Author Archive: Rankiau

SOHANNY @ Univision News, Premio Lo Nuestro 2012

“No Es Normal” singer Sohanny is nominated for two awards at Premio Lo Nuestro, which airs tonight at 8 p.m. EST on Univision. (Photo: 3 Collective)

The stunning 27-year-old singer/songwriter has two nominations under her belt at Univision’s Premio Lo Nuestro: Tropical Female Artist of the Year and Merengue Artist of the Year. She’s the only female artist to be nominated for the latter, a sign that, as a genre, merengue is still a man’s game. 

Sohanny made a splash last year with her debut single “No Es Normal,” which is off of her debut album, slated to be ready by this upcoming summer. The album blends pop, cumbia, and bachata, among other sounds. “No Es Normal,” which features Dominican-American fellow merengue artist Fuego, is a speedy and energetic Spanglish song, a fitting move for Sohanny, who was born in the Dominican Republic and later migrated to Rhode Island.

In a recent phone conversation, here’s what Sohanny told Univision News:

Congrats on your two nominations at Premio Lo Nuestro! How do you feel right now?

I am thrilled – I am excited as could be! It’s already a dream come true for me. 

What’s it like to be the only woman nominated for Merengue Artist of the Year?

Because it [merengue music] is mostly dominated by men, it’s even more of an honor. There needs to be more of us out there – we have so much to say. If people feel it, then that’s great! I’m so happy to have the support of so many male artists in this genre. My first feature “No Es Normal” was with a male artist, so its great that I have that support. 

What sets you apart from other merengue artists?

In my music, there’s that fusion with the sounds of America. I am in love with Celine Dion – what an amazing artist. What sets me apart is my energy and songwriting… it’s very heartfelt.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Oh my goodness… in my country, I grew up listening to everything from Julio Iglesias to Las Chicas Del Can and Lola Flores from Spain. I was so moved by how much music could touch the lives of people. My mother would listen to music and I would watch her and see this attitude and how it would make her day. Music is something that is heard in every block in the Dominican Republic. When I leave, every time I leave, I feel like there’s not enough music playing. 

This one’s for the ladies – what are some of your beauty secrets?

I like to put coconut oil in my hair, I drink a lot of water and last but not least, I’m not really into lotion… I like using vanilla, jasmine, natural oils for the body. If it’s something that you can eat, then it’s good for your body!