Ricky Luis returns as a salsa soloist with single 'Amiga'
The former lead vocalist of N'Klabe released the song he first recorded as a demo before joining the group, along with its music video filmed in Peru.
File photoThe short version
- El Vocero reported that Ricky Luis, who was the main voice of N'Klabe for five years, chose 'Amiga' as his return single because it was the first song he recorded and sang in that style
- Primera Hora stated the track is a love confession at salsa rhythm, composed by the artist with arrangements by Edwin Sánchez and Mike Rivera, backed by OTB Records and Wave Factory Music Publishing
- The music video for 'Amiga' was filmed in Peru and the single is now available on all digital platforms, according to both outlets
- Ricky Luis told El Vocero he has renewed energy like when he was 14 and does not want to be limited to one salsa style but to develop his own sound over time
Return to solo career
Puerto Rican singer Ricky Luis, whose full name is Ricardo Luis Porrata, has returned to his solo career after serving as the lead vocalist of the salsa group N'Klabe for five years. He released the single "Amiga," a song he originally presented as a demo before being accepted into the group. El Vocero reported that the artist chose the track for his comeback because he knows it intimately and believes it deserves special attention.
According to Primera Hora, the song features musical arrangements developed in collaboration with Edwin Sánchez and Mike Rivera. It was recorded with a team of specialized musicians including Jan Duclerc and Víctor García on trumpets, Joe Méndez and Nathan Pérez on trombones, Jacob Ortiz on bass, and Carlos Sánchez on piano. Percussion was handled by musicians on congas, bongo, timbales, and minor percussion. Choirs were performed by Stephanie Rivera, Freddy Colón, Álex Torres and Ricky Luis himself.
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What the sources posted
Posts and statements below are the sources' own words, quoted as published. They are not independently verified.
Como esta es la primera canción que grabé, la primera que canté de esa manera, la conozco muy íntimamente, entonces sentí que era la indicada para volver a lanzarla y enseñarlo al mundo, porque es una canción muy especial y merece ese amor y ese tipo de atención
Our translation: Since this is the first song I recorded, the first one I sang that way, I know it very intimately, so I felt it was the right one to relaunch and show to the world, because it is a very special song and deserves that love and that kind of attention
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Vocero. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Estoy con unas ganas nuevas. Me encuentro con las ganas de volver a conquistar y comerme el mundo, como las que tenía cuando tenía 14 años. Así que estamos de vuelta con fuerza ahora mismo
Our translation: I have new desires. I find myself with the desire to conquer again and eat the world, like I had when I was 14 years old. So we are back with strength right now
The source's own statement, as quoted by El Vocero. Not verified by PuertoRico.com.
Production and previous work
The technical team for "Amiga" included Andy Shoemaker for recording at Rax Trax Chicago, Luis Peke Vega for mixing at Essential in Peru, and Mike Fuller for mastering at Fuller Sound in Miami. The music video was filmed in Peru. Both El Vocero and Primera Hora noted that the release coincides with Ricky Luis's renewed motivation after past disappointments with the music industry and modern distribution formats.
During his time with N'Klabe, Ricky Luis recorded four albums under Sony Music and Universal Music. His notable performances include "Evitaré" with Víctor Manuelle and "Amor de una noche" with Julio Voltio from the album "I Love Salsa," "Ella volvió" and the title track from "A punto de estallar," and "Si ya no estás" from "La Nueva Escuela." The collaboration on "Ella volvió" with Julio Voltio won Song of the Year at the 2008 Premio Lo Nuestro. Primera Hora added that he has also worked as a composer, including the song "Por fin la lluvia paró" for Johnny Rivera.
Where the sources differ
Both El Vocero and Primera Hora agree that Ricky Luis was the lead singer of N'Klabe for five years, that 'Amiga' is his new solo single and that it was the first song he recorded as a demo. They list the same major songs from his time with the group. El Vocero focuses on the artist's personal feelings, renewed energy and desire not to be boxed into one style, quoting him directly. Primera Hora provides more detail on the recording personnel, production locations, labels involved, his composing work and the specific awards connected to his N'Klabe collaborations.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not specify the exact date the single was released, whether Ricky Luis plans to release a full album soon, the budget or view counts for the music video, or any upcoming live performances or tour dates. They also do not mention how the song has been received by audiences or critics so far.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting Ricky Luis, exvocalista de N
- Reporting Ricky Luis regresa a la salsa como solista con el tema “Amiga”
How we checked this
El Vocero and Primera Hora both covered Ricky Luis's return as a solo salsa artist with the single 'Amiga.' Most biographical and production details overlap, but the direct quotes about his motivation and artistic freedom come only from El Vocero, while the full list of musicians and technical personnel appears only in Primera Hora.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.