Wilfrido Radamés Vargas Martínez[1] (Spanish pronunciation:[wilˈfɾiðoˈβaɾɣas]; born April 24, 1949, in Altamira, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic) is a band leader, trumpeter, vocalist, arranger, composer and producer who was instrumental in making the merengue style a worldwide phenomenon.[2]
He was surrounded by musical influences; namely, his father Ramón, an accordionist and guitarist, and his mother Bienvenida, a flute player and guitarist.[3] Vargas began his musical studies early, attending the Municipal Academy of Music beginning at age 10.[4]
He has been a trumpeter and a vocalist,[5] but has also arranged, composed, and led his band, and is also a producer.[4]
Career
1970s
He began his career with the band Wilfrido Vargas y sus Beduinos by recording his first album in 1972.[6]
Alongside many Latin music super stars, he performed during the 1979 music festival Havana Jam.[7]
1980s
During the 1980s he had international commercial success with songs such as "El Barbarazo", "El Jardinero", "La Medicina","El Africano" and "El Loco y La Luna".
Wilfrido appeared in the 1989 film "Que viva el merengue y la lambada".[8]
The song "El Africano" from his 1983 album "El Funcionario" was the basis for the 1991 hit single, "Mami El Negro" by Cuban-American rapper DJ Laz.[11]
For the telenovelaBellísima, Wilfrido performed the theme song, "Amor Casual" and also performed the song "Que Será" for the 1997 film Out to Sea.[12]
2000s
In 2003 he acted in the drama film"Exito por intercambio".[13][14]
Today Vargas is one of the best-known artists in Latin America with hit songs such as "El Africano" (written by Calixto Ochoa[16]), "Abusadora", "Comején", "A Mover la Colita", "El Baile del Perrito" and "Volveré".
