MyFoxHouston

Niho Mozas, known musically as Niho, emigrated to the United States in 1994 when she was 18 years old.

I can say that I have been fortunate to see her grow as a musician since her arrival. To be honest, I never really knew her personally until I met her formally in April 22, 2008 for her CD release event at Inka, but I had seen her perform at several events throughout the years.

I am of Cuban heritage, so I have attended several events sponsored by Casa Cuba and I have witnessed Niho perform at most of them, but I had no idea who she was; I only knew that she was confident and talented.

While she doesn't care to compartmentalize her style of music, Niho did suggest that it blended elements of Spanish music with that of African rhythms.

Niho began her musical learning with a classical background in Cuba.

Pianist Joe LoCascio, who has been based in Houston since 1977, provided a jazz influence in Niho's life. She also said she learned of the blues musical style during this time.

Between 1997 and 1998, Niho served as a background singer for the Houston-based salsa group Angelucho y Su Copacabana. It was during this period that she said she had learned to sing salsa, which despite her Cuban background, was a new experience for her.

After her time with Angelucho, Niho formed the band La Informacion, but the ensemble failed as a result of too many conflicts.

Niho later joined Houston-based Orquesta Salmerum, which is known for its fusion of salsa, merengue and rumba musical styles, hence, the unique band name. She spent approximately one year with the group and as a performer considered it a "duty to make you feel good."

Niho has performed at such Houston area restaurants as Mi Luna, Taco Milagro, la Palapa and Guayaba.

Throughout her various band incarnations, Niho also spent time as an on-air radio personality alongside Cesar Agusto from 104.9 FM, known the early 2000s as 'K-Love.'

As far as her career outside of entertainment, Niho was a licensed massage therapist and vocal instructor, although she admitted that she only had two loyal clients.

Growing up in communist Cuba, Niho was taught that music was a recreation and not a profession.

Since her CD release, Niho has made radio and promotional appearances in Panama and Puerto Rico. Her tracks have garnered airplay on 11Q FM in Puerto Rico. Niho said that her music has appeal in those countries as well as others throughout South America because fans care about well-written lyrics, not just rhythms.

The CD "D' Rosas ... ?" is available for digital download on the Fuego Entertainment Web site. To purchase the CD, visit Barnes & Noble, Disco Mundo, Gran Tangolandia and Ritmo Latino.

The tracks "Mi Tequeteque" and "Catarsis" were also released as singles on April 22 with dance remixes. Niho said 'tequeteque' refers to the sound of a heart beating, while "Catarsis," sung in Spanish flamenco style, refers to abuse.

To continue her musical study, Niho is considering enrolling at either Texas Southern University, University of Saint Thomas, Houston Baptist University or University of Houston.

Watch Niho's June 13 performance on FOXRox.

Pop Culture Rants

Niho CD Release Event - April 22, 2008

tripleg

Inside Fox:
About Us People Morning News TV Listings Contact Us

Write your comment below: Email me when a new comment is added to this entry