Most of us know what it’s like to live for a passion, especially if the passion is Salsa. Today, we are talking to an immensely passionate DJ who lives and breathes Salsa Dura. He’s played alongside the likes of DJ Lubi at the Salsa y Latin Jazz Festival 2012, is a regular at the hugely popular Tempo Latino Festival in France (now in it’s 20th year) and works regularly in clubs, festivals and with great performers to share a little of his own passion with the world.
His name is DJ Jacoviche and he is talking to us directly from Barcelona, Spain.
Hello! Can you first tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Jacobo aka DJ Jacoviche and I’m a DJ and Salsa Broadcaster, bringing the candela to the masses.
Do you remember the first time you heard Salsa music?
The first time I remember hearing Salsa was back at home when I was around 6 year old. The group was Cortijo y Su Combo, I remember clearly. My father put the record on and I fell in love instantly. I immediately felt such happiness- the music transmitted to me a kind of energy that I had never heard before.
Can you dance Salsa?
I can’t. I don’t know any dance moves. I don’t dance casino (Cuban Salsa). And I have no desire to learn.
But that has no bearing on my passion for Salsa nor ability as a DJ. Everyone has their own ‘aficion’ (thing they are passionate about). For some it is dancing and for others like me it’s music and only music. I feel the music and then I transmit that to others.
Does the fact that you don’t dance change your ability as a DJ?
The most important thing is to play tracks that everyone can enjoy and make sure no-one collapses from heat exhaustion if I put on a fast one! Of course, anyone who is passionate about something is able to transmit that love to others. I watch the dancers closely, observing the style they like and the tracks that they are fond of. It’s easy to work out what someone will like according to the way they dance. But my job is not to play current hits but classics that everyone can enjoy.
What do you think about modern Salsa music?
Modern Salsa music is just as fantastic as the classics. Provided that the track has ‘saoco’ (slang term meaning it’s got ‘sabor’ or is generally brilliant), I love it. It doesn’t matter where it’s from, what ‘type’ of Salsa it is or even which decade is from. I’m not keen on Salsa Romantica as I feel it lacks a certain something and should be labelled as ‘pop’ not true salsa. But each to their own.
Do you have a favourite artist? Or a favourite track?
I have a lot of favourite artists: Benny More from Cuba, Ismael Rivera from Puerto Rico, la perfecta de Eddie Palmieri in New York City, and many many others. My favourite track of all time is Jacobo Basura by Bobby Valentin.
Where can we find you so we can listen to you live?
you can find me in lots of other places too. I play at many festivals, events and parties and I have my own online radio show. You can listen to Radio Jacoviche live here or check out my website.
What does the future hold for you?
What I want most for the future is to continue to share the music I love with the whole world. I’d like to continue to travel and experience Salsa scenes everywhere.
Thanks so much for your time and sharing your passion with us DJ Jacoviche. Would you like to share anything else with our lovely readers?
Yes! Here is a quote I love and live by.
“Dejémonos invadir por la dulzura, la elegancia y la emoción. Porque a fin de cuentas, de eso se trata. La música no va directamente al oído, va directamente al corazón.”
(Let’s be invaded by sweetness, elegance and emotion. Because at the end of this day,this is what it’s all about/ Music does not do directly to the brain but instead goes straight to the heart. Anon)
Follow DJ Jacoviche on Facebook or contact him directly jacoviche (at) hotmail (dot) com
http://salsahackers.com/
