Francisco Lora Cabrera, Merengue Master, Honored in Historical Interview

A rediscovered 1947 interview with the renowned Dominican accordionist Francisco Lora Cabrera, known as Ñico Lora, provides historical insight into the origins of merengue. The dialogue, originally published by the newspaper La Información de Santiago de los Caballeros, was prompted by an honor bestowed upon him by the Sociedad Folclórica Dominicana.

During the interview, the 72-year-old musician discussed the cultural identity of merengue, asserting its Dominican roots. He noted that the genre emerged and eventually displaced other traditional dances such as the polka, sarambo, and waltz. Lora, a native of Esperanza, reflected on a musical career that began when he was 12 years old.