Yelba
Houston's Latin Angel
Artistically, Yelba has been described as having the voice of an angel. I have heard her perform and can attest to the truthfulness of the claim. Her range and style are unique among the Latin artists of my experience. She doesn't simply play dance music, though. Her shows include enchanting interludes with sensual ballads and intense love songs. She is popular at weddings but has played many clubs and other events, including a string of venues associated with Superbowl XXXVIII.
Yelba
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Nicaraguan-born Yelba first performed with her sister Thelma on a weekly Nicaraguan television show called "Junior Partners" when they were children. Eventually, Yelba's family moved to the United States, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A & M University and an MBA in Finance from the University of Texas at Austin.
But though I include Yelba among Houston's Latin artists, her versatility takes her performances into styles more familiar with my readers: including disco and country music.
Having already released one CD, Yelba is working on another collection of songs which promises to be every bit as versatile and illuminating as her first, "Latin Fire".
Yelba's career has taken her to venues throughout Latin America and the United States. She lived in Peru for three years. Her musical roots are thus grounded in many cultures. I had the opportunity to ask Yelba about herself and her aspirations.
Michael: You started performing on Nicaraguan television at an early age. You also lived and performed in Peru for three years. Of all the places you have lived and worked as a performer, which country would you say has had the most impact on your style?
Yelba: I would have to say that I learned to appreciate a totally different type of music while living in Lima, Peru. Peruvian music is some of the most diverse and deeply lyrical music I've ever heard. The African influence in their folkloric music radiates joy and at times sadness as well. They have so many different types of music, from Marineras, to Waltzes, Polkas and throbbing Afro-Peruvian rhythms. It's like a gourmet meal with many different courses.
Michael: How do you feel the Houston Latin market compares to countries such as Nicaragua, Peru, and Columbia?
Yelba: The Latin countries' music each have a touch of their native blood influencing the rhythms and the message carried in their songs. Our market has had more of a Jazz influence, and a commercial one as well. All bands play the same songs by the same artists in the USA, Santana, Luis Miguel, Gloria Estefan, Celia Cruz, Elvis Crespo and so on. In Latin countries, audiences are out to "listen" to the music - not just dance to it, so the lyrics carry a deeper meaning meant to be heard, to make you laugh or to make you cry, to make you see and smell and feel.
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