MI RUMBA is a Latin band established in Houston since 1998. Musician and founder Nelson Chalas (Laly) was born in Dominican Republic, At the age of 13, Nelson moved to San Cristobal (DR), where he met a friend who played “sax” so nice, romantic and exquisite that he felt amazingly connected with it. It was then when Nelson realized that music would play a very important role for him over his entire life.
At the age of 19, Nelson received the opportunity to perform with one of the most famous Merengue players at the moment “Cuco Valoy”, Cuco acknowledged Nelson’s talent and asked him to join his band, where he performed during the next two years; the exposure and professional experience that he gained during this period of time, led him to open new doors and the opportunity to perform with other famous musicians and bands such as Diones Fernandez, Marcos Caminero, Johnny Ventura “El Caballo”.
MI RUMBA is a Latin band established in Houston since 1998. Musician and founder Nelson Chalas (Laly) was born in Dominican Republic, At the age of 13, Nelson moved to San Cristobal (DR), where he met a friend who played “sax” so nice, romantic and exquisite that he felt amazingly connected with it. It was then when Nelson realized that music would play a very important role for him over his entire life.
At the age of 19, Nelson received the opportunity to perform with one of the most famous Merengue players at the moment “Cuco Valoy”, Cuco acknowledged Nelson’s talent and asked him to join his band, where he performed during the next two years; the exposure and professional experience that he gained during this period of time, led him to open new doors and the opportunity to perform with other famous musicians and bands such as Diones Fernandez, Marcos Caminero, Johnny Ventura “El Caballo”.
With a lot of talent, vision and in search of better opportunities, in 1995 Nelson arrived to Houston and immediately performed as Director of the locally recognized Latin band “Oro y Plata”.
Aware of the diverse Latin influences, as well as the potential opportunities living in a city considered a hub of Latin genders, Nelson reconfirmed his appealing for Houston, the city where he currently resides.
Unfortunately or we can say “fortunately”, Oro y Plata didn’t meet Nelson’s expectations; following his dreams, he made an important move and in 1998 decided to start his own band named “MI RUMBA”; the band was integrated by eight professional and talented musicians, all of them were influenced with the wide diversity of Latin rhythms: MERENGUE, CHA-CHA, CUMBIA, SALSA, BOLEROS, BACHATA, etc. The beginning is never easy; Nelson was looking for people who wanted to invest in his dream, while directing the musicians to rehearsal, as well as finding new venues to perform.
Nelson’s natural leadership, talent and professionalism has been recognized and supported by his people, as he always credit them …they made it happened!
20 Years, and counting!
After 20 years of continuous performance, “MI RUMBA” has gained popularity and has been awarded as “THE BEST LATIN BAND OF TEXAS”. An award earned in 1998 during the contest “Dueling Divas” organized by The Philips Morris Co, inviting TEXAS Latin Clubs and fans to vote for their band of choice.