Crossing cultural boundaries

             Romeo is currently on a  tour around the country. In a near future he will also be touring in Latin America. As a Romeo fan and coming from a Dominican heritage, I am immensely proud of the accomplishments that Romeo has fulfilled as an artist over the years. Recently in a concert in Dallas, Texas, a Caucasian male got on stage and began to sing with Romeo. Romeo was awestruck he could not believe that this man knew the words to one of his songs, IN SPANISH!! I myself while watching the video could not contain myself, I was in disbelief. I know that Romeo is known worldwide, but seeing a person from a completely different background, that did not grow up listening to bachata, actually singing it, was amazing. I could just imagine the wonderful sensations Romeo felt as he heard this guy singing one of his songs. It is a great accomplishment that Romeo has been able to reach various cultures with his music. This demonstrates that music knows no language barriers and can connect all kinds of people together.


Picture retrieved from:  http://musica.terra.com/generos/tropical/romeo-santos-conquista-estados-unidos,14cdca2a25e56310VgnVCM3000009acceb0aRCRD.html

Here is the video of the Caucasian male singing in Spanish: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3lXY1weV3s&sns=fb

A day in the life of a Romeo fan

         Being a Romeo fan is nothing new for me. As a matter of fact, being a fan has been part of who I am ever since I was about nine years old. I remember becoming obsessed with the song "Obsecion" which means obsessed in Spanish, go figure. It became very popular, and was the song that put Romeo's former group, "Aventura" on the map. The song was heard everywhere even in Europe. Even though Romeo was part of a group, he had always been my favorite because of the fact that he was the lead singer of the bachata group and I loved his lyrics and voice. Back in those times, CD's were used more often and I remember having their CD's and singing along to each and every song, much to the dismay to my sister, who grew tired of my belting into song everyday. What attracted me to the songs that Romeo and his group sang were the lyrics and also the catchy beat. They were songs you could relate to and lose yourself while listening to them. Nowadays that Romeo is a solo artist, nothing has changed. I continue to admire his work and continue to be a huge fan. I listen to his whole album at least once a day everyday, its like my religion.

Below is a link to the song "Obsecion", the song that changed my life forever.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apk4dzpQb6c&feature=related

For those who would like to watch the official video here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohvupSXBxQw&feature=fvsr

Theme behind the music

               Similar to most bachata music, Romeo's songs have a common theme of love. At times Romeo will stray from the theme of love and occasionally touch on betrayal, heartache, sex and women. He has a way with words and you will never hear a Romeo song that is ambiguous or straightforward, there is always a double meaning or a metaphoric tone to his lyrics. One of his most recent songs that can be heard in almost every Latino radio station, is "Mi Santa", which in English is "My Saint". In this eloquently written song, Romeo does not simply say that he loves this woman and will do anything for her, he gives examples of various things he would do for her and her love, even if before it would have been impossible to do such things. Also, just the fact that he is comparing this woman to a saint demonstrates how special she is. Saints are a very important aspect of the Catholic religion and this comparison is quite extraordinary to make, demonstrating the greatness of this woman he is speaking of. There is a part in the song that Romeo claims he only believes in God and this woman, this shows how much love and trust he endows in this woman. In a sense he is worshiping her and telling her that she is the owner of his heart. Here are the lyrics to the song so you can see for yourselves the wonderful metaphors and comparisons developed by the lyrics. The letters in bold are the translations. The song is a great representation of true love!, like Romeo and Juliet, go figure ;)

Romeo santos - Mi Santa
Yo valoro una mujer por nacer de una mujer
I value a woman, because she’s born a woman
Y aun te amo en mi peor momento
and I still love you in my worst moments
Nadie puede comprender
Nobody can understand
Mi religion por tu querer
my religion for your love
Eres mi diosa y yo por ti hasta muero
you are my godess and I would almost die for you

