Duques del Vallenato are the next Vallenato phenomenon. Their first single, “La X,” is already starting to get everyone talking about this new nobility of the genre.
“La X” was composed by Julian Velazquez, who is also the executive producer, and the producer Anibal Uribe. It’s an inspiring “paseo vallenato” with modern elements that also features Duban Bayona on vocals and Harold Santana on accordion. The lead vocal is Yoel Morales.
We spoke with Anibal Uribe, the project’s artistic director, arranger, guitarist, and manager, and singer Yoel Morales.
What does “Duques del Vallenato” mean, and how did you come to manage this project, considering your career in groups such as Binomio de Oro, Jorge Celedon, Los Chiches, and many others?
Anibal Uribe: Well, considering the royal status of a duke, I wanted to bring the group to a discerning audience with a very high-level vallenato. All of this also fits in with the maternal surname of our executive producer and lyricist Julián Velásquez, who is a key and vital player in the project.
How did you come to the project and how did you become its manager, arranger, and guitarist?
Anibal Uribe: At the request of Julián Velásquez himself. My interest arose when I observed the great potential of the songs and the new talents. It’s an incentive that encourages any producer with a vision of success.
Yoel, what can we expect from Duques del Vallenato and your participation as vocalist?
Yoel Morales: I am very happy and excited because I know this project will please all lovers of good vallenato. I came to contribute my experience as a soloist, and now, under the direction of maestro Anibal Uribe. I’m sure we’ll make history, preserving the true vallenato style—romantic, joyful, and modern—and I know many people will identify with this first single, “La X,” a song with an everyday story that will touch the hearts of fans of the genre. More hits are coming soon. We’ll have poetic, romantic songs, and some songs about heartbreak.
Two new songs following “La X” will be released globally on August 31st: “Mi Dueña” and “Reina por Siempre,” written by Julian Velazquez and Aníbal Uribe, respectively.
Vallenato is the music with which the world identifies Colombia.
