Iconic Moments with Grizel

So here we are with this multi-faceted, multi-talented, yet undeniably humble songbird. First and foremost, your resume absolutely speaks for itself. When we take a look at your experience in show business, it is literally a who’s who of iconic Latino artists you have shared the stage with. You won’t get a better cue to start the name drop. You have performed and collaborated with such greats as Sergio George, Bachata-King Romeo Santos, Don Omar and let’s not forget to mention an impromptu jam session with the legendary Olga Tañon, which quickly became one of the purest, unexpected live performances ever at Foxwoods in Connecticut.

You have shared the big screen with Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony in the highly revered Hector Lavoe bio-pic, El Cantante as one of 8 lead dancers.

Your sultry, soulful and some might say fearless voice has paid tribute to our pioneering sisters. The likes of the Queen of Salsa, Celia Cruz. La Lupe, and the late-great Amy Winehouse. That same voice has reverberated in the hallowed rafters of The Apollo, The Fillmore, Lincoln Center, The Prudential Center, The NJPac Theatre, Barclay’s and the Mecca itself, Madison Square Garden.

Off Broadway shows, including the long-running I Like it Like That, where you played multiple roles. You were opposite the one and only Tito Nieves. Sold-out burlesque shows in New York City, over 500 live performances. The list goes on and on. Today, it will be our pleasure to peel back a few layers and find out exactly what this dynamic performer is made of. 

So let’s pretend for a moment that somehow, we have been living under a rock, and haven’t had the opportunity to see you perform as a singer, dancer, or actor. If you were introducing yourself to the world for the very first time, how would you do so?

My name is Grizel Del Valle, La Chachi. And I am a Goddess full of love and power.

 Picture by Patrick Neree. Direction by Melissa Marin. Custom Costume by Diana Osorio.

Well, you certainly have our attention. Tell us more.

So I was born in Newark, New Jersey. Mi familia es de Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. My grandfather and my family taught me a lot about my culture and the music. I learned about Bomba, Plena, and Salsa, so they kind of instilled that in me even though I was a city girl. I thank them a lot for pouring that culture into me although I wasn’t born on the island.

Who are your favorite female influences?

 So today we paid homage to La Lupe and to Iris Chacón. Back in the day, Iris Chachón was like the first burlesque woman to literally go “Viral”. Before J-Lo, before Kim, she was one of the first voluptuous women on television, and she happened to be Puerto Rican.  

And then you have, La Lupe. Who is, and will always be the Queen of Latin Soul. Every time I invoke her, any time that I perform her music, it’s like electricity runs up from my feet to the top of my brain. I think It exudes and you feel it.

Picture by Patrick Neree. Direction by Melissa Marin. Custom Costume by Diana Osorio.

Where do you get your drive? Your “Energy” so to speak.

My love doesn’t come only from the industry, my craft, or just from my singing, acting, and dancing. My love comes from the therapy that I not only give myself through the arts but also what I am able to share with others.

Now here’s the part where we get to have a little fun, and flex our gift of having a beautiful second language. In your music, as in many of your songs, you are able to switch gears and navigate seamlessly through English and Spanish lyrics. It’s not an easy thing to do, yet you never miss a beat. So keeping with that spirit,  Vamos conversar en Espanol.

Digame tres amores en tu vida?

Ay, tres cosas que amo? Yo diría, por supuesto, mi familia. Mi Carrera en el entretenimiento y lo que hago a lo que me dedico. Te puedo decir cuatro?

Con Seguridad!

Mi Perrita que es mi hija, y mi novio, que son amor.

Muy conmovedora! Finalmente, que debemos esperar en el futuro?

Tengo dos sencillos que van a salir nuevo... bueno uno que ya salio se títula Rumba lo hicimos en Miami, Florida al lado de mis gran amigos Kampi y Maroon Riddimz. Y otro que se títula limón y jengibre DULCE.  Escribí la canción con un Talentisimo, se llama San...lo van a escuchar exclusivamente aqui en Eres Diosa.com Nosotros tenemos dos canciones juntos. Yo soy Grizel Del Valle, La Chachi, y acuérdense de escuchar mis dos sencillos nuevo aquí en EresDiosa.com

So there you have it. It is no wonder at all that La Chachi continues to create rhythmic, hip-gyrating content. We would label her the vaunted industry triple threat, as an Actor/Singer/Dancer but then you have to add that she also writes her own music. During this world-wide pandemic, she somehow doubled down and kept her steady simmering career on track by holding multiple virtual concerts and live performances. She continues to wow fans and listeners with a sexy amalgamation of funky, urban beats mixed with the savory sounds of Salsa. The growing consensus from every single one of her live performances is nothing short of Auditory Orgasm.

From all of us here at Eres Diosa, we thank Grizel Del Valle, La Chachi, for taking the time to chat with us. On a personal note, we would also like to thank Grizel for her continued humanitarian work. Though it seems like yesterday, it has been four years since the now famous, searing image of Grizel Del Valle wrapped in the Puerto Rican flag went viral. (Did we forget to mention that there is a mural dedicated to the life, career and work of Grizel Del Valle in New Jersey?) A legend in her own time. An incredible honor for this young gem with an old soul. You have to wonder, Is there anything she cannot do?

This accomplished Daughter of Newark would answer. Yes, quit!

Love Life! 

Written by Geraldo J Uscategui

Picture by Patrick Neree. Direction by Melissa Marin. Custom Costume by Diana Osorio.