Ala Jaza

Ala Jaza, born Emmanuel Jiménez in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1987, is a multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and vocalist renowned for his innovative approach to merengue and bachata. Growing up in Villas Agrícolas before moving to New York at the age of 10, he was introduced to music by his father, Rafael Cabrera, a singer who taught him to play tambora and encouraged him to study various instruments. By age 13, Ala Jaza had become a sought-after bassist in New York’s bachata and merengue scenes. After gaining early experience with the group Óptimo, he launched a solo career, combining traditional merengue with modern influences. Signed by Copette Music after facing initial rejections, Ala Jaza broke through with hits like "Mi Forma de Ser," "Nadie Se Meta," and "Te Soñé," captivating audiences with his dynamic mambo style. His talent extends across instruments like bass, piano, tambora, güira, and congas, showcasing his versatility as both a musician and performer. La Escuela del Mamwali, his debut album, was released in 2017 and was followed by other popular releases such as Mamwali, Vol. 2 (2019), Solo Bohemios (2020), and Libra (2023).