20 Questions With Chichí Peralta: The Master of Fusion on His Latin Grammys Honor, AI & New Music
Categoria: Musica
The Dominican artist received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Latin Recording Academy on Monday.
Por Billboard | 11/11/2026
Chichí Peralta vividly remembers the time when, at the age of 4, he emptied two gallons of oil to make himself a tambora, earning a big scolding from his mother. But his father, a music lover, didn’t punish him — he actually did the opposite. That same day, he took him to buy his very first tambora and had him play along to what he listened to at home: from Beethoven and Tchaikovsky to Venezuelan llanero music and African polyrhythms. “That’s when, in a way, I started experimenting with fusions,” says the Dominican musician, singer-songwriter, composer, arranger and producer, known for decades as a master of fusion thanks to his blend of Caribbean rhythms like merengue, bachata and son with jazz, hip-hop, Brazilian and African beats. Related Latin Grammys 2026 Special Awards: Best Quotes From Lila Downs, Chichí Peralta & More Honorees Latin Grammy Awards 2026 Predictions: Who Will Win the Top Honors? Silvana Estrada on Her New ‘Truly Ideal Job’ with the LA Phil & 6 Latin Grammy Nominations: ‘It’s the Cherry on Top’ This week, Peralta was honored by the Latin Recording Academy with a Lifetime Achievement Award, which is presented to performers who have made unprecedented contributions of great artistic significance to Latin music. The recognition comes as he prepares to release a new studio album in 2027, Endorfina , his first in almost two decades since 2009’s De Aquel La’o del Río . The 16-track set will also coincide with the 30th anniversary of his iconic sophomore production with his band Son Familia, Pa’ Otro La’o , which yielded hits like “Procura,” “Amor Narcótico” and “La Ciguapa.” Peralta, who first gained recognition as percussionist for Juan Luis Guerra y 4.40, won the Latin Grammy for best merengue album in 2001 for De Vuelta al Barrio and was also nominated in 2006, in the best contemporary tropical album category, for Más Que Suficiente . On the Billboard charts, he has multiple entries on Hot Latin Songs, Top Latin Albums, Tropical Airplay and Latin Airplay, among others, including several top 10s and one No. 1 with “La Zalamera,” featuring Joe Vasconcellos. In an extensive interview with Billboard Español , Peralta spoke via Zoom from his home in the Dominican Republic about his special award, his new album, his early steps in music, his relationship with family and God, artificial intelligence and his best advice for the next generation. 1. Hi, Chichí! It’s great to talk to you. I’m a longtime fan from Venezuela. Where are you speaking to me from? I’m here in beautiful Quisqueya. My home, my base is here, although we practically live on airplanes. 2. Congratulations on your Lifetime Achievement Award. What did you think when you heard the news? The first thing that came to mind was gratitude. Gratitude to my Lord, to Jesus Christ, to God, for giving me the time, health and life for a career that has been ve