Vakero

Vakero, born Manuel Baret Martes in Santo Domingo, started releasing music in the mid-2000s. His debut album 'Entre Fuego y Agua' came out in 2005, mixing urban rhythms with lyrics that often touched on social issues. He grew up around music, his father played guitar, his mother sang in church, and that background shows in how he approaches his songs.

In 2008, the single 'Tu Pai' became a major hit across Latin America. That track, along with songs like 'Alcoholico' and 'La Pelicula' from his catalog, helped define his place in Dominican urban music. He's kept putting out albums fairly regularly since then, including 'El Malo' in 2012 and 'El MVP' in 2020.

His music sometimes gets attention for reasons beyond just the sound. In 2010, he was arrested on drug possession charges, which led to some time in jail. He's been open about his views on social problems, and that directness comes through in tracks like 'Cancer Infantil' and 'Madre Mia.' He works with a band that includes musicians like Manny Rap on drums and El Excéntrico on bass.