Today we’d like to introduce you to Angel Rosario.
Hi Angel, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My love for music began at the age of nine in Puerto Rico. I would often sing in front of the television and perform in front of my mother and grandmother. I knew then that I wanted to be a professional singer. My family supported this dream and purchased my first guitar when I was nine years old. I took acting, vocal, and guitar classes in high school. I also joined a music group called Rondalla Vega Alta. We performed folkloric music of Puerto Rico. I auditioned to a dance school called Copani and was one of 33 students from my town selected to receive one year of dance classes with professional artists. At the end of the program, in 1979, we performed for the Puerto Rican Panamericano competitions on national television.
In 1997, I founded the group, The Brooklyn Boys in New York City. I was the lead singer of the three-member group. We performed merengue, salsa, and hip-hop music in New York City events, festivals, and venues. In 1997, the Brooklyn Boys won a talent show in Carnegie Hall, NYC. In 2000, I began my music career as a solo artist. I wrote and performed my own songs. Kike Figueroa, President of the Queens Puerto Rican Parade, created and announced my solo artist stage name, El Angel de la Salsa. In 2004, I took acting classes at the Julia Burgos School directed by Miriam Colon in New York City. In the same year, I won el Premio Mencion de Honor for my original song “Se Detuvo de Amor” at the festival de la Cancion in California. I worked with producers Genio Kila, Ricky Cash, and Angel “El Arabe” Garcia to produce reggaeton songs “Sola” and “Reggaeton Romantico.” I was given my new stage name, Kandelo, due to my ability to sing different genres of music.
I am very active in the New York City community. I have performed in community centers for seniors, in NYC elementary schools, and in hospitals for children with terminal illness. I have appeared in events such as the NYC Puerto Rican Day Parade, Lower East Side festivals, 116th Street festivals, the 3 Kings Parade in Brooklyn, the Bronx Puerto Rican Day Parade Reinado Pageant, the Feria de La Salud festival, and the Boricua Festival. In 2008, I received recognition for my work with students of Eastern District High School in Bushwick, Brooklyn. In 2013, I won a Johnny Too Much award for outstanding salsa singer of the year. In 2017, I was nominated “Godfather” of the Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parade. In 2018, I received an award from the National Puerto Rican Association of New York. In 2019, I became a board member of the National Puerto Rican Association of New York. In 2021, I participated in the Twice as Good with Layla event celebrating mothers, as well as the 6th Street festival. I also did charity work to collect wheelchairs for disabled children,
In 2022, I wrote, sang, and produced a new album titled “Mi Bandera La Luna.” I received a Song of the Year award for my single “Mi Bandera La Luna” from Premios Arte Internacional. In that same year, I was selected as Grand Marshall of the Hispanic Parade of New York City. On June 6, 2022, I was granted a Proclamation by the City of New York for dedicating over 25 years of music to the New York City community and celebrating Hispanic Culture through art.
In 2020, I began to participate in Hispanic Multicultural festivals and events in the state of Florida, where I now reside.
More recently, on December 1, 2022, I released a music video for my song “Hipocresia de Amor.”
I am the artist I am today due my perseverance, charisma, talent, and discipline. A big factor that contributes to my success is my originality. I am highly encouraged by the community that supports me. It is most important that I continue to share Puerto Rican Culture with future generations.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has not been easy. At the age of 14, my beautiful mother Carmen Maria Rodriguez died of cancer in Puerto Rico. I was separated from my brother and sister and sent to live with my maternal grandmother, Othelia Rivera, who raised me. My grandmother supported me in my activities and musical endeavors. She died by suicide on New Year Day when I was 17 years old.
I was left orphan and raised myself moving forward as I was told by my family that my biological father was dead. I continued to educate myself and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Social Work from IntraAmericana School in Puerto Rico. I moved to NYC and worked as a Social Worker for a period of time.
It has been emotionally challenging to reach milestones in my career and my life in general without the woman who raised me. I have used music as a crutch and support system to address my trauma. I hope that my music reaches out to the hearts of all of those who listen and who may be going through their own emotional obstacles.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specified in question 1, what music I write and perform. I am most proud that I overcame all of my goals in spite of all of the battles I have faced as a child.
Music is a universal language and I use it to bring happiness and hope to others. When I am on stage and singing, I express my joy to my listeners. I am a strong man, and I am an example that no matter what challenges we are presented in life, we can make all of our dreams come true. I was able to accomplish what I wished for at the age of nine.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Throughout my career, I have encountered people who have supported my music and believed in me.
1. Aurelia Desire, TV Producer – gave opportunity to participate in the Carnegie Hall Talent Show.
2. Rosa Marrero – Diamante TV Show – supports my performances and introduced me to other event organizers.
3. Kike Figueroa – President of Queens Puerto Rican Parade – gave my stage name “El Angel de La Salsa”
4. Radames Millan – President of 3 Kings Day Parade- provided recognition of my music and always called me to perform in events.
5. Felicia Velasquez – Event Promoter – supports my music and believes in my talent.
6. Jesus Salas – President of Hispanic Association of the Lower East Side – supports my music and nominated me for my NYC Proclamation.
7. Luis Martinez “White Shoes” – NYC Photographer; Luis was like a second father to me. He always gave me advice and support.
8. Yomo Toro – Musician Fania All Stars; provided moral support and encouragement
9. Lucy Santiago- President of Premios Arte Nacional and community activist; support my music career
10. Board members of the National Puerto Rican Association of New York; allow me to continue to express cultural history to New Yorkers.
11. La India, Ina K Ina, Noemi Cortez Guzman, and Jose Adeliz – friends/artists; provide support
12. Management team – provide support
13. All of my family/friends/fans
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kandelo_official?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kandelorosario
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kandelo/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kandelo/status/1613775595086970881?s=46&t=fTRSJeaY9PucewT_6gSLzg
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KandeloSalsa
Image Credits
Jose Morales
Snyder Photography and Videography
