In the second half of the 1980s, some of the pioneers of house music of Latin-American descent gave birth to the musical genre Latin House by releasing house records in Spanish. Early examples include “Amor puertoriqueño” by Raz on DJ International and “Break 4 Love” by Raze. However, the undisputed queen without a crown was the American-Puerto Rican singer Liz Torres, who released Spanish versions of her songs “Can’t Get Enough”, “Mama’s Boy” and “Payback Is A Bitch”.

In the 1990s a new generation of producers and labels broke into the market- Nervous Records released “Quiero Saber” by the Latin Kings. Other interesting records on this label were “Utopia” by Shades of Sound, “Everything’s All Right” by Arts of Rhythm and “Philly The Blunt”

During the same period Chicago native Pizarro produced “The Five Tones”, “New Perspective EP”, “Plastica”, “Caliente” and “Perdoname”. Other producers like Ralphie Rosario and the Masters at Work created Latin house classics, like Ralphie’s production “Da-Me-Lo” and his remix of Albita’s “No se parece a nada” as well as “Sul Chu Cha” by Rosabel.

In the meantime hybrid experiments are put on the market by the likes of New York’s Proyecto Uno with “ Todo el mundo” and “In Da House”. Their female counterpart is Lisa M from Puerto Rico, who can be heard on the “No lo derrumbes” and “Flavor of the Latin” albums. Another merengue-house record worth of mention is “AsÌ mamacita” by Henry Rivera.

During the mid 1990s Cutting broke into the Latin house scene and became the most representative label of this genre. Cutting’s DJ Norty Cotto was deemed the most representative producer of Latin house. A Fulanito and their LP “El hombre mas famoso de la tierra” is a good combination of house and Latin-American rhythms from that time.

In Australia DJ Dante Rivera has been one of the most renown exponents of Latin House music. Viva Magazine had the opportunity to chat with DJ Dante Rivera about his life and passion for for this genre of music.

Viva Magazine – Where were you born?
I was born in La Victoria, Lima Peru. Growing up in South America, I had music and dancing all around me . As a kid watching Fruco and Oscar De Leon on TV, I would bash teaspoons on pots and boxes to be part of the music making. Just like any good Leo…I was always a bit of a showman.

VM – Tell us about the development of your passion for DJing.
I got my first taste of DJing quite young when at 15 my friend Pedro started taking me to parties. Hanging out at the VIP in Kings Cross, I was fascinated by the DJ and would watch transfixed as he cued the records, mixed one into the next and adjusted all the levels. Week after week I would go and try to figure out what the DJ was doing as he moved his hands all around. Once Pedro introduced me to turntables, it was all over. I started buying records, It was pretty clear that I’d found my passion.

VM – When did you discover Latin House Music?
Latin Music has always been a part of my life. It was only going to be a matter of time before I’d begin mixing traditional Latin music with Electronic sounds.
The energy and the vibe from the crowd once that I started to introduce these new beats was wonderful. Realising that with it I could bring a little of my culture into the mainstream crowd was the turning point for me.

VM – Where did your ‘Sexy Latin House DJ' come from?
My manager Byron Arelland and I come out with the name Sexy. My style of music is an infusion of Deep-Funky-Tribal-Latin beats, that combined together is definitely SEXY!

VM – What do you think about the Latin House Music in Australia.
Latin House music has come a long way here. I think this style of music has been fully embraced by the House and the Latin crowds. We have educated the people and our work of introducing Latin House music at Sydney’s Latin ‘hot spots’is finally paying off.

VM – What has been your most memorable experience as a DJ?
There are so many that it’s hard to pick but, definitely I have to say that going to the Miami music conference had been one of the best. Having the chance to mingle with international Dj’s and producers like Erick Morillo and Masters at Work is something that will stay with me for a long time.

VM – Tell us about your new single ‘Feel the House’ and what has been the response to it?
Feel the House is my baby! This project began in my home studio surrounded by my family. I started creating some beats that became so catchy that my kids couldn’t stop singing them. It was then that I decided that this tune needed to become more than just one of my many ideas so I enlisted the help of my manager Byron, producer Waldo G and the talented singer Milly Nayeli. I am currently in the middle of promoting my track, so I’ll have to get back to you on how its going…

VM – Beside your single track, any new projects on the way
Together with my manager Byron we are developing a record label. This has been a very exciting project as we have involved a number of Latin American artist with it. Stay tuned for the release date and launch party.

VM – Where can the readers of Viva Magazine see you perform?
For my latest event list, log onto: www.myspace.com/sexy_latin_house

VM – Your top 5 tracks & all time favourite tracks
1. Feel the house – Dante Rivera
2. Put your drink down – Mr V
3. Los niños - Oscar P
4. El corillo - Rafael ‘lego’ Rodrigues
5. Cierto es - DJ Hoffmana