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Christian Alicea is a rising Puerto Rican artist making waves in the world of salsa and tropical music. Born Christian Bosque Alicea on March 15, 1996, in Lares, Puerto Rico, he comes from a family rooted in music his father is a respected percussionist and leader of the band Maiken, and his siblings also perform. Growing up surrounded by rhythm and sound, Christian began playing percussion as a child and singing in community and family settings.
Alicea’s early experiences shaped his musical identity. He began performing on stage at a young age, and though he even trained and worked as a firefighter, music remained his passion. In 2019 he began focusing on his professional solo career, working with producers and collaborators who helped him bring his vision of modern salsa and tropical music into the studio.
Over the past few years, Christian has built momentum with several successful releases and collaborations. In 2023 he released his debut album Yo, which blended traditional salsa with modern influences like urban and pop sounds. Singles from that project, including “Vuelve” and “Cobarde,” charted on Billboard’s Tropical Airplay lists and found strong audiences in Colombia, the Dominican Republic, and beyond. Yo Deluxe, a 2024 expanded edition, earned a Latin Grammy nomination for Best Salsa Album, helping cement his position in the genre.
In 2025, Alicea took his sound further with Swingkete Vol. 1 – Maratón, a vibrant project released under Rimas Entertainment. The album is a musical celebration of Caribbean sounds, blending salsa with bachata, merengue, cumbia, bomba, plena, and even Afrobeat influences. Critics and listeners praised the project for its energy and cultural depth, and it earned placements on music industry lists and strong streaming numbers.
One standout track is “El Dominó,” a salsa song from Swingkete Vol. 1 – Maratón that reflects both tradition and party energy, complete with classic brass, clave rhythms, and the joyful attitude that salsa fans love. The official video, shot in Puerto Rico’s Colmado Santa Marta in Caguas, showcases everyday island life dominó games, community atmosphere, festive dance, and the cultural flavor that defines Alicea’s music.
Alicea’s music isn’t just about sound it’s about culture and connection. His work often celebrates Puerto Rican roots and the broader tropical music traditions while inviting new audiences in with fresh production and relatable storytelling. In just a few years, he has gone from performing locally to gracing major stages, including events alongside salsa legends and at high‑profile festivals.
Today Christian Alicea is seen as part of a new wave of salsa and tropical artists voices who honor the genre’s rich history while pushing it forward. Whether you’re a longtime salsa fan or new to the sound, his music offers both tradition and a contemporary spark.
