Pablo Villanueva, better known as Melcochita, finally fulfilled one of his great dreams. At 88 years old, the comedian launched his own musical orchestra and thus resumed his career as a sonero, a stage little known in our country. According to the Peruvian artist, this facet has been more valued abroad, to the point that he has collaborations with the greatest salsa artists.
In a conversation with La República, Melcochita spoke about the relaunch of his career as a sonero, his departure from comedy and the strong criticism that Ernesto Pimentel has received following the premiere of his autobiographical film ‘Chabuca’.
Melcochita returns to her roots
During the relaunch of his career, which took place last Tuesday, April 16 at one of the Rústica venues, the Peruvian comedian was excited to lead his own orchestra. “I feel very happy… justice is finally done, in terms of music. I want to remember that in 1981 I recorded my first song in the United States, I have had a worldwide career. I have been to Europe, I have worked with the bravest of the sauce,” he said.
YOU CAN SEE:The time Melcochita appeared in ‘Al Fondo Hay Sitio’ and gave the Gonzales cruel nicknames
Pablo Villanueva, who was accompanied by his wife Monserrat Seminary and his three youngest daughters, recalled that he has been dedicated to music for more than 60 years and that he has recorded more than 20 albums, being recognized and loved by the greatest figures of salsa worldwide, such as Eddie Palmieri, Willie Colón, Celia Cruz , Adalberto Santiago, Marvin Santiago, Tommy Olivencia, Bobby Valentín, Cano Estremara, Jhonny Pacheco, among others.
Although he acknowledged that it is a dream come true to have his own orchestra, Melcochita believes that the opportunity should have happened sooner, since he has an extensive career in music. “They are only going to know me as a sonero in Peru, because since the radios have not broadcast my music, people don’t know. The Peruvian needs to propagandize his own race“added the performer of songs like ‘Pegaso’, ‘Madre’, ‘Caballito blanco’ and ‘Rumbera mayor’.
In this new stage, Melcochita has promised that she will make the entire audience dance with her deliciousness, where she will perform all her hits, salsa classics and trendy songs. “I am going to continue producing music and, above all, modernize my songs (…) I recorded a new CD with old music, but with modern arrangements like ‘Momposina’ and ‘La Gorda’,” she said.
YOU CAN SEE:Grupo Niche has a meeting with Melcochita and they go out of their way to praise: “Teacher of our generation”
On the other hand, the prominent sonero was grateful to Mauricio Diez Canseco for giving him the opportunity to tour all the Rústica venues nationwide, along with his orchestra made up of 12 musicians, including his son ‘Melcochita Junior’.
“The idea was from Mauricio. He told me ‘you’re going to work as a salsa maker, nothing funny because they talk rude things even for the sake of it, you’re not up to that,’” the pizza maker reportedly stated. “I am grateful to him for returning to the stage with a side that I love. And that in Peru I have not developed much,” he said.
Melcochita moves away from comedy and TV
Villanueva revealed that he has been away from television for a long time. Although he did not rule out appearing on some program as a guest and assured that he will not accept a project that consumes a lot of time. “I don’t like to show up so much because I get burned, so I’m fine.”
YOU CAN SEE:Melcochita assures that Daniela Darcourt is going to an important event for a reason: “I should have gone”
The Peruvian performer also revealed that he is far from comedy, because humor has devolved. “Comedy has changed. Now they look for easy laughter. There are many vulgar things and I’m not into that trend, I’m old.”
Melcochita supports Ernesto Pimentel
During the interview, Melcochita expressed her solidarity with Ernesto Pimentel, who in recent days has been harshly criticized for exposing his romance with Alex Brocca in ‘Chabuca’, the autobiographical film that Tondero released a week ago. “People talk badly about my friend’s film, the thing is to move on. We are not all perfect. I support Ernesto because he is a good person and he is also Peruvian.”
Melcochita expressed solidarity with the host of ‘El reventonazo de la Chola’ because she says that many people have also spoken badly about him. “They speak out of envy. My revenge towards the envious is my improvement. The one who says who is brave is the public”, he highlighted.