OLDIES SUNDAY: Luis Días & Sonia Silvestre – Baila En La Calle (1984)

The month of February is recognized as Dominican Heritage Month. The month (January 27-February 27) honors those born in the Dominican Republic, and of Dominican descent in the United States, who have contributed to the community as well as made cultural achievements. The month ends on the Country’s Independence Day celebrations. Today on “Oldies Sunday“, we recognize an Individual who made significant contributions to the musical development of the Dominican Republic. This Man is known as the “Father of Dominican Rock“, but many know him as Luis Días a.k.a. “El Terror“. Today, we check out, “Baila En La Calle (Carnaval)“.

Arranged by Jorge Taveras and featuring Sonia Silvestre, “Baila En La Calle (Dance In The Street)” was Luis Días’ way of building unity, promoting positive vibes, and enjoy good times in the Dominican Republic. Released through Secretaria De Estado de Turismo in 1984 (but premiered in 1983), Días was commissioned to compose a theme song for the 1984 staging of the Dominican Carnival. The release was a success, and it quickly gained popularity in the Country, and in the diaspora, prompting a number of covers over the years, including one made famous by fellow Dominican, Fernando Villalona. Días would receive a national award from the Government of the Dominican Republic for his composition, and it would go on to be sampled by Wyclef Jean and Shakira for their classic collaboration, “Hips Don’t Lie“.

Since the release of “Baila En La Calle”, Luis Días would go on to be a cultural figure. He composed hundreds of songs that would later on be covered by numerous Artists, he composed music for a number of Films, worked with UNICEF and various Government entities, and was considered a “National Cultural Patrimony” in his homeland before his passing in 2009. “Baila En La Calle” is still played and covered to this day. Big up the Dominican Republic!