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Exclusive Interview: Our First Betances Reveal

Edgardo Zayas wasn’t always a Bohemia singer, he discovered his vocation while serving in the military when he was 30 years old. “There I started to feel that melancholy that accompanies the earth, that goes with listening to music. I discovered the content of "borincana" music, and ever since then it has become what I do." Bohemia music is made up of a romantic rhythm with nostalgic overtones, which characterizes our older generations. [caption id="attachment_6326" align="alignleft" width="371"] Edgar Zayas (left) with fellow musician.[/caption] Zayas, along with talented local musicians will be performing original ballads composed by the singer himself, as well as other well known hits, classics within the Bohemia genre, to welcome the public to the first day of our biggest event. Festival Betances will be taking place the 15th, 16th, and 17th of July in Plaza Betances. The following day Zayas will be playing with his group Cinco Pal Batey. “The music I represent is heavily associated with Christmas, even though it isn’t about Christmas,” he said. Currently in Puerto Rico, a youth-led movement is starting develop, in which the youngest generation is returning to this music as an instrument of cultural learning. Zayas’ themes touch upon society and the world we live in, always emphasizing Puerto Rican life. “I am inclined to sing about things with social content, not with criticism, but advocating for unity, exploring where we are and how we got there,” he said. When composing he takes inspiration from the many books he is constantly reading, conversations, and every-day life. We have created a playlist featuring Bohemia music to start getting ready for Festival Betances: [embed]https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8diaNApEYSBSO9Z5CpxgOY7muE1fun_u[/embed] Zayas and his band, "5 pal Batey," began with a mission to take their music to the next level, something expressed through their original name. In Puerto Rico, batey, is a colloquial word used to describe a house entrance, thus it is akin to the expression "at the front-lines," these musicians are always prepared to give it their all. They also take guidance from the greatest music poets, “I really like music from singer-songwriters, the ones that sit alone with only a guitar, and are able to turn songs into poetry,” said Zayas. Among those he named a few such as Sergio Rodriguez, Pablo Milanes, and Facundo Cabral. This talented artist has recorded 11 unedited musical productions and a salsa CD. He has performed in Boston before and is looking forward to the opportunity of doing it again, Friday July 15th at Festival Betances. For him, spreading our culture in other countries is of the utmost importance, stating that latin music has become global. [caption id="attachment_6324" align="aligncenter" width="480"] Zayas and other musicians performing in Puerto Rico.[/caption] He also shared that playing in Festival Betances is very significant because it stands for unity and community. “Each group, like IBA, that organizes any sort of activity, is because the care about their community and because they are united,” he said. Don’t miss out on this melodious night, Friday July 15th at Plaza Betances. For more information regarding all the activities and festival schedule visit this page. You may also become a sponsor for our festival and promote your brand with one of our sponsorship packages. For more information on sponsorship deals you may visit this page....