JOHANNESBURG – With El Cantante the renowned singer Cito heads back to his Puerto Rican roots, performing his unique acoustic versions of the Spanish classics that he grew up listening to.
Guitarist extraordinaire, Martin Schofield joins him on guitar.
The rhythms and styles of bolero, tango, mambo, tejano, mariachi and traditional folklorica are included in the musical line-up, highlighting traditional favourites from countries including Cuba, Mexico, Puerto Rico and others. Pop favourites presented in Cito’s unique arrangements include Cielito Lindo, La Bamba, Besame Mucho, Carnaval, Cancion del Mariachi, En Mi Viejo San Juan, El Cuarto de Tula, Mi Tierra (Gloria Estefan) and Sobrevivire (I Will Survive).
Audiences are captivated by the sheer magic of the music and the Desperado-style performance thereof.
Cito was born in Los Angeles, California and most of his childhood was spent in an Hispanic community in Queens, New York City. Both parents influenced Cito with their musical abilities – especially his Puerto Rican mother, who sang and played Spanish guitar.
Now living in South Africa since his teens, Cito is best known as the frontman of the legendary multi award-winning rock band, WONDERboom; now in their 18th year on the local music scene. Showcasing his diversity in recent years, Cito has had media and audiences alike raving at his heart-stopping portrayal of Jesus in the hit musical Jesus Christ Superstar; Frederick Trumper in Chess – The Musical and more recently in being the frontline vocalist singing Queen’s music in Bovim Ballet’s Queen at the Ballet.
Performing alongside Cito in El Cantante is 12-time SAMA nominee Martin Schofield- founding member, alongside Cito, of WONDERboom, and has notched up many other accolades including most recently being the MD of the 2012 SAMA Awards as well as Idols SA Season eight. One of Martin’s favourite sayings is: “You make music with people, the notes come later”, and it’s on this basis that he’s thrilled to be partnering with a long-time friend and fellow musician to explore an on-going desire of his to go out of his comfort zone to perform music hispanically.
And with Cito also on guitar, audiences will be provided an evening of pure delight, seeing these two seasoned performers together at this quaint establishment.
Says Cito: “I’m really looking forward to performing at The Library with El Cantante. The stage and space is really intimate and has so much character that I think it is a perfect setting for our Hispanic musical journey to take place. Expect a Spanish roller coaster ride, with no better way to end the year off with a bang!”
Should the patrons wish to, The Library also has an extensive a la carte menu for guests to enjoy a meal along with the inclusion of this beguiling music experience, thus ensuring it will be an evening not easily forgotten by those in attendance.
A cover charge of R50 is payable at the door. Doors open at 19:00 with El Cantante kicking off their performance at 20:00.
Advanced bookings are essential as it’s expected this evening will sell out ahead of time.
Bookings are to be made with The Library at The Brazen Head directly by calling 011 783 6122.
