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Sheila E. Drops ‘Bailar Deluxe,’ Uniting Legends of Salsa and Percussion

Sheila E., the iconic percussionist widely hailed as the Queen of Percussion, has released Bailar Deluxe, the expanded edition of her acclaimed salsa debut album. Dropping May 16, the new release arrives with three additional tracks that showcase her deepening connection to Latin music and her continued creative evolution.

Among the new additions is a Spanish-language version of her classic hit, “The Glamorous Life (Latin),” a nod to her pop roots reimagined through a salsa lens. The deluxe album also introduces the heartfelt ballad “Vuelvo,” penned by Grammy-winning songwriter Claudia Brant, and the fiery “Mi Rumba y Tambor,” a rhythmic tour de force featuring salsa royalty La India.

Originally released on April 5, Bailar marked Sheila E.’s formal entry into the salsa genre. The album was co-produced by Grammy winner Tony Succar and features collaborations with a who’s who of Latin music legends, including Gloria Estefan, Rubén Blades, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Luis Enrique, and Debi Nova. Driven by Sheila E.’s signature percussion and grounded in traditional salsa rhythms, the project bridges generations and genres with seamless power.

“Bailar is a love letter to salsa,” Sheila E. said in a recent interview. “This music has always been in my blood. With this album, I wanted to celebrate its roots and its future.”

Each track pulses with the energy of live instrumentation, blending classic salsa storytelling with Sheila E.’s world-renowned rhythmic sensibility. Her drum solos—both precise and explosive—give the album a fresh intensity while honoring the genre’s rich heritage.

Sheila E.’s entry into salsa comes at a moment when her legacy continues to grow. In July 2023, she became the first female solo percussionist to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. More recently, she won a Grammy for Best Global Music Performance for “Bemba Colorá,” a high-voltage collaboration with Gloria Estefan and Mimy Succar.

Bailar Deluxe is more than a reissue—it’s a reaffirmation. With new material that spans languages, generations, and continents, Sheila E. underscores her place as one of music’s most dynamic and boundary-breaking artists.

“Music is a language that transcends borders,” she said. “With Bailar Deluxe, I want people to dance, to feel, to remember—and to celebrate where we come from.”

With summer on the horizon, Bailar Deluxe offers a soundtrack as timeless as it is urgent. And with the combined power of Sheila E. and La India leading the charge, salsa’s future sounds as bold as its past.

For more on Sheila E., visit www.sheilae.com or follow her on social media at @sheilaedrummer.