'Music is in our blood': 3 Latin artists from York preserving their culture through music

Bachata, Merengue, Salsa, Reggaeton.

These vibrant musical genres are the cornerstone of Puerto Rican culture and entertainment, transcending borders and uniting all walks of life.

"It doesn't matter who you are, when you hear a reggaeton song, you're going to move − for us Puerto Ricans, it's literally in our blood," said York music artist "Chucho EIDeLaBarbaRosita" Alexander Camacho.

Camacho, as well as local artists "Almaniel" Emmanuel Almonte and "Ching Blun" Si Lee R. Saez Touchet, have found solace in music, preserving their cultural roots and sharing their art with the world while hoping to inspire talented youth.

Music runs in the veins

Music is the lifeline for the three singers and has been since they were young. Almonte, who grew up in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, began writing music at the age of 13.

"Music is a passion that I carry with me every day − the rhythm of reggaetón, salsa, the tropical vibe − I just want to bring my music to the world," Almonte said.

Camacho and his family hail from Lajas, Puerto Rico, and come from a long line of musicians. "My grandfather had a tropical group that sang bachata, merengue − music has always been in my blood," he said.

He's been writing music and poetry since he was 14, and it wasn't until a few years ago that he got the courage to share his music with the public. "I loved the feedback I got back, and it fed my hunger − so I took it more seriously," he said.

Born and raised in Penuelas, Puerto Rico, Touchet has loved music since he was a child, listening to genres such as hip hop, the blues and, of course, salsa and reggaetón.

Before moving to the York, Touchet would write and perform music with his friends. "We had dreams of our friends listening to our music, which turned into high school kids listening to us, then college kids listening to us − then it was a whole vibe in the city," he said.

Now he plays shows all over York City and around the world. From clubs to parties to Quinceañeras and baby showers.

Touchet joked, "Everybody and their grandmother knows me because I've sung at everybody's party."

Lito and Polacco, Daddy Yankee, Tempo, Bad Bunny, and Anthony Santos, are just a few of the many reggaetón artists that have been an inspiration to the three.

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Violence and drugs: Music is a way out

Economic opportunity brought Camacho, Almonte, and Touchet and their families to York City at different times in their lives. They found each other through music, which ultimately helped each of them navigate through hardship.

A few years ago, gun violence and drug overdoses in the city took the lives of two of their close friends, leaving them heartbroken in different ways − but music helped them cope.

"He wasn't a singer, but he was part of the team, another head in the studio," Touchet said.

"The same day we heard about his death, we went straight to the studio − he loved the studio," Almonte said.

One year ago, the two also suffered the unfortunate loss of another dear friend and fellow musician to a drug overdose.

A father of 8, Almonte said his children are his joy. One of his goals in making music is to get the youth involved.

"There's a way to do something different and get your word out in the world through art − there's so much talent in this city," he said.

Touchet shared his troubled past and how music took him out of that world and made a better future possible.

"The same place they're at, I've been there. If I'm still alive and breathing, they can do the same thing. Music is the way out − music and family," he said.

The beats of reggaeton and bachata resonated with their grief and helped express emotions. Music was a way to find peace through self-expression.

“Reggaetón – it’s not a sad rhythm, it’s a movement and it’s being represented across the world,” Almonte added “There is a Latin movement in this city, there are artists following their dreams and showing what we’re capable of."

Beyond their personal journeys, these three musicians feel an obligation to the youth of their community and plan to one day create a platform for young artists to nurture their artistic talents.

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A pavement for future Latin artists

For these musical artists, their journey is a shared dream − to let their music resonate beyond their local community.

"Every song I write has a meaning and a story behind it, and I want my music to be heard and enjoyed by everyone," Almonte said.

For those looking to take their first step into music, the team encourages individuals to follow their dreams and reach out to other artists for advice or support.

"There's always setbacks, even family members will tell you it's not worth it − you just have to persevere," said Touchet, as he reflected on the challenges he encountered early in his career.

Through years of hard work and dedication, Touchet and Almonte have carved a music hub for themselves, embracing other fellow up-and-coming artists such as Camcho, who is a father of three and wants to inspire his children and leave behind a legacy.

"I don't want the fame; I don't want the money − I just want my music to be heard. The same way I listen to music from the '90s, I want to leave something on this earth that will last," he said.

The impact of all three artists has extended to diverse audiences, reaching listeners in New York, Miami, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil and Africa.

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"We are planting seeds in this city. If I leave this earth, I want my children to have something to listen to and remember me by," Touchet said.

This team of musicians hopes their legacy is not just in the melodies they create but in the hearts of the community as they pave the way for future generations to embrace their heritage.

Lena Tzivekis is a Central Pa reporter. Email her at etzivekis@gannett.com, or message her on Twitter at @tzivekis

This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Preserving culture through music: Latin artists on the rise in York PA