ever after suffering the scourge of two consecutive hurricanes,” said the Rosselló in a statement.

To make a donation for the victims of Irma and Maria visit www.unidosporpuertorico.com for more information.