Hugo "El Papi" Salcedo

Hugo ‘El Papi’ Salcedo was born in Cartagena, Caribbean Colombia. He is a gifted musician who commenced his musical career as a child jamming with local kids in his neighbourhood. He has since then perfected his skills through extensive travel throughout Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe before settling in South Australia. He has played with over 20 bands in Colombia alone and has earned international acclaim as a master of Afro Caribbean rhythms, Latin dancer, DJ and promoter.

Hugo arrived in Adelaide in 1999 with no English skills; just his talent, dreams and vision to introduce his culture to the world. He has been the man behind many major Latin Events in Australia which have been created and drawn from Hugo’s extensive experiences from his native Cartagena as well as travels through out the world.

Today Hugo is the Director of the successful Latin Entertainment Company Latino Grooves and Australia’s Premier Latin Dance Band ‘TNT LATINOz’. He runs popular weekly Salsa Dance Classes in Adelaide and continues to produce world –class entertainment through his parties, events, festivals and night club productions.

Hugo was undoubtedly the pioneer of Latin Music, Dance and Culture in Adelaide. He radically revolutionised and moulded the Latin Scene in Adelaide for ever! Life before Hugo is considered by many as a bleak era!

He has recently settled in Sydney, hoping to contribute his experience, knowledge and passion.

 The Latin Voice.com recently caught up with Hugo and this is what he had to say...

1. What inspired you to do what you do in this country?

As a child growing up in a working-class suburb in Cartagena I was constantly surrounded by music, dance and celebration. It was inevitable that when I grew up I wanted to become a musician. Music is a way of life in Cartagena. A day does not pass where you don’t see people dancing and having a good time. There is always a festival, street or house party to attend.

My most clear memory was when I was 5 or 6 years old. A band came to play in a street festival in my neighbourhood and I was taken to see them. I remember being mesmerised! I thought those guys were so cool! Since then I was hooked. I wanted to be on stage, just like them.

Here in Australia, my goal is to recreate my experiences from both my childhood in Colombia and all the festivals, concerts and parties that I have attended around the world. When I arrived in Adelaide 7 years ago, there was NOTHING happening in the Latin scene. It was non-existent. There were no bands, parties, dance classes - absolutely nothing. That definitely inspired and pushed me to start promoting the Latin scene and make something happen. The fact that the Adelaide Latin scene is thriving and growing each year is even more of an inspiration to keep doing what I do. Believe me, if it can be done in Adelaide, it can be done anywhere!

2. What's your favourite phrase or motto?

“Vaya que sabor!!!!!” or just “Vaya!”

3. Which is your favourite band, artist or DJ?

I have so many favourites, but some worth mentioning are: Los Van Van, Ruben Blades, Oscar De Leon, Grupo Niche, Carlos Vives, Ozomatli, Santana, Irakere and Diomedes Diaz just to name a few!

4. What would you like to see more or less of in the Australian Latin scene?

Firstly, I would like to see more live music. I don’t think that there is nearly enough!

Secondly, I would like there to be an institution/body that promotes, supports and teaches Latin Music (in general) in Australia. I think that there is a lot of talent that goes unnoticed because of the lack of importance in Latin Music in Australia. As well as this, there are many Latin kids growing up here in Australia who lose touch of the language, culture and music. It’s important that we maintain a close connection to our roots despite of where we are living.

5. What has been the most memorable moment in your career?

I have been blessed with many amazing experiences, such as travelling extensively and meeting and playing with many great artists such as Ray Barretto, Poncho Sanchez, Tito Puentes, Los Papines etc. However, I was lucky enough to collaborate, travel, perform and record with one of Colombia’s greats; Toto La Momposina for 7 years. Working with Toto has to be one of my career highlights, particularly my collaboration on the album ‘Pa Canto’ which was twice nominated for a Grammy in the folkloric category. Toto’s music is close to my heart as it is traditional folkloric music from the Atlantic coast of Colombia, which is where I am from and grew up listening to.

6. Of all the Latin Music Genres which one do you think has had the biggest impact in Australia’s Latin Scene and why?

I think Salsa has had the biggest impact all over the world, not just in Australia. Salsa is more than just a genre. It is a dance, a culture, a lifestyle, a way of life for many. Despite the recent meteoric rise of other styles such as Reggaeton, Merengue, Bachata and Cumbia, Salsa will always have its place.

7. What’s you favourite Venue and why?

As I am new to Sydney I will say ‘No Comment’ just yet. However, The Governor Hindmarsh Hotel in Adelaide is a world-class venue for Live Entertainment. It has all the requirements plus something that not every venue has: atmosphere! Every time I run a night there goes off! The energy is amazing.

8. Who do you think is the most influential personality or Group in Latin Entertainment overall and why?

I must mention quite a few because there are many very important people who have done many great things for the Latin Entertainment industry.

Firstly, Richie Valenz. He was the very first Latino to cross over to mainstream music with La Bamba. The fact that people still remember him and his music today is a huge feat.

Jose Feliciano, Carlos Santana, the Fania All Stars, Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Benny More. These people are the ‘old-school’ stars who put Latin music on the map.

The modern day stars such as Ricky Martin, Shakira, Buena Vista Social Club, Enrique Iglesias, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Antony and so on have continued the work. No one can deny the impact and influence these Latinos have on the entire world.

We have to thank all these people as they have paved the way for the Latin Culture and thanks to them there is an industry for us to work in.

9. What do you think is the key of success to achieve your goal in Australia’s Latin Scene?

To achieve your goals in the Latin scene is just like everything else. You need commitment, dedication, desire, passion and professionalism in everything that you do. Don’t forget talent. You must be good at what you do.

10. Do you have a message for all the Latin Lovers out there?

We have to support all those people who are working hard to promote the Latin scene in Australia. This includes promoters, dancers, DJ’s, bands etc. Attend all the nights regardless of who is promoting, what music they may or may not play, just go out and have a good time.

See you on the dance floor! WOW!!! (This is another of my favourite phrases!)

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