En cualquier momento (momento momento) en cualquier momento
In any moment (moment moment), in any moment
Soy capaz de lo incapaz por ti mi cielo
I’m able to do the imposible for you, my love
Hago un pacto con el Diablo y le ofrezco
I’d make a pact with the devil and I’d offer him
mi alma entera sin pensar en mi future
my entire soul, without thinking about my future
Si ha de ser por no perder tu amor
if that’s what it takes to avoid losing your love
Te regalo to' a mi sangre y mi fortuna
I’d give you all my blood, my wealth
Me hago astronauta pa' llevarte a la luna
I’d become an astronaut to take you to the moon
Cuando sea como sea si deseas
whenever, however you wish
Por ti nado un mar profundo
For you, I’d swim a deep ocean

BRIDGE:
Te enciendo una velita en mi armario
I burn a candle for you on my cupboard
Luego rezo una oracion
and then I say a prayer
Porque eres mi santa
because you are my saint
Y solamente creo en dios y en ti mi amor
and I only believe in God and you my love

(ale Romeo ay yay yay eres mi santa ay mi santa)
ay ay you are my saint, my saint
Pongo en ti toda mi fe
I put all my faith in you
Me arrodillo a tu merced
I kneel down to your mercy
Y aunque hablen nunca me arrepiento
And although people talk, I never regret it
Mi sacramento fue en tu cama
My sacrament was in your bed
Bautizandome en tus aguas
baptizing me in your waters
Por ti ayuno no me importa el tiempo
For you I fast, it doesn’t matter for how long


En cualquier momento (momento momento)
In any moment (moment moment)
Yo no se pelear pero por ti es possible
I can’t fight, but for you it’s possible
Que desafie hasta un leon si me lo pides
that I’d defy a lion if you would ask me to
Me convierto en tu tarzan
I’ll become your tarzan
Tu eres quien manda en este humilde corazon
You’re in charge of this humble heart
Mi devocion por vos siempre pondre primero
I’ll always put my devotion for you first
No hay otro hombre que te ame como Romeo
There’s no other man who loves you like Romeo
Tu eres angel celestial
You are an angel from heaven
Mi pan mi vino y en tu templo quiero morir
My bread, my wine and in your temple I want to die

BRIDGE

(Dale Tomatito, he's nasty)

BRIDGE

Lyrics retrieved from:  http://www.allthelyrics.com/forum/spanish-lyrics-translation/126576-can-someone-translate-2-english-romeo-santos-mi-santa.html

Picture retrieved from: http://www.zimbio.com/photos/Romeo+Santos/Romeo+Santos+Makes+An+Exit/F16XwdnEOeY

Something to be admired

                Romeo has managed to make it big while staying true to himself, his fans and his roots. Though he occasionally throws English into his songs, he mostly sings in Spanish and doesn't abandon the inspirational and emotion filled love songs of bachata. This coming Friday Romeo is going to be performing in the Patriot Center in Virginia. Even though this is considered "mainstream" America, he says, "I want them to cross over to my world." I find this very admirable of Romeo to have this mentality. Many artists may stray away from their roots because they feel they wont achieve as much fame if they don't do what's popular. Romeo on the other hand has managed to captivate the hearts of and inspire people across the globe with his lyrics, regardless of language or background.
               Not only is Romeo an inspiration on various backgrounds, but also on various age groups. From kids to older adults. You will hear children singing along to his lyrics as well as aspiring to be him. The other day on a trip to the barbershop with my nephew, a little boy told his mom, "I want to get Romeo's haircut!" I couldn't help but smile, it was too adorable. My mom is also a big fan just like I am. There are just no boundaries when it comes to people liking Romeo and his music.

Link: http://www.romeosantosonline.com/home/bachata-music-star-romeo-santos-shaking-things

It doesn't end at talent.

               

            Born in the Bronx of both Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage, Romeo began to write songs at the young age of 13. He was not always into singing as songwriting had always been his passion. He joined the church choir with his cousin not because of the singing, but he saw it as a way to meet girls. If only he'd known back then just how many hearts he would steal across the world just because of his lyrics and voice!! Romeo is not only recognized by his lyrics and enchanting voice though, he also is well known for his appearance. Recently he has been part of the list of "los 50 mas bellos" (50 most beautiful) in "People" magazine in Spanish. Based on this, it is demonstrated the amount of recognition Romeo receives not only because of his talent but looks and sex appeal as well.

