Dark Latin Groove : The Rebirth of DLG

Almost a decade after the popular salsa band broke up, DLG (Dark Latin Groove) is back with a new lead singer and a new sound. After lead singer Huey Dunbar left the group to pursue a solo career in 2000, effectively breaking up the band, it looked like DLG fans would have to look elsewhere for reggaetón and hip-hop flavored salsa. But producer Sergio George found an unlikely new voice for the rebirth of Dark Latin Groove.

Miss YaYa is the new lead singer and represents the new face of DLG. The Dominican female vocalist, niece of merenguero Sergio Vargas, formerly competed on the Sabado Gigante show Gigantes del Mañana and also appeared on MTV’s Making the Band in 2005. In an industry dominated by men, Miss YaYa will have the opportunity to make her mark in Latin music by helping to write a new chapter in DLG’s history.

Joining Miss YaYa is Ness, formerly of Los Adolescentes, as well as DLG’s former members, Fragancia and James “Da Barba” de Jesus. The band’s first new release for 2008 is aptly called Renacer. The album includes live performances of old DLG hits, including Juliana, No Morirá, Muévete, and Volveré. It also features a remake of the Celia Cruz track Toro Mata.

Renacer, released in April of 2008, is a good solid “rebirth” for the band. In her new role as lead singer, Miss YaYa makes a good first impression with strong vocals while the band’s former members maintain the original feel of DLG. If you enjoyed Dark Latin Groove before, this new release is well worth checking out.

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