Leoni Torres
Country of Origin
Cuba
Styles
Bachata, Pop, Tropical Music
Merchandise and Music (Referral Links)
Biography
Leoni Torres, born Leonardo Torres Álvarez on November 24, 1977, in Camagüey, Cuba, is a celebrated Cuban singer, songwriter, and music producer. With a dynamic career spanning more than two decades, he has released six solo albums and collaborated with some of the biggest names in Latin music, such as Rosario Flores, Pablo Milanés, Willy Chirino, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Beatriz Luengo, Carlos Varela, Cimafunk, and Francisco Céspedes. His talent and contributions to music have earned him a place as a member of the Latin Recording Academy, and his compositions have been recognized by the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP).
Early Career and Rise to Fame
Leoni Torres began his professional career in 1998 in his hometown of Santa Cruz del Sur, Camagüey. A year later, he joined the orchestra Maravillas de Florida, which led to his discovery by David Calzado, leader of the renowned Cuban band La Charanga Habanera. In 2001, Torres became a lead vocalist for La Charanga Habanera, where he remained for seven years. During his time with the group, he contributed to several hits, including Soy Cubano, Soy Popular and Ay! Hay Amor, which further elevated his status in the Cuban music scene.
Solo Career and First Albums
In 2007, Leoni Torres decided to pursue a solo career, and his debut album Bajo la Piel was released in 2008. Published under the label EGREM, this album established him as a rising star in Cuba and earned him the title of Male Revelation Singer of the Year.
Building on the success of his debut, Torres released his second album, Latiendo, in 2011. This album solidified his presence in Cuban contemporary music and gained significant recognition on local music charts. In 2012, he released Salseando, which included salsa renditions of songs from his previous albums. Once again, EGREM handled the production of the album, helping Torres become a staple of Cuban salsa music.
Evolution as a Composer and Collaborations
By 2014, Leoni Torres had begun to flourish as both a performer and a composer. His songwriting prowess was showcased in songs like Traidora, performed by Marc Anthony and Gente de Zona, which became an international hit. Another notable composition was Para que un día vuelvas, a beautiful duet with Pablo Milanés. His songs Soledad and Amor Bonito also gained widespread popularity, with the latter being recorded by artists like Rey Ruiz and Charlie Aponte.
Torres also ventured into acting, appearing in Cuban films such as Contigo Pan y Cebolla (2014) and Esteban (2016). Although his acting roles were brief, they showcased his versatility as an entertainer.
Continued Success and International Acclaim
In 2016, Torres focused on producing his next album, Amor Bonito (Volumen 1), which featured collaborations with several prominent artists, including Pablo Milanés, Kelvis Ochoa, Descemer Bueno, and Alexander Abreu. The album was a success, highlighting Torres' growing influence in the Latin music world. In March 2017, he received the ASCAP award for Best Tropical Music Composition for his hit Traidora, which was celebrated in Puerto Rico.
In August 2019, Leoni Torres embarked on the Amor Bonito Tour, organized in partnership with Live Nation and Miami Late Night. The tour included performances in various cities across the United States, including at the iconic House of Blues venues. He also extended his tour to Europe, performing in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, and Sweden.
Some of Torres’ most notable songs from this period include Toda una Vida, Es tu Mirada, Las Cosas que te Pido, Me Quedo Contigo, and No Puedo Parar, a collaboration with Gilberto Santa Rosa. He also released the track Se me Olvidó Quererte with Spanish singer Rosario Flores, and the hit Mejor Sin Ti, featuring the Cuban duo Gente de Zona.
Recent Projects and Giras
Leoni Torres has continued to produce new music and build on his global success. In 2020, he released the songs Deja la Tristeza and Recordándote, a collaboration with urban artist El Micha. This single was produced by Daneon, a Colombian producer who has worked with major artists such as Marc Anthony, Will Smith, and Enrique Iglesias.
Torres returned to Europe in 2023, marking one of the most successful tours of his career. Managed by Enrique Ladrón de Guevara, who had also led his previous European tour in 2018, Torres captivated audiences across the continent. His performances were so well-received that another tour was scheduled for August 2024, signaling his growing influence and fame in Europe.
His latest album, Pasándola Bien, was released in 2023, under his own production label, Torres Productions, in collaboration with Puntilla Music. The album features ten tracks, including compositions by Kelvis Ochoa and a tribute to the late Polo Montañez, showcasing Torres’ diverse musical abilities and respect for Cuban music legends.
Discography
Leoni Torres’ discography is a testament to his versatility as a musician and producer. His albums include:
Bajo la Piel (2007, EGREM)
Latiendo (2011, Legacy)
Salseando (2012, EGREM)
Amor Bonito Vol. 1 (2018, EGREM)
Amor Bonito Vol. 2 (2019, EGREM)
Alma Cubana (2021, Torres Productions & Puntilla Music)
Canten - Homenaje a Polo Montañez (2022, Torres Productions & Puntilla Music)
Pasándola Bien (2023, Torres Productions & Puntilla Music)
Leoni Torres continues to be one of Cuba’s most influential contemporary artists, captivating audiences worldwide with his heartfelt lyrics, powerful voice, and dedication to preserving and evolving Cuban music.
Social Media and Links
Upcoming Concerts
| Date | Time | Venue | City | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 22, 2024 | 20:00 | La Riviera | Madrid | Spain |
| September 20, 2024 | 20:00 | Sala Madison | Massanassa | Spain |
| September 18, 2024 | 20:00 | Apolo 1 | Barcelona | Spain |