Prioritized in the order I have most encountered over the 40 years doing bilingual events, but really focused on today, here are the Top Three recommendations for hiring the best bilingual DJ/MC.
Language
Mainly US Family: For the most part, we are multiple generations into when immigration first took place. The language and culture have become diluted, and our children even refer to themselves as white-washed" or coconuts" ("Coconut" meaning "brown on the outside, white on the inside!"). However, for weddings and events, inevitably, grandparents, who might only speak Spanish, are attending. In many cases, this may be the only one left! So, for "abuelita" (grandma), it is very important she feels included. Usually, there are several aunts and uncles who prefer (or mainly) speak Spanish, as well.
Family Traveling from...: Weddings are very special occasions, and it is extremely special when guests travel from abroad (e.g. Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Spain, etc).
Finally, considering the macro economy, the US has turned inward (almost isolationism) and will be relying on the Americas (Mexico & Canada) for our economic productivity, we are destined to have more and more bilingual interactions and events.
Bilingual MCs, who are 100% fluent in Spanish, and who can easily go between one and the other, will be a vital part of our upcoming events and broader economy. A photographer once noticed, "As you did one introduction, you'd start in Spanish and then translate to English; for the next, you would start in English and translate to Spanish. How cool that it didn't feel like an American event being translated to Spanish OR a Latin event being translated to English. Everyone felt equal!"
Caveat: Spanish is spoken very differently in WITHIN each country, typically localized around big city versus rural areas. Spanish is spoken very differently FROM country to country. Knowing the subtle differences is a HUGE bonus and idioms can be tricky!
I feel blessed to have been (a) born in San Antonio where "Tejano/Tex-Mex" Spanish is spoken, (b) raised by a mother who descended from Spain ("proper Spanish"), (c) raised by a father who is indigenously Mexican ("Mexican Spanish"), and (d) spent years playing soccer seven days a week around my Puerto Rican, Colombian, Spanish, and other friends where a very diverse set of Spanish was spoken!
Music
This is a "biggie"! I'm often asked, "What are the Top 10 Spanish Songs I should play at weddings?" Being such a nuanced question, I often answer, "What are the Top 10 English Songs I should play at any event?!" This is when the lightbulb goes off! "DEPENDS... are they local? What age? Are the guests from the East Coast? Is everyone from Texas? How old are they?" With dizzying velocity, the questions come. And so it is with Latin Music! Depends....
Like R&B can vary from Motown to Rap, cumbias, polkas, merengue, reggaeton, etc can vary depending on these and many factors! For example, Cumbias Norteñas are very different from Cumbias Tejanas to Cumbias Colombianas to Vallenato to Wepa and even Reggaeton (some of which finds its way creeping back to Cumbia). Worse yet, a Northen Mexican would likely despise Cumbias Tejanas like a person from Mexico City might despise Wepa. Age definitely sways the selection, as well. Note: Keeping up with all genres and subgenres is also difficult and necessary!
Truly Bilingual DJs who know the differences can be amazing assets. Bonus: Do they love to dance? If your bilingual DJ loves to dance, chances are he/she KNOWS the differences and can assemble amazing sets!
When I started my professional career in Austin, TX, I was blessed with a best friend Rachel who LOVED Tejano music like I did. It almost became a tradition to have Thursday night dinner and head out to the local club to dance to great Tejano artists LIVE. Imagine dancing to Selena, Joe Lopez, David Lee Garza, and all the stars who came from David Lee... from RAM, Emilio, Jay Perez (who I was blessed to DJ alongside), etc!
At family weddings and quinces, we would dance to all the Tropical greats like Sonora Dinamita (who I enjoyed over New Year's Eve), Fito Olivarez (who I was blessed to DJ with), and regional greats like Maquinaria Nortena, Ramon Ayala, Calibre 50, Los Cadetes, etc.
At our soccer get togethers, we'd enjoy Tropical music including the likes of Niche, Tony Rosario, Grupo Mania (where Elvis Crespo, who everybody loves, came from), etc.
Culture / Traditions
Understanding the traditions and expectations for your event is very important. Like the nuances in music, how common is a Dollar Dance? How are Dollar Dances done differently depending on regions? Will the dollars be pinned or collected and why? Who wants the Vibora de La Mar and who wants an Hora Loca? Are there social differences between guests from big cities and ranches? Do Hispanics have Bridal Parties or Padrinos?
In general, Northern and Central Mexico are VERY culturally different than southern Mexico and South America.
BONUS: How bilingual?!
There are many AMAZING Hispanic DJs who play very well to Hispanic guests. How well do they play to your American guests? There are many AMAZING American DJs who have done their homework and can play to your Hispanic guests. Maybe 90% English and 10% Spanish music might be perfect for your event.
Good luck in preparing for your wedding or event and selecting your vendors. Feel free to comment below with any questions you may have.
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