McDonald’s USA Announces Nicky Jam, Mariah Angeliq and Cazzu as Headliners for Upcoming “Ritmo y Color” Virtual Concerts

McDonald’s USA Announces Nicky Jam, Mariah Angeliq and Cazzu as Headliners for Upcoming “Ritmo y Color” Virtual Concerts

The musicians will be paired up with visual artists from Houston and Los Angeles to elevate stories of Latinidad on stage and in restaurants from October through November

(CHICAGO – Oct. 8, 2021) Following the initial leg of Ritmo y Color, a virtual concert series that first featured Manuel Turizo, McDonald’s welcomes Nicky Jam as the second musical artist in October, and Mariah Angeliq and Cazzu for the program’s grand finale in November. Ritmo y Color is a unique art and urban music experience that is fueling Latino pride nationwide. McDonald’s has also partnered with visual artists to wrap restaurants in Latin-inspired art in Houston this month, followed by Los Angeles in November.

The Artwork, GONZO247 – Friday, Oct. 8

Starting today, fans in Houston can immerse themselves in GONZO247’s world with his artwork that has transformed a McDonald’s restaurant in the Gulfgate/Pine Valley neighborhood, a community with deep Latin roots. The Mexican American visual artist’s piece titled, “Arte Sin Barreras” (Art Without Barriers), speaks to his family’s immigrant story of setting out on an uncharted journey, migrating from Mexico to Texas in search of a new life.

“The street has been my canvas for more than 25 years, and I’m both honored and thrilled to bring my art to McDonald’s in such a unique way,” said GONZO247. “Like other Latinos, my family’s story is one of perseverance and progress, so it’s important for me to celebrate the community voices while inspiring generations to dream big and push forward.”

The Virtual Concert, Nicky Jam – Sunday, Oct. 17

On Oct. 17, Nicky Jam takes center stage virtually with a medley of hits and GONZO247’s artwork serving as a backdrop to the stage. Together, the artist duo will bring to life their own personal stories across different mediums to honor Latino culture, hoping their stories inspire Latino youth and the community.

“I’m thrilled to continue working alongside McDonald’s in our shared commitment to bringing people together through music,” said Nicky Jam. “Ritmo y Color is empowering and celebrating mi gente Latina, while offering unique experiences to fans. I’m proud to lend my voice to shining a light on the stories of our community, so Latinos everywhere feel seen!”

The program is part of McDonald’s commitment to feeding and fostering the Hispanic community through experiences that fuel Latino pride.

“As a McDonald’s Owner/Operator and daughter of Cuban immigrants, I am filled with pride to bring to life programs that highlight the perseverance and joyful spirit of the Hispanic community,” said Mariselle Quijano, a Houston McDonald’s restaurant owner. “And how exciting is it that Ritmo y Color is amplifying GONZO247 and Nicky Jam’s stories, while giving a voice to millions of Latinos across the country.”

The Grand Finale, Mariah Angeliq and Cazzu – Sunday, Nov. 21

Ritmo y Color will wrap up in November with Puerto Rican and Cuban reggaeton singer Mariah Angeliq and Argentine rapper and songwriter Cazzu. The two musicians will be paired with Venezuelan visual artist Kelly Perez for the ultimate Latina-led virtual performance on Nov. 21. Perez will also transform the McDonald’s restaurant on Whittier Boulevard in East Los Angeles with artwork on view starting Nov. 10.

Visit www.ritmoycolormcd.com to register for the free virtual concerts and get details on the exciting artist collaborations.

About McDonald’s USA

McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to nearly 25 million customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by businessmen and women. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, or follow us on Twitter @McDonalds and Facebook www.facebook.com/mcdonalds.

About the Ritmo y Color McDonald’s Artists

MUSIC ARTISTS

Nicky Jam

Nick Rivera Caminero, known as Nicky Jam, is recognized around the world as a pioneer of Latin Urban music. Born in 1981 in Boston, he moved with his family to Puerto Rico when he was just a boy. At the age of 11, he recorded his first album “Diferente a Los Demás” (Different From the Rest), which attracted the attention of DJs and artists on the island. Best known for hits such as "X", "Travesuras", "En la Cama", "Te Busco", "El Perdón", "Hasta el Amanecer", and "El Amante," the reggaeton singer has frequently collaborated with other Latin artists. He recently released his new studio album “Infinity” and announced his upcoming INFINITY TOUR 2022.

Mariah Angeliq

Mariah Angeliq, also known as the “Princess of Miami,” is a young artist of Puerto Rican and Cuban descent. Born in the U.S., the 22-year-old is a renowned bilingual singer and writer that represents the Hispanic youth generation.

At 16 she decided to pursue her dream of being a singer, which led her to meet Nely “El Arma Secreta” (The Secret Weapon), a renowned reggaeton music producer that helped her take her first steps toward her singing career. In 2018 she signed a deal with Universal Music and her name began to be heard around the world after her debut single “Blah” which ranked among the top 10 of the most popular songs of the year. In 2019, she released her single “Perreito'' which, according to Billboard, has led her to remain in the spotlight as one of the most important female artists of the genre. Her collaborations include hits with Guaynaa, Lele Pons, Karol G, among others.

Cazzu

Argentine rapper, singer, songwriter and composer known for her mix of trap, rock, dubstep, new metal, cambia and reggaeton. Cazzu has collaborated with artists such as Bad Bunny, Myke Towers, Natti Natasha, Farina, Justin Quiles, Sech, Dalex, Lenny, Tavarez, Feid and Sean Paul. In 2020, she was nominated for a Latin GRAMMY for Best New Artist and her hits “Tumbando el Club” and “C14TORCE II” were nominated for Best Trap/Urban Song and Best Urban Collaboration. She received Tu Musica Urbano nominations for Female Album of the Year and Top New Generation Female Artist.

VISUAL ARTISTS

GONZO247

The street has been the canvas for Mario E. Figueroa, Jr., artistically known as GONZO247, for more than 25 years.  Born and raised in Houston, GONZO247 is a self-taught, multi-disciplinary artist that has been at the forefront of Houston’s artistic youth movement. He produced an Aerosol Warfare video series, established the Houston Wall of Fame (the city’s first and significant art production of its kind), and is a leading figure in pioneering graffiti and street art culture in the city. Today, he is a visual and cultural arts ambassador for his hometown.

Kelly Perez

There’s room for everybody in Kelly’ Pérez’s world, and a role for anybody to play in her art. Kelly brings her own vibrant style, vision, and purpose, along with her glitter paint, to LA’s public arts scene.

Born in Venezuela, Kelly began her career in animation after graduating from the University of Central Florida, where she worked on projects including “Smurfs 2” and Dreamwork’s “All Hail King Julien.” Hers is a message of belief in yourself, of inclusion, and of representation, especially for women in art. And it’s communicated with joyful colors, movement, and words of inspiration. Today, her work can be seen around LA, including an immersive mural at the Disability Community Resource Center in Mar Vista which is registered under the city of Los Angeles.