The TV Series Based on Edgardo Diaz The Creator of Menudo

Ana Perez

The Menudo band bio series which chronicles the story of the iconic Puerto Rican boy band, as told by its creator, will make its U.S. debut on Sunday, February 14 at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT on EstrellaTV. 

The series recounts the story of the international 80’s Latin pop sensation in a drama that is set against the backdrop of the band’s collection of songs and iconic status in pop music. Súbete A Mi Moto narrates an adventure of epic proportions, the story of the youthful phenomenon that revolutionized Latin pop music around the globe. 

Created by Edgardo Diaz in 1977, the boy band grew to massive heights during the 80s and 90s, becoming the most popular Latin American teen musical group who dropped 35 albums, selling some 20 million records worldwide. Inspired by the Jackson 5, Diaz’s dream of creating the most popular teen boy band became a reality multiple times over.

Encapsulated in fifteen 60-minute episodes, the production was filmed in Mexico and Puerto Rico. It stars Yamil Ureña (Crackle’s Start Up) who plays Diaz. Actor/singer Sian Chiong (La mexicana Y el güero) plays Joselo, the choreographer for the band and who had input on the wardrobe. Other actors include Braulio Castro and Rocio Verdejo.

The fifteen episode series tells the gripping story of Diaz, an ambitious and shrewd businessman who created the iconic group that would eventually lay the foundation of the boy band formula as we know it today. Under Diaz’s “formula”, the band would sign new members at age 12 and change them for new members once they reached 16. The risky move proved fruitful for Diaz. In all 38 young men would join and leave (some fired, others quit, but mostly they aged out) throughout the band’s 32-year run. Menudo is regarded as the most iconic Latino pop music band

Throughout its trajectory, Menudo not only gave fans hit songs in Spanish like Los Fantasmas, Chiquitita, and Ella A-A, they also sang in English and signed with top labels SonyBMG label Epic Records.  They had fans all over the world, in Europe, the U.S., Latin America, and including Japan, and the Philippines. Their cross over into the mainstream market also included English-language commercials for Pepsi, Scope, McDonald’s, and Crest and even an appearance in the U.S. popular kids TV Sesame Street. The band’s song Like a Cannonball is heard on the soundtrack for the movie Cannonball Run 2.

Last year the trade Variety ran a story about actor/TV host Mario Lopez developing an hour-long competition show called Menudo, that would search for, and “build the next iteration of Menudo”.  

Of course, mainstream audiences know of Menudo as the band that jump-started the career of the king of “La Vida Loca” Ricky Martin. In 1984, 12-year-old Martin joined the band and remained an integral member for 5 years until the world of telenovelas came calling. His trajectory to superstardom as a singer after he left Menudo is well known.

“We are truly delighted to bring Súbete a Mi Moto to the U.S. Hispanic audience. Menudo was an international smash hit and the first Latin pop band to cross over to the American mainstream market,” said Ivan Stoilkovich, EVP, Television Programming, Estrella Media, Inc. “I am certain this series will appeal to nostalgic fans in the U.S. as well as transcend generations to attract new followers to Menudo’s musical legacy.”

Produced by Somos Productions, Endemol Shine Boomdog, and Piñolywood Studios, and distributed by SOMOS Distribution. Súbete A Mi Moto launched in Mexico and Latin America in October 2020 and premieres in the U.S. on Sunday, February 14 at 9 p.m. ET/ 8 p.m. CT on EstrellaTV.

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Abel Talamantez, a former member of the sensational groups Kumbia Kings, Los Super Reyes, Menudo, and current member/founder of MDO, the spinoff of the pop/rock band, has been named by the new indie label, Sotex Records Inc., as to the Director of the Latin Music Division.

The independent record label welcomed Talamantez early this July, as their eyes and ears in search for the next Latin superstar. What better fit than Abel, as his years in the industry have not only proven his musical capabilities, but his abilities to mold and thrive. 

From his youth in Pecos, Texas, to becoming an international superstar, with almost 30-years in the music industry, Talamantez has evolved from a singer/entertainer to songwriter, producer, and now to an all-round music record executive. Talamantez musical talents and versatility have taken him to over 36 countries, performing in the world’s greatest arenas and venues.

His work within the cumbia movement and the boy band, Menudo, which became a worldwide sensation, giving Ricky Martin and Bobby Rosas their break, Talamantez has garnered multiple high recognition music industry awards. Menudo sold millions of records from 1997-2009 until Talamantez and other members of the band founded MDO, a spinoff version of the original group. 

In 1999, the group Kumbia Kings was founded by forefront man, A.B. Quintanilla, influencing a unique sound and an innovative way to introduce cumbia. Yet, with all that success, Talamantez continues to contribute to the industry.  

With this new opportunity from Sotex, Talamantez’s well-rounded resume proceeds to grow. This time his tasks are shifting towards building the future of up-and-coming artists and, at the same time, sharing his experiences with success and failure. His expertise as a talent and a behind-the-scenes man will be a bonus to the company, considering how prominent his career has been. 

Sotex Records Inc, an indie record label founded in Houston, Texas, specializes in Pop, Country, and now, Latin artists. With 20 years of experience under their belt, the company is more than eager to find that next Music Superstar.

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