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The Story of CNCO: From “La Banda” to Global Superstardom
In the vibrant world of Latin pop, few stories are as captivating as that of CNCO. The group, whose name cleverly plays on the Spanish word for five, “cinco,” embarked on a remarkable journey that took them from a reality TV stage to international fame.
The Formation on a Reality Show
The saga of the CNCO members began in 2015 on the Univision competition show La Banda. Created by Simon Cowell and produced by music icon Ricky Martin, the show aimed to assemble the next great Latin boy band.
Through a series of grueling auditions and performances, five talented young men from across the Americas were chosen: Christopher Vélez, Richard Camacho, Zabdiel De Jesús, Erick Brian Colón, and Joel Pimentel. On December 13, 2015, they were officially united as CNCO, securing a five-year recording contract with Sony Music Latin.
A Five-Year Journey of Hits
With Ricky Martin as their representative, the group wasted no time making their mark. Their debut single, “Tan Fácil,” shot up the charts in January 2016, quickly followed by their second single, “Quisiera.”
Their debut album, Primera Cita, produced by the renowned artist Wisin, was released in August 2016. It featured the monster hit “Reggaetón Lento (Bailemos),” a track that cemented their status as global superstars and became an anthem for a generation of fans, known affectionately as CNCOwners.
Meet the Members of CNCO
The magic of CNCO was a blend of five distinct personalities and talents. Each of the CNCO members brought a unique flavor to the group, creating a chemistry that was undeniable.
Christopher Vélez: The Ecuadorean-American with a Big Heart
Christopher Vélez’s journey is one of pure determination. Having moved from Ecuador to the United States at 18, he took on jobs like shining shoes to support his family financially. His resilience and powerful vocals made him a cornerstone of the group.
Richard Camacho: The Dominican Dynamo from a Musical Family
Richard Camacho grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry. Born in New York City and raised in the Dominican Republic, his father was a musician and cameraman, while his mother was a dancer. This background gave him a natural stage presence and a deep understanding of rhythm.
Zabdiel De Jesús: The Multi-Talented Puerto Rican
Zabdiel De Jesús brought a unique blend of skills to the group. The talented singer from Puerto Rico was also a trained ballet dancer, having been part of the prestigious Ballet Concierto. His versatility as a performer added a special dimension to CNCO’s live shows.
Erick Brian Colón: The Youngest Member with a Powerful Voice
As the youngest of the CNCO members, Erick Brian Colón joined the group at just 14 years old. He had emigrated from Cuba with his family a few years prior. He was nearly eliminated from La Banda, but Ricky Martin saw his potential and saved him, a decision that proved to be pivotal for the band’s future.
Joel Pimentel: The Mexican-American Who Followed His Dreams
Inspired by his late grandfather, California-native Joel Pimentel pursued music with a passion. Known for his acting skills and songwriting talent, he often acted as the group’s unofficial spokesman. His creative spirit was a driving force in the band’s early years.
The End of an Era: Why Did CNCO Break Up?
Like many great bands before them, the journey for the CNCO members eventually reached its final chapter. The group’s evolution and the individual aspirations of its members led to a heartfelt conclusion.
Joel’s Departure and the Group’s New Chapter
In May 2021, the group announced that Joel Pimentel would be leaving to pursue a solo career. The remaining four members—Christopher, Richard, Zabdiel, and Erick—vowed to continue, releasing their first single as a foursome, “To’a La Noche.”
The Final Farewell
Just over a year later, in July 2022, the group made the difficult announcement that they would be disbanding. The decision was amicable, as the members felt it was time to explore their individual paths. They released their final album, XOXO, and embarked on a farewell tour, officially disbanding in November 2023.
The Legacy of the CNCO Members
Though the group has taken its final bow, the legacy of the CNCO members endures. They broke barriers for Latin music, bringing reggaetón and Latin pop to a global audience with a fresh, modern energy. Their story remains an inspiration, a testament to the power of dreams, talent, and the unbreakable bond of music.
