Las Chicas del Can is a legendary all-female merengue group from the Dominican Republic that revolutionized Latin music. Founded in 1981 by Belkis Concepción and Wilfrido Vargas, they became the first-ever all-female merengue orchestra, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated industry. Their infectious rhythms, high-energy performances, and iconic hits like “Juana la Cubana,” “El Negro No Puede,” and “La Loba” earned them international fame throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
From their early beginnings to global recognition, Las Chicas del Can left an unforgettable mark on merengue music and continue to inspire female artists worldwide.
Key Details
| Full Name | Las Chicas del Can |
|---|---|
| Date of Formation | 1981 |
| Place of Origin | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
| Nationality | Dominican |
| Founders | Belkis Concepción & Wilfrido Vargas |
| Genre | Merengue |
| Notable Members | Miriam Cruz, Eunice Betances, Verónica Medina |
| Major Hits | “Juana la Cubana,” “El Negro No Puede,” “La Loba” |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $5 million (collective earnings) |
| Active Years | 1981–1999 (briefly reunited 2007–2009) |
Early Life and Family Background
Las Chicas del Can was founded in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, in 1981 by Belkis Concepción, a talented pianist and musician. Before forming the group, Concepción led a similar band called Las Muchachas in 1976, but her vision of an all-female merengue group had not yet taken full shape.
Merengue, a genre traditionally dominated by male musicians, had never seen an all-women group at the forefront. Concepción, along with the legendary Wilfrido Vargas, decided to break that barrier. With Vargas as a producer, they selected talented female musicians and vocalists from different parts of the Dominican Republic, creating a dynamic and diverse lineup.
This groundbreaking approach allowed Las Chicas del Can to bring a fresh and unique sound to merengue music, instantly capturing the attention of fans.
Career Beginnings and Key Milestones
Formation and Early Success
Las Chicas del Can made their official debut in 1982, with Belkis Concepción as their leader. Their fresh and energetic performances quickly gained popularity, marking the beginning of a new era for merengue.
However, in 1984, Concepción had to step down due to health issues related to Guillain-Barré syndrome. This led to Miriam Cruz, then only 14 years old, stepping in as the lead singer. Despite her young age, Miriam Cruz became the face of the group, leading them to unprecedented success.
Their big breakthrough came with the release of “Juana la Cubana”, a song that became an anthem in Latin America and beyond.
International Fame
During the 1980s and 1990s, Las Chicas del Can took their music global, touring across:
- Latin America
- The United States
- Europe
They achieved gold and platinum records for albums like Pegando Fuego (1986) and Caribe (1988), proving their impact on the industry. Their music celebrated Dominican culture, and their performances were filled with energy and vibrant choreography.
In 1992, the group rebranded as Miriam Cruz y Las Chicas and released Nueva Vida, featuring the hit “Te Propongo”, written by Juan Luis Guerra.
Notable Works and Achievements
Las Chicas del Can produced numerous hit singles, many of which remain classics in Latin music:
Iconic Songs
“Juana la Cubana” – One of their biggest hits, certified platinum in Venezuela.
“El Negro No Puede” – A dance-floor favorite across Latin America.
“La Loba” – A bold and empowering track.
“Culeca” – A high-energy merengue anthem.
Their albums consistently topped charts, and they received gold and platinum certifications for record sales. Beyond their music, Las Chicas del Can were praised for breaking gender barriers, proving that women could dominate in a genre previously reserved for men.
Personal Life and Relationships
Since Las Chicas del Can was a group rather than an individual artist, their members’ personal lives often intrigued fans.
Miriam Cruz
- One of the most famous members, she later pursued a solo career after the group’s disbandment.
- She has two children, Diego and Mairym.
- In 2016, she won the Premios Soberano award for Best Merengue Singer.
Verónica Medina
- Another key member, she also went on to pursue a solo career in music.
The constant lineup changes and members’ individual careers eventually led to the group’s disbandment in 1999.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
The collective net worth of Las Chicas del Can is estimated to be around $5 million, accumulated from:
💰 Album sales
💰 Concert tours
💰 Merchandise
💰 Royalties from their timeless hits
During their peak, the group enjoyed a lavish lifestyle, including luxurious homes and travel.
Interesting Facts and Trivia
🎵 Las Chicas del Can were the first all-female merengue orchestra in the world.
🎵 “Juana la Cubana” was so influential that it inspired new dance styles in Latin America.
🎵 The group included women from diverse racial backgrounds, showcasing the richness of Dominican culture.
🎵 Miriam Cruz was only 14 years old when she became the lead singer, yet she dominated the charts.
Charitable Work and Legacy
Las Chicas del Can didn’t just break barriers in music—they also used their platform for social causes.
- They promoted gender equality in music, inspiring other female artists in Latin America.
- They frequently performed at charity events, supporting education and community initiatives in the Dominican Republic.
Their legacy continues to influence modern merengue artists, and their music remains popular through streaming platforms.
Future Plans and Cultural Impact
Although Las Chicas del Can officially disbanded in 1999, they had a brief reunion from 2007–2009. However, their influence never faded.
- Miriam Cruz continues to perform as a solo artist, keeping the group’s legacy alive.
- Their music is still widely played at parties, celebrations, and Latin music festivals.
- Younger female artists continue to cite them as inspirations, proving their lasting cultural impact.
They redefined merengue and made it more inclusive, ensuring their influence will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Las Chicas del Can were more than just a band—they were pioneers, breaking gender norms and redefining Latin music. With a career spanning nearly two decades, they paved the way for female artists in merengue and beyond. Their legacy is alive and thriving, proving that their contributions to music will never fade away.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Las Chicas del Can’s biggest hit?
Their most famous song is “Juana la Cubana”, a platinum-certified hit across Latin America.
2. Who was the most famous member of Las Chicas del Can?
The most famous member was Miriam Cruz, who became the group’s lead singer in 1984 at just 14 years old. She later had a successful solo career.
3. Why did Las Chicas del Can disband?
The group officially disbanded in 1999 due to lineup changes, members pursuing solo careers, and shifts in the merengue music industry.
4. Did Las Chicas del Can reunite?
Yes, they briefly reunited between 2007 and 2009, with some original and new members performing under the group’s name.
5. How did Las Chicas del Can impact Latin music?
They were the first all-female merengue orchestra, paving the way for women in a male-dominated genre. Their energetic performances, empowering lyrics, and global success inspired future generations of female musicians.
