When we think of CDMX’s music scene, salsa might not be the first genre that comes to mind. This bustling Latin American metropolis has long been known for its rock, alternative, and Latin pop scenes. But amid the city’s eclectic sounds, a vibrant Afro-Caribbean movement is emerging, spearheaded by musicians like Gabriel Malgarejo aka Gabriel, El Rey del Swing, and his group, La Bendición. Their music brings a fresh wave of tropical Caribbean rhythms to CDMX’s soundscape, adding an electric layer to its sonic identity. This dynamic collective is deeply rooted in salsa but also draws from a wide range of Latin American genres, making their sound as expansive as the cultural influences that shape it.
Last month, we met with Gabriel, El Rey del Swing at epic musician haunt Hule to uncover his favorite spots to dance salsa. He swayed us to check out Mama Rumba, Babalu and Mambo Cafe for CDMX’s best salsita que pica. As a true lover of tropical and Afro-Caribbean sounds, Gabriel has carved out a unique space in the city’s soundscape. His journey into the world of salsa began unexpectedly, sparking a passion for the genre that eventually led to the formation of La Bendición. Backed by a talented group of Cuban, Colombian, and Venezuelan musicians, Gabriel has pushed the boundaries of salsa in Mexico, where this genre is often overshadowed by others. His vision for La Bendición is to keep the spiritual and cultural depth of salsa alive while introducing it to new generations, blending the mysticism of his Mexican roots with the infectious rhythms of el Caribe.
Tigre Sounds: Where did your love for tropical, Afro-Caribbean, and Latin American sounds begin, and how did that shape the sound of your music projects?
Gabriel, El Rey del Swing: Dance Mania by Tito Puente, which I found in a book. At the time, I didn’t really know what it was—I had no prior contact with Latin music growing up. But as I began to explore, I realized there was a whole world behind that style of music. From there, I dove into the sounds of artists from the iconic label, Fania Records, which led me to vibrant figures like Hector Lavoe. These discoveries really opened my eyes and changed the way I thought about music.
Tigre Sounds: And you’re from Mexico City. How did this influence start to shape your music when traditionally, other genres are more dominant in Mexico?
Gabriel, El Rey del Swing: It’s true that in Mexico, salsa and the Latin scene aren’t as prevalent as other styles. But once I started listening to Hector Lavoe and others, I knew I wanted to experiment with this music. It was challenging, though—salsa is complex. It’s a language with many layers. After a personal breakup about three years ago, I decided to bring together a group of talented musicians, mostly from Cuba, Colombia, and Venezuela. We started jamming, and it was so natural—songs just came out of these sessions. That’s how La Bendición was born.
Tigre Sounds: What’s the unique sound of La Bendición, and how does your Mexican heritage play into it?
Gabriel, El Rey del Swing: The name La Bendición reflects this connection to spirituality and religious symbolism, which is a big part of Mexican culture. There’s a strong link between Catholicism, Christ, and the music we make—music that often comes from religious rites, full of mysticism. I see this as something important to share with younger generations because it connects us to our roots.
Tigre Sounds: How do you hope your music impacts the culture and music scene in Mexico City?
Gabriel, El Rey del Swing: I don’t know if I’m fit to say how it will impact the scene, but I hope it brings something new. Salsa has been explored for so long, but I want to communicate it in a way that resonates with today’s listeners. It’s a deeply spiritual music, and I think people can find a connection to it. Ultimately, I want my music to give people a sense of freedom and encourage them to express their truth.
Tigre Sounds: You’re constantly pushing creative boundaries. What do you want people to take away from your music?
Gabriel, El Rey del Swing: I hope people feel a sense of freedom when they listen to my music. I believe everyone has a grasp of some true knowledge through their life experiences, and music is one way we can share that with each other. I want my art to help people see themselves in a new light, to recognize something of their own story in the music.
Tigre Sounds: What exciting projects should we look out for from Gabriel, El Rey del Swing, La Bendición, and your other endeavors?
Gabriel, El Rey del Swing: Besides La Bendición, I have a romantic band called Grupo Tropical Los Gorriones. Each project has its own vibe—La Bendición focuses on salsa, Grupo Tropical Los Gorriones is more about cumbia, and El Rey del Swing is my experimental outlet, blending genres like pop-rock. I want El Rey del Swing to be completely free of boundaries. I’m still figuring out how to do that, but for now, I’m enjoying working across different musical styles.
Photos by Luis Lazcano