In a intimate and vibrant artist-to-artist exchange, Nathy Peluso, a fearless Argentinian pop icon, and Grupo Niche, the legendary Colombian salsa collective, came together at La Cueva de Tigre at ACE Props & Studios in Miami during Latin Music’s Award Week. Co-moderated by Jesús Rodríguez of Miami’s Rum & Coke DJ collective and Tigre Sounds’ Editor-in-Chief, Camille Austin, the discussion delved deeply into their shared love of salsa, storytelling, and creative expression. The setting—a sunlit midday gathering in the Red Room at ACE Props—offered an atmosphere of connection, harmony and fuego, sparking what can only be described as pure music chemistry.
The conversation began the way any conversation would between such music powerhouses – in song. “Nathy Peluso y Grupo Niche“, sang the band as they energized the room. Jesús Rodríguez, with his vast knowledge of salsa’s legacy and Rum & Coke’s current tour celebrating Fania Records’ 60th anniversary, set the stage for a spirited exchange. Both Nathy and Grupo Niche spoke passionately about their connections to salsa and its profound cultural significance. “Salsa is eternal,” Grupo Niche shared during the conversation. “It’s powerful and will always find a way to stay relevant.” They praised Nathy’s ability to connect younger audiences with the genre, calling her efforts “bold and necessary.”
For Nathy, salsa is a passion that unexpectedly became central to her artistry. “Salsa found me,” she reflected. “It’s not just music; it’s a way of life, a decision to own who you are. I want to show the world that this music is not just for the older generation—it’s for everyone.” She highlighted that her song “La Presa,” a salsa-inspired hit from her critically acclaimed album Grasa, as a way to bring salsa into contemporary spaces while honoring its roots.
Grupo Niche shared their journey of innovation and tradition, crediting their late founder, Maestro Jairo Varela, for establishing a timeless foundation. “We have a responsibility to honor his vision while also bringing salsa to new audiences,” they noted. The group, celebrating 45 years, continues to evolve while staying grounded in the genre’s essence. They also reflected on the global reach of salsa, saying, “Wherever there are Latinos—or even those who don’t speak Spanish—there’s a connection to salsa. It’s universal.”
The conversation grew even more dynamic as they shared personal stories about their creative journeys. Nathy spoke about how her theatrical storytelling draws from classic salsa narratives, describing the evolution of her character-driven songs like “Puro Veneno” and “La Presa.” Grupo Niche added depth by sharing anecdotes about their legacy, including their recent collaboration with Fonseca, which garnered multiple Latin Grammy nominations.
Following the vibrant discussion, both Nathy and Grupo Niche headed to the creative set of La Cueva de Tigre, where they expressed their artistry through art-directed portraits by Valerie Chaparro, capturing the electric energy of the exchange in visual form.
This year proved monumental for both artists. Nathy Peluso took home three Latin Grammys, including Album of the Year for Grasa, cementing her as one of Latin music’s brightest stars. Grupo Niche delivered a magnetic performance at Marc Anthony’s salsa showcase during the Latin Grammys, their red-clad ensemble reflecting the passion and fire of their music.
As the conversation closed, a lingering question remained in the air: could a collaboration between Nathy Peluso and Grupo Niche be on the horizon? With such electric chemistry and mutual admiration, it’s a possibility that fans will eagerly await. For now, this conversation, steeped in soul and shared artistry, stands as a testament to the enduring power of salsa to transcend time, culture, and generations.
Photos by Cami on the Cam and Valerie Chaparro