Fuera de Liga Celebrates 30 Years of Merengue and Puerto Rican Pride
Fuera de Liga, the popular merengue group, is celebrating three decades of musical history and continuing to connect with audiences both in Puerto Rico and within the Puerto Rican diaspora. The group is currently promoting a new song,”I stay in PeErre,” and actively performing,with scheduled shows already lined up in Ponce and San Germán,with more to come.
Formed in 1993 following the retirement of singer José Medina, Fuera de Liga was initially spearheaded by manager Radhamés Nazario alongside founding members Tony Rivas, Eddie Romualdo Rivera, and Ricky Mayombe. Manuel arce later joined in 1995, eventually taking on leadership after Rivas’ departure. The group quickly gained recognition and achieved its breakthrough success in 1997 with the song “They made it arduous for me” under the Fonovisa label, solidifying their position within the merengue music scene.
Throughout their career, fuera de liga has released ten albums and maintained a strong connection with fans through energetic live performances and a distinctive musical identity. According to group member Luis Velázquez, the band’s enduring appeal lies in its unique stage presence and consistent preservation of its core sound.
Despite the evolution of the music industry – encompassing changes in rhythms, public tastes, and technology - Fuera de Liga has adapted by embracing digital platforms and social media, including releasing a video for their latest single on YouTube.
The group is also focused on attracting a new generation of listeners.Chorister Anthony Rivera, who has been with the orchestra for five years, notes that their music continues to resonate with younger audiences. He recounts a recent experience performing at a prom where students enthusiastically danced to their songs, demonstrating the enduring popularity of merengue. “That gives us a lot of energy,” Rivera stated, “it let us know that merengue is still going strong.”
Fuera de Liga’s longevity is a testament to their dedication to their craft and their connection to their roots. As Rivera expressed, the most rewarding aspect of reaching this milestone is ”being able to celebrate 30 years doing what we love, with the peopel who have supported us from day one…making good music, good merengue and with a song that speaks of what we all feel: ‘I stay in PeErre.'”