Regina Roskina, a Russian singer, is gaining international attention for her performances of Dominican merengue in Moscow. Her rendition of songs by merengue star Miriam Cruz is bringing one of the Caribbean’s most recognized musical genres to a broader audience.
Roskina’s Journey Into Merengue
Associated with Dominican musician Yanco Santana and his Moscow-based Orquesta EL DOMI, Roskina is establishing herself as a notable voice for merengue in Russia. Her recent performance on September 17 captivated audiences and was highlighted on the Dominican program Al Medio Día con Mariotti & Compañía, which described her singing as a surprising spectacle.
The interest in Roskina is reflective of a larger trend: Dominican merengue and bachata are slowly finding a dedicated audience in Moscow. Roskina, recognized as the first Russian woman to take on this genre, underwent four months of preparation that included studying Spanish and training in Caribbean musical styles before making her official debut with Orquesta EL DOMI.
Yanco Santana, who leads the orchestra, expressed pride in Roskina’s achievements, referring to her as “the first female merengue singer in Russia.” Over time, she has been dubbed the “Reina del Merengue en Rusia,” or “Queen of Merengue in Russia,” reflecting her growing prominence in the genre.
Roskina’s link to Miriam Cruz is especially significant, as Cruz is a well-known figure in the Dominican music scene. Born in Santo Domingo, Cruz achieved fame as the lead singer of the influential group Las Chicas del Can before launching a successful solo career in 1992. Her music, characterized by songs like “Te Propongo” and “La Loba,” has reached audiences well beyond the Caribbean, demonstrating the universal appeal of merengue.
The presence of Dominican music in Moscow has steadily grown, facilitated by live performances and cultural events orchestrated by musicians like Santana, who moved to Russia in 2021 with the goal of promoting Dominican sounds. His initiatives, including the founding of “Un dominicano en Moscow” and Orquesta EL DOMI, aim to celebrate and spread the rhythm of Caribbean music across Russia.
In September, Santana and his orchestra were featured on Russia’s Channel One during a segment of Доброе утро (Good Morning), marking a significant moment for Dominican music to gain exposure on national television. Roskina joined the orchestra and performed alongside Dominican dancers, making the event a notable point in the mission to share Dominican cultural heritage.
The continued efforts to incorporate Dominican music into Russian cultural life point to a promising future for this artistic exchange. As merengue finds its way from Santo Domingo to Moscow, the collaborative efforts of musicians from both cultures showcase the powerful connections that music can forge.
Why It Matters
The emergence of Regina Roskina as a prominent merengue performer in Russia illustrates the global reach of Dominican music. Her success not only highlights the growing interest in Caribbean musical traditions but also represents a cultural bridge that connects diverse audiences through shared art. As musicians like Roskina and Santana work to promote these vibrant sounds, they pave the way for future cross-cultural collaborations and innovations.
