In the final frame of the racy video, “Camina Como Chencha” (Walk Like Chencha), singer, actress Karla Marie Rosado brandishes a ring and points to the heavens. Unbeknown to most, the ring was specifically designed for Myrta Silva by the Mexican cartoonist Manuel Moran. When the ring passed from Silva’s family to Karla Marie, it was the equivalent of receiving her idol’s seal of approval. “For Silva’s family, it’s the passing of the baton, and I plan to do it with all the responsibility, respect, and honor that entails.”
As a child, Karla Marie was fascinated by the artists and music of Puerto Rico’s “Golden Age.” Today, much of the music she performs revolves around preserving Puerto Rican culture and identity and celebrating Puerto Rico’s artistic legacy.
In 2020, Karla Marie participated in Danny Rivera and Humberto Ramirez’s historical tribute to the extraordinary musician, bandleader, composer César Concepción (1909-1974) titled “Mil Años de Plena.” Concepción is remembered as a virtuoso trumpeter and for raising the Plena to the category of “Parlor Music.” Also, he was the founder and leader of one of the most sensational orchestras in the 20th century.
Following that, Karla Marie received a Paoli Award for the composition “Mujer Latina,” whose patriotic lyrics encourage unity, sisterhood, and the pride of being a Latina woman.
Karla Marie’s current project is a three-part video tribute titled “Siempre Contigo Myrta Silva” (Always With You Myrta Silva. According to the writer Guissel Gomez, “One can say Myrta Silva was one of the first women to express self-assertiveness in Latin America. She was a well-rounded musician with many skills, including songwriter, singer, and percussionist. Her skills were so influential they were pivotal in unearthing the talent of Celia Cruz. Silva was also a commentator and a producer. Overall, Silva was a true businesswoman in all senses; something that was seldom seen in her era.”
In a recent interview with The Vocero, Karla Marie talked about recording Camino Como Chencha, which was banned in Cuba, labeled as “obscene” and nearly led to Silva’s exile. “This year marks the 60th anniversary of “Camina Como Chencha’s” release. At first, it didn’t occur to me to record the song because of how strong the lyrics are and what the interpretation entails,” says Karla Marie. “Gilberto Santa Rosa told me: ‘You can’t honor Myrta if you don’t do ‘Chencha.’ I thought about it, and I realized he was right. I dared to do it, and I loved it!”
Thus far, Karla Marie has completed two of three videos. “Camina Como Chencha and Rafael Hernandez’s “Esos No Son de Aqui (Cuchifritos).” During a recent chat with Karla Marie, she told me she plans to release the videos on social media in September and perform Silva’s music live. Her goal is to complete the album in its entirety.
“Silva represents the successful Puerto Rican woman who breaks barriers,”says Karla Marie. “She was a pioneer in a world dominated by men, and she lived and worked on her terms, and her example inspires me to keep going.”
Karlie Marie’s future plans to pursue a career as an actress, and continue honoring the life and legacy of Myrta Silva.
2023 UPDATE
In May 2022, Karla Marie released “Siempre Contigo Myrta Silva.” In February 2023, Karla Marie, Braulio Castillo, Norbert, and Algaraplena paid tribute to Myrta Silva at the world-famous Club Tropicoro at the El San Hotel. Past performers include Tony Bennett, Sammy Davis Jr., Paul Anka, Liza Minelli, Johnny Mathis, Louie Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Marlene Dietrich, Xavier Cugat, Chucho Avellanet, Jesus Canuedo and his Orchestra and Joe Quijano, among others.
SOURCES
Talavera, Quique – Metamorfosis Musical De Puerto Rico Del 1959 Al Presente (Independent, 2020)
El Adoquin Times – Del Valle, Marcos – Karla Marie Rinde Homenaje a Myrta Silva (August 2021)
El Vocero – Rodriguez, Jorge – En Homenaje a Myrta Silva (July 2021)
Thanks Tomas, a great production with a new voice for the unforgettable voice and style of Myrta Silva