Philip Montalban

Philip Montalban is one of the most important and active reggae artists in Central America.

Philip Montalban was born on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua on the 5th of February, 1957, and named Felipe A. Montalban Ellis.  His grandmother and great uncle were his first musical influences and Gospel music was a powerful early source of inspiration.  At the age of 14, he got his first acoustic guitar, and from then on his guitar has never left his side.

In 1986 he became part of a musical group called “Soul Vibes,” establishing reggae music for the first time in Nicaragua.  In 1993 he embarked on a solo career.  Since then,he has produced five albums: Liberation (1999) , Natural (2003), Viva La Vida (2005), Africa (2009), and Evolution (2012).  He is currently producing his sixth album.

Phillip Montalban has toured Europe, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru and Central America.  He has shared a stage with internationally acclaimed artists including David Bisbal, Inner Circle, and Gondwana.  

In 2007, he was awarded the CULTURAL INDEPENDENCE PRIZE, “RUBEN DARIO,” for his dedication to preserve and promote Nicaraguan musical culture.  It is the highest honor given by the government of Nicaragua.

At present, he splits his time making music in both Managua, Nicaragua and Miami, Florida, always accompanied by his band “LOS NATIVOS.”