Manikkomio

Masterminded by Raul Acosta, who is best known as the creator and lead force behind Oro Sólido, Manikkomio is as notable for its visual gimmick as for its blend of merengue and club-ready house. Each vocalist always performs wearing a Friday the 13th-style hockey mask (in keeping with the group's name).

Acosta assembled the group in his native Dominican Republic in September 1997, hiring a posse of well-built young men to handle vocals. The group's self-titled debut was released in 1998, producing the club hits "Piensa en Mi" and "El Kolmo." The 1999 follow-up, Manikkomio International, was a bit more consistent and produced the group's biggest hit yet in "Lokko Enamorado." The group's third album, Manikkomio 2001 (subtitled "There Baaaack" [sic]), produced hits in "Ya Tu Sabes" and "La Jonronera."

From the beginning, these five talented and physically attractive singers have toured not only in the United States but also all over the world, in places such as Canada, putting together monumental concerts in Montreal and Toronto. In addition, they have had the opportunity to participate in various events such as the 116th Street Festival in New York, as well as festivals in South Beach, Orchard Beach, Washington, Cleveland and New Orleans. They also toured Guatemala and other Latin American countries.

Among the many recognitions the group has received, Manikkomio won Revelation of the Year for Premios Estrella, a Gold Album for more than 50 thousand copies sold of their debut CD, the keys to the City of New Orleans and two nominations to Premios ACE.