McDonald’s USA Announces Nicky Jam, Mariah Angeliq and Cazzu as Headline Artists for Upcoming Ritmo y Color Virtual Concerts
The musicians will be paired up with local Houston and Los Angeles visual artists to elevate stories of Latinidad on the concert stages and in restaurants. (CHICAGO – Oct. 7, 2021) Following the first leg of the virtual concert series with Manuel Turizo, McDonald’s welcomes Nicky Jam, Mariah Angeliq and Cazzu for Ritmo y Color—a unique art and urban music experience fueling Latino pride. McDonald’s is partnering with visual and musical artists to wrap restaurants in Latin art and bring free virtual concerts featuring the art from the restaurants to captivate fans across the U.S. through December.
Nicky Jam is next to take center stage on Sunday, Oct. 17 with a medley of fan-favorite hits and artwork by Mexican American visual artist Gonzo247. Together, the artist duo will bring to life a virtual art and music experience where fans can see, hear, and celebrate Latino culture.
“I’m thrilled to continue working alongside McDonald’s in our shared commitment of bringing people together through music,” said Nicky Jam. “Ritmo y Color is meant to empower and celebrate mi gente Latina, while offering unique experiences to all the fans. I’m proud to lend my voice to shine a light on the stories of our community so that Latinos everywhere feel seen!”
To build on the excitement, fans in Houston, TX can immerse themselves in Gonzo247’s world with his artwork that was used to transform a McDonald’s restaurant in the Gulfgate/Pine Valley neighborhood, a community with deep Latin roots. The piece titled “Arte Sin Barreras” (Art Without Barriers) is on view now and speaks to his family’s immigrant story of setting out on an uncharted journey, crossing from Mexico into Texas in search of a new life.
“The street has been my canvas for more than 25 years, and I’m both honored and thrilled to bring my art to McDonald’s in such a unique way,” said Gonzo247. “Like other Latinos, my family’s story is that of perseverance and progress, so it’s important for me to celebrate the voices of my community while inspiring the next generation to dream big and keep pushing forward.”
The program is part of McDonald’s longstanding commitment to feeding and fostering the Hispanic community through experiences that fuel Latino pride.
“Ritmo y Color is one of the many ways that we remain committed to our customers and we are excited to support local Latino artists like Gonzo247, by giving him a platform to tell his story and pay tribute to our Hispanic community in Houston,” said Mariselle Quijano, McDonald’s Houston Owner/Operator.
THE GRAND FINALE
Ritmo y Color will wrap up in December with Puerto Rican and Cuban reggaeton singer Mariah Angeliq and Argentine rapper and songwriter Cazzu. The two musicians will be paired with Venezuelan visual artist Kelly Perez for the ultimate Latina-led performance on Sunday, Dec. 5. Perez will also transform a McDonald’s restaurant on Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles with her artwork.
Visit www.ritmoycolormcd.com to register for the free virtual concerts and get more details on the exciting artist collaborations.
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About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.
About the Ritmo y Color McDonald’s Artists
MUSIC ARTISTS
Nicky Jam
Nick Rivera Caminero, known as Nicky Jam, is recognized around the world as a pioneer of Latin Urban music. Born in 1981 in Boston, he moved with his family to Puerto Rico when he was just a boy. At the age of 11, he recorded his first album “Diferente a Los Demás” (Different From the Rest), which attracted the attention of DJs and artists on the island. Best known for hits such as "X", "Travesuras", "En la Cama", "Te Busco", "El Perdón", "Hasta el Amanecer", and "El Amante," the reggaeton singer has frequently collaborated with other Latin artists. He recently released his new studio album “Infinity” and announced his upcoming INFINITY TOUR 2022.
Mariah Angeliq
Miami-born reggaeton, trap, and R&B singer of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent, Mariah Angeliq is credited with helping restore the powerful swagger of vintage female reggaeton in the vein of her idol Ivy Queen. Acclaimed multi-platinum superstar and one of the most influential female voices within the Latin urban genre, she has performed at SXSW and the famed Calle 8 Festival, and on recordings with Nicky Jam, Myke Towers, and Casper Magico. With over 175 million views on YouTube and influencing millions of fans on social media, Mariah also became the only rising Latin female artist to receive an RIAA 2x Multi-Platinum Certification for her international hit single “Perreito” in 2020.
Cazzu
Argentine rapper, singer, songwriter and composer known for her mix of trap, rock, dubstep, new metal, cambia and reggaeton. Cazzu has collaborated with artists such as Bad Bunny, Myke Towers, Natti Natasha, Farina, Justin Quiles, Sech, Dalex, Lenny, Tavarez, Feid and Sean Paul. In 2020, she was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for Best New Artist and her hits “Tumbando el Club” and “C14TORCE II” were nominated for Best Trap/Urban Song and Best Urban Collaboration. She received Tu Musica Urbano nominations for Female Album of the Year and Top New Generation Female Artist.
VISUAL ARTISTS
GONZO247
The street has been the canvas for Mario E. Figueroa, Jr., artistically known as GONZO247, for more than 25 years. Born and raised in Houston, GONZO247 is a self-taught, multi-disciplinary artist that has been at the forefront of Houston’s artistic youth movement. He produced an Aerosol Warfare video series, established the Houston Wall of Fame (the city’s first and significant art production of its kind), and is a leading figure in pioneering graffiti and street art culture in the city. Today, he is a visual and cultural arts ambassador for his hometown.
Kelly Perez
There’s room for everybody in Kelly’ Pérez’s world, and a role for anybody to play in her art. Kelly brings her own vibrant style, vision and purpose, along with her glitter paint, to LA’s public arts scene. Born in Venezuela, Kelly began her career in animation after graduating from the University of Central Florida, where she worked on projects including “Smurfs 2” and Dreamwork’s “All Hail King Julien.” Hers is a message of belief in yourself, of inclusion, and of representation, especially for women in art. And it’s communicated with joyful colors, movement, and words of inspiration. Today, her work can be seen around LA, including an immersive mural at the Disability Community Resource Center in Mar Vista which is registered under the city of Los Angeles.