Dominican Republic Inducts Six Merengue Icons into Permanent Gallery

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – The Dominican Ministry of Culture celebrated National Merengue Day by formally inducting six influential figures into the Don Américo Mejía Lama Merengue Gallery, a permanent exhibition honoring the genre's leading exponents. The ceremony, held at the Ramón Oviedo Gallery within the ministry's headquarters, recognized artists for their significant contributions to the national rhythm.

Culture Minister Roberto Ángel Salcedo presided over the event, presenting accolades to Belkis Concepción, Aníbal Bravo, Kinito Méndez, Pochy Familia, José Peña Suazo, and July Mateo, also known as Rasputín.

Their photographs will be prominently displayed in the main hall of the Folklore Department, located in the Colonial City. This initiative aims to solidify the space as a key reference point for the historical memory of merengue and its pioneers.

Through this initiative, the Ministry of Culture, led by Deputy Minister of Cultural Identity and Citizenship Pastor de Moya, reaffirmed its dedication to acknowledging those who have elevated merengue. The genre is widely considered a fundamental pillar of Dominican cultural identity.

Among those honored was Belkis Concepción, dubbed “La Pionera” for forming the first all-female merengue orchestra. Aníbal Bravo, known as “El Comandante,” was recognized for his extensive work as an arranger, composer, and producer, boasting over 40 productions and eight gold records. His band notably served as the house orchestra for Madison Square Garden for a decade.

Kinito Méndez, “El Hombre Merengue,” received acclaim for his deep connection to the Dominican Republic’s musical roots. Pochy Familia, a versatile musician, arranger, composer, and director, founded the popular Coco Band.

José Peña Suazo, a musician, composer, arranger, and director of La Banda Gorda, was also inducted. The late July Mateo, “Rasputín,” a trumpeter, arranger, and orchestra director, was remembered for modernizing merengue and incorporating new rhythmic fusions. Rasputín passed away on Nov. 4, 2018.

The Don Américo Mejía Lama Merengue Gallery first opened its doors on Nov. 26, 2011, coinciding with the national celebration of the genre. Its inaugural induction honored 31 foundational representatives.

As part of the commemorative activities for National Merengue Day, the Ministry of Culture also hosted a conference titled “Patriotic Contribution of Merengue in Dominican History.” Prominent communicator Euri Cabral delivered the address, exploring the genre's significance as a cultural expression and national symbol.

The lecture took place at the Dinafolk headquarters in the Colonial City, forming part of the official agenda designed to highlight merengue's historical and social value in shaping Dominican identity.

National Merengue Day was officially established on Nov. 26, 2005, by Decree 8619-05. The date commemorates the first known publication of the word “merengue” to identify the rhythm, which appeared in the newspaper El Oasis in 1854.