Today we’d like to introduce you to Nathaly Candela.
Hi Nathaly, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey has always been about movement, rhythm, and storytelling. I am a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer born in Cali, Colombia—a city where music runs through your veins. From a very young age, I knew my life belonged on stage, which led me to formally train in dramatic arts and cultural management.However, the true turning point in my life and the ultimate catalyst for becoming a singer-songwriter came after surviving both cervical cancer and thyroid cancer. Overcoming that profound health battle completely transformed my worldview and birthed my deep purpose: to tell the stories of women through Salsa. Right after this life-changing event, I wrote my very first composition, ‘Aunque el mundo hable’—which became a powerful anthem of female resilience wrapped in Salsa rhythms. That opened the floodgates for my songwriting, followed by tracks like ‘Don Juan’, ‘Solita’, ‘Cuando me falte amor’, and most recently, ‘El Papi de la Pachanga’. My mission is to bring voices and stories sung and told by women into the Salsa scene, reclaiming a space for those of us who deeply love this genre. This purpose-driven vision has taken my art to places I never could have dreamed of. To date, I’ve had the honor of performing in over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas—from being a resident artist in the Maldives and performing in South Korea, to sharing the stage as a backing vocalist for Gloria Trevi at the UBS Arena, and acting in renowned classical theater festivals in Spain. Every culture I’ve encountered has enriched my sound, blending the fire and joy of my Latin heritage with a fresh, contemporary energy. After a pivotal time performing and launching my ‘Solita USA Tour’ in New York, life and music naturally guided me to Miami. Today, being a resident artist here, connecting with Miami’s vibrant community, and championing the strength of female voices through my music is a beautiful, triumphant new chapter in my story.
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?
It has definitely not been a smooth road, but every obstacle has shaped the depth of my artistry. The biggest struggle I faced was undoubtedly my health. Being diagnosed with both cervical and thyroid cancer was a terrifying turning point. For a singer, thyroid surgery poses a direct threat to your vocal cords and your voice—your ultimate tool for expression. Overcoming that battle required not just physical healing, but immense emotional resilience to rebuild my strength and find my voice again.
Beyond that personal hurdle, breaking into the Salsa music industry as a woman has been its own unique challenge. Salsa is a genre that has historically been dominated by male voices and perspectives.
Stepping into this space not only as a performer but as a songwriter—determined to tell authentic, raw stories of female resilience—means constantly pushing against traditional boundaries and demanding to be heard on our own terms.
Lastly, navigating the life of an international artist and relocating to new cultural hubs like New York and now Miami comes with the challenge of starting over. You have to rebuild your network, adapt to new markets, and constantly prove your worth in highly competitive environments. However, every step has given me a story to sing, and every door that didn’t open right away forced me to build my own path. It’s what makes the ‘Candela’ (Fire) in my name completely real.
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 am a singer-songwriter, actress, and dancer—an all-around artist specialized in Latin rhythms, specifically Salsa, Timba, and Pachanga. What truly defines my path is that I have blended my artistic expression with the strategic management of my own project as an emerging artist, thanks to my Master’s degree in Cultural Management – University of Barcelona. This background has given me the tools to consistently build a musical career, which we all know requires immense time, discipline, and perseverance.
My work goes far beyond just singing a song; every track I release and every live performance I give is an immersive story told through movement and the deep theatrical interpretation that each narrative demands. I am deeply passionate about seeing women feel empowered by my music, as well as seeing men thoroughly enjoy it and dedicate it to the women they love. Men are also an incredibly important pillar in my career and community.I am best known for my explosive energy on stage—which is why I perform under the name ‘Nathaly Candela’—and for the unique focus of my lyrics. What sets me apart in the music industry is my commitment to reclaiming a space for female voices within Salsa. Historically, this genre has been heavily defined by male narratives; commercially, we can count fewer than ten women making a major impact in Salsa, while dozens of male artists dominate the top charts.
I write and compose music that speaks directly to the modern woman’s experience, capturing raw, honest stories of independence, emotional strength, and unwavering resilience.When it comes to what I am most proud of, it is a beautiful mix of personal triumph and global connection. Personally, I am incredibly proud of having fought for my voice and won, proving that a health crisis didn’t define the end of my career, but rather the beginning of my true life purpose.
Professionally, I am deeply proud to have carried the fire of Latin music to over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Seeing people from entirely different cultures dance to the rhythms that represent my heritage has been unforgettable. Equally beautiful is connecting with the Latino diaspora around the world—seeing them filled with joy, reconnecting with their roots and their identity through my music, is priceless.
Now, established in Miami, I am proud to bring the authentic flavor of my roots along with a message of female empowerment to the local scene. I view Miami as the true epicenter of Latin music and culture. I truly believe I am in the best place in the world to continue growing and positioning stories of women, sung and danced through the power of Salsa.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and curiosity. I was definitely that child who couldn’t sit still and saw the entire world as a potential stage. Personality-wise, I was highly expressive, deeply passionate, and always drawn to bringing people together through joy. Looking back, I think that innate spark of ‘Candela’ was already fully alive in me; I loved making people smile, laugh, and feel connected.
My world revolved entirely around the arts from the very beginning. I vividly remember being just five years old and learning the choreographies of Michael Jackson, Shakira, Selena, and Gloria Trevi. I was always busy organizing talent shows in my neighborhood and directing my friends at school in plays and improvised dance routines. Anything that had a rhythm, I would dance to it.
I was deeply fascinated by the art of storytelling, whether through a character on screen, a dance routine, or a song on the radio. I used to spend hours in front of the mirror with a microphone in hand, or recording my voice over cassette tapes, winding them back with my finger just to record over them again. I would call local radio stations to request my favorite song, and the moment it played, my living room became my grand stage where I would sing and dance my heart out.
My home was always filled with music, and my family supported me every step of the way. My parents took me to every single audition and performance I wanted to be a part of. I started dance classes at a very young age, followed by acting, modeling, and vocal training. Eventually, I went on to professionally earn my degree in Dramatic Art. Unlike what many of my peers experienced, my parents were genuinely happy about my choice; they always recognized my innate vocation for the arts, and I am forever grateful to them for encouraging me to turn it into my life’s profession.
Looking back at that little girl from a working-class neighborhood in Cali, Colombia—who loved art without fully understanding why, but could already see herself becoming a great artist—I feel incredibly proud to know that I am living out the exact dreams she set in motion
Pricing:
- Live Musical Performances & Concerts: Booking available for corporate events, private parties, festivals, and cultural venues, featuring live Salsa, Timba, and Pachanga showcases with full band or custom setups.
- Theatrical & Dance Performances: Customized artistic interventions and live entertainment tailored for galas, brand activations, and cultural events.
- Music & Brand Collaborations: Open to partnerships with brands, producers, and fellow artists for songwriting, vocal features, and creative content creation.
- Custom Quotes: Pricing varies depending on the location, duration, and specific requirements of each event. For custom bookings and inquiries, please contact my management team.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathaly_candela/?hl=es
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nathalycandelalatinshow/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NathalyCandela
Image Credits
Yuliana Valencia ( 1, 2 photo); Diana Rodriguez (6, 7); Will Santiago (4,5,8,9)
