Biography
Formed in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, the urban plena ensemble Algareplena—originally known as Algareplena AP—has worked since its 2003 founding to sustain the living sound of Puerto Rican culture. The group fuses plena, salsa, bomba, merengue, bachata, bolero, and batucada with urban styles including reggaeton and electro, producing an energetic, audience-driven style built for dancing. After 2007, thundering hand percussion supported by rolling pianola and steel drums became the unmistakable markers of their recordings and performances. Festivals, carnivals, and the yearly parade of patron saint festivities have remained regular stops for the band. Dexter Entertainment issued the debut album Algareplena, Vol. 1 in 2016. Three self-released singles appeared the following year: “Pa Celebrar,” “El Life,” and “La Fila de Gasolina.” Released in February 2018, “La Tabla” marked their strongest showing to that point once its video spread rapidly online.
Singles
