Born in the Mott Haven Section of the Bronx in an area known as “The Devils Playground” M. Joel Medina better known to his fans as “Candela” lived a life of hardship and struggle. Overcoming the obstacles one would face growing up in a neighborhood that consisted of a mixed blend of African American, Latin and Italians, would give Candela the multi cultural knowledge that would ultimately lead to the birth of “The Voice of Latin America”.
Candela would perfect his skills by performing at all local events and anywhere in the city he could. His highly diverse style would later bring him to international stardom, performing on the same stage with Reggae Superstars like Barrington Levi, Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Super Cat. While keeping his New York foundation strong, Candela has graced the stage along side artists such as Platinum recording star Big Pun, Fat Joe & NORE. His association with Pun would lead to the movement known as “Latin’s Going Platinum” In 1991, Candela along with long time friend Producer/songwriter Juan “Magik” Peters, landed a deal with Martru Records and recorded his first album. His talent was recognized by legendary producer Nelson (FAST FORWARD) Cruz who scored international success with both Shannon & Blackbox. In 1996, Candela caught the eye of international Dance Music’s leading record label STRICKLY-RHYTHM RECORDS, Vice President Gladys Pizzaro. Working along side well known producer Ralphy Boy Muniz, Candela was featured on the “STRAIGHT FROM THE BARRIO” EP, on the international Latin house cut “THE BOMBEROS REMIX 96” A SMASH HIT IN THE US AND JAPAN. This making Candela the “KING OF LATIN HOUSE MUSIC”!!
During the recording process, Candela, being of Latin decent, revealed a unique English/Reggae style which opened the eyes of Strickly Rhythm Records along with the Phat Wax Label. In that year Candela recorded his single entitled, “People Always Talking” and with no surprise the single gained mainstream radio play on Hot 97, on The Bobby Conders Reggae Show, it was also put into heavy rotation on Red Alert’s 5 o’clock Free Ride show. Making Candela the first rapper of Puerto Rican and Dominican decent, with an English/Reggae style, to be played on national and international radio stations. Candela’s voice, style, and music, became a smash hit overseas in Europe getting major radio play on “Soul to Soul Kiss Fm” with one of Europe’s hottest DJs “DJ Jazzy B”. Candela uplifted and created the perfect musical combination to make Latin House Music break into the mainstream, being the main reggae vocal on smash club and radio hits like “ Los Bomberos”, “Boricua Anthem” plus the feature on the World smash hit: “La Bandera” album, would prove 1996 to be very successful year for Candela,
After countless shows and tours, Candela wanted to bring back the original formula and re-united with his old partner Juan “Majik” Peters, an independent producer responsible for the Gold single entitled “Bizounce” on Olivia’s first gold album through J- Records. He also collaborated on projects with Jon B, Joe Thomas, and Stephanie Mills. Currently- CEO of Detonator Productions, Majik partnered with Candela, are poised to release an arsenal of hot tracks that are sure to move, motivate, and challenge any one who is prepared to listen.
Now in 2006, along side Majik, Candela has finalized his long awaited solo album. In the process of his return, after a five year absence, with Candela’s respect as the “THE VOICE OF LATIN AMERICA”, he has gained the attention of major Latin recording groups, Like “ORO SOLIDO” and was asked to tour as the opening act, making a great impression with concerts around the world and major arenas in Mexico D.f. (Zona Rosa), Canada (Calgary), and Chicago.
Recently, Candela launched a promotional tour across Latin America, touring the country of Ecuador where he became a huge success in radio and media stations across the country, doing an exclusive TV concert series with T.C television the largest media outlet in Ecuador, Candela toured cities like Guayaquil, Quito, Porto Viejo, Salinas, and Manta. Candela also appeared on the “Polo Basquerizo” show (the Don Francisco of Ecuador), becoming a huge hit on the Ecuadorian media circuit. The tour was a major success. Organized by www.flowlatino.com . Candela has branded his name across Latin American T.V and gained a huge fan base across the country of Ecuador.
Candela recently recorded a new single produced by World Famous DJ Little Louie Vega, M.R V (featuring Candela & Tony Touch) through Masters at Work Records, making a lot of noise in clubs here and overseas, bringing back the “Latin House Movement”
Candela has also recently featured with SunDoobie from FunkDoobiest & Soul Assassins on the hit new single “Colores” getting rotation on Hot 97 stirring up a lot of Buzz and creating a strong East/West alliance.
Candela is currently working on the release of his highly anticipated solo album and the introduction of his musical family, artists Like Damaris “Harmony” Cruz, M.C T.N.T, N.S.B, Kay Nine & Ragga Pisto, Propheta (El Systema), Psycho Mike (Saoco mag), C.B.S, Latin’s Going Platinum & Detonator Productions.
In the political arena, Candela has been unanimously voted by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade committee as the Official AMBASSADOR of GOOD WILL to New York’s 49th annual National Puerto Rican day parade along 5th Ave in New York City. Candela, Being the Official voice of the National parade for Latinos world wide, with this year’s slogan: “BORICUAS…WE VOTE.., WE COUNT” 2006, will prove a very special year… Candela is being recognized and awarded for his musical accomplishments, outstanding performances, and political involvement within the community.
Candela has also been recognized and awarded a “Certificate of Merit” by Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrion, Jr. for outstanding achievement in the music industry in honor of 10 years of excellence in performance and giving back to the urban communities in the U.S. and all around the world.
Outside of New York, Eddie Perez the first Hispanic Mayor in the history of Connecticut, along with Gladys Rivera President of the Puerto Rican day parade in Hartford C.T. will present Candela with the key to the city in their Annual Festivities. Candela has recently been called upon by the Mayors office to do a political jingle for commercial use in the upcoming elections for State Representative for Hartford’s Third District. With all the parades, Festivals, Shows, tours and Honorable mentions, this is sure to set the stage for the return of “CANDELA” “The Voice of Latin America” the first Spanish rapper to hit international stardom across the world gaining the love of fans of all genres.
Partnered with Detonator Productions & Allied Forces Mgmt., together forming The Union… The Coalition… The Movement… The leaders of Spanish hip hop, Spanish Dancehall/Reggae & Latin house music all across the world.
* CANDELA * / L.G.P Records “Changing the game / Bringing it back to N.Y. where it all began”!*
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