Is the Sonero Extinct? By Coco Chevere

Off hand can you name five true present-day "Soneros"? Think about that for a moment while I explain the definition of a Sonero. The name comes from the verb "sonear" which is the art or action of lyrical improvisation during a song, or in more popular terms "freestyling". A singer who can improvise the lyrics rapidly rhyming verses from the "top of his head" between the chorus is considered a Sonero. Being derived from Son which has been the basis of Salsa, the Sonero tradition has been the very root of Salsa's existence. Basically without a good Sonero you had a bad Salsa song. Many originators of Son, Rumba, Guaguanco, Mambo and what later became known as Salsa are considered good Soneros. It was simply a skill that one developed when being a part of the music and culture.

We began with legendary Soneros that inspired our emotions with braggadocios posturing and powerful words that we tried to apply to our everyday lives. Somewhere and somehow our music has been transformed to the sappy, teary- eyed, "mami don't go" "you've hurt me so" style popularized by the pretty boys and girls of today. Shall I name a few? Name any Salsa artist of today and he or she will probably fit in to that category. The two most notable artists in the business, are what I consider "Legends of Salsa Romantica", La India and Marc Anthony. How has Salsa come to this?

Surely we can understand that with the progression of music (as with all things) there must be change. But, change doesn't necessarily mean forgetting the past nor the roots of the music that we learned, lived and grew up loving (like hard-core Hector Lavoe, Fania, Celia, Ruben, Tito, Eddie, Willie, Roberto Roena-styled Salsa)... I don't know about you but when I enter a club I want to dance till my body says "basta ya". That means only "slammin'" sounds and hard lyrics that only an artist with a good soneo can deliver. As far as I'm concerned, I can sit around the table at home with a few drinks and some friends if I'm going to hear "soft & smooth". I'm sure there are others who feel the same. This proves that there is still an appreciation and a need for a Sonero but where can he (or she) be found?

I think maybe there are a few of these gifted individuals hidden behind the meticulously written, sweet notes of pain and love that an arranger and producer instructs the vocalist to sing. Some of the young singers of today don't get the opportunity to develop their God-given talent past the now-a-days bland styling. They are simply instructed to sing the song how it's written and let the music take care of the rest. It is even to the point that the soneo verses are put on paper for the vocalist to repeat on cue and on time. It seems as though the market is more concerned with attractiveness of the singer rather than their singing ability. The quantity of the sales has become more important than the quality of the product. Being in the industry myself, I do not deny the importance of the bottom line to the company. BUT true Salseros know the difference in what they hear. A true Salsero will ALWAYS demand the best.

We are patiently waiting for the re-emergence of the Sonero. Although, I don't refute the incredible talent and skill it takes to be successful in this industry, we must not let the Sonero fall into oblivion. WE must support the Sonero. Look for them, find them in the record stores, ask for their music in the clubs, ask the radio stations to play their music and request the specific title. This will increase the circulation and sales of the Sonero and could possibly influence the young newcomer to follow his dream to be the next great Sonero. I know if I have anything to do with it, I won't let the Sonero (a great pillar in the tradition of Salsa) become extinct.

A brief list of some of current Soneros releasing music: Oscar D'Leon Gilberto Santa Rosa Cano Estremera Domingo Quinones Jose Alberto "El Canario" Victor Manuelle. I know I've left out a few but with these artists any CD will be extremely satisfying and you will have the chance to see exactly what IS the difference and continue the search on your own.

Sidaron Wilson Chevere International