Picture retrieved from: http://listas.20minutos.es/lista/los-50-mas-bellos-de-people-en-espanol-286684/


In Romeo's album, Formula Vol. 1 he does many collaborations with different genres. For those of you who like Lil Wayne, you may find this song and video interesting. The song is called "All aboard", take a look.


 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGvm4FvHbIw

Romeo on the Latino vote and future projects

                Romeo has recently become involved with the "Voto Latino" ("Latin Vote"), a national voter registration program and he spoke about this on CNN, this Wednesday morning. As you all probably know, people who are eligible to vote do not always actually vote. This is rather sad because one vote could make the difference on who is the President of the United States. If one vote can make a difference, imagine 27.1 million votes. That is the amount of Hispanics that are eligible to vote in the upcoming election. Of course, not many of these voters will make it to the polls. Romeo has taken it upon himself to get Hispanics, especially the younger crowd of Hispanic voters to vote and have a voice. At each of his concert locations, "Voto Latino" will be there to register voters. During his interview on CNN, Romeo said, "As an artist, a lot of people look at me like a role model, I can encourage my young fans, the majority of my young fans and Latinos, to vote." I applaud Romeo for using his fame for the good of the Latino community and I believe it will help many Latinos out there have their voice heard in the Presidential election of 2012.
        
Upcoming projects: Romeo has signed a contract with Will Smith's production company, Overbrook Entertainment to star in a comedic sitcom. He will star as a Dominican guy who wants to become an entrepreneur, much to the dismay of his dad who wants him to continue the family business. Also, by the end of 2013, Romeo and his ex-group Aventura will be working on a new album together.

Things you should know: Romeo's current single "Mi Santa" (My saint) has reached the #1 spot on the billboard charts.
His album "Formula Vol. 1" is #1 for the 12th week.  

For those interested, here is the video for Romeo's single "Mi Santa", the actual video for this song begins at 1:56:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz9lhqxl_gQ


Links: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/22/romeo-santos-voto-latino_n_1294015.html

http://www.myfoxny.com/dpp/entertainment/music/romeo-santos-good-day-ny-20120222

First hand experience

              Bright colorful lights, sound check, the echo of the microphone resonating around the arena. I couldn't believe it. The day had finally arrived and I was actually there.The anticipation was killing me, I was nervous, in a good way of course, and knew that I was in for the night of my life. The concert was sold out as are the other two that are going to occur later this month. I was in Romeo Santos first concert in NYC as a solo artist in Madison Square Garden. Looking around me, the seats were all completely full, full with delighted fans including myself, there to watch Romeo perform. Being a huge fanatic of Romeo Santos, I enjoyed the concert immensely. I didn't sit down, screamed for two hours straight and sang along with each and every one of his songs.
              Romeo is referred to as the "king of bachata" and the "king of lyrics". He has earned these titles through the many hit songs he has written and sung. Something that I most admire of him is that he writes all of his songs. This makes his music more personal and filled with more emotion. From his hit album "Formula Vol. 1, he has put two songs on the top of the billboard charts. His more recent hit single "Promise" in collaboration with R&B singer Usher made the billboard charts as number 1 for 9 weeks and continues to be a hit.This song brought bachata to an even higher level, being heard on both Spanish and English radio stations. Those who had never heard of Romeo came to recognize him through this wonderful song. The video to "Promise" had 2.5 million hits on Vevo alone.
             For those who would like to experience this hit single from Romeo Santos "Formula Vol. 1", open the link below and feel free to make comments on the song. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TrCbDtRxbU  <<<< Spanish version

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAL1PXE-mRM <<<< English version

Picture retrieved from: http://zayzay.com/testsite/http://www.zayzay.com/testsite/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Romeo.Santos.138801189-e1329232396592.jpg