New York.- The Dominican artist Aramis Camilo, known worldwide as El Padrino del Merengue, has been officially proclaimed by the New York State Assembly, United States as Global Ambassador of Merengue, in recognition of his artistic career, his contributions to Dominican culture and his international impact for more than four decades.
This recognition was granted by the U.S. Congressman for the 13th District of New York,
Adriano Espaillat, during the First Session of the 119th Congress, on September 26, 2025, through a resolution that declares Aramis Camilo as a “Living Legend of Dominican Merengue and Cultural Heritage of the Dominican Republic”, highlighting his work as a tireless promoter of Dominican cultural identity in the world.
Furthermore, the New York State Senate, led by Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins, President Pro Tempore and Senate Majority Leader, presented a Certificate of Recognition to
The Dominican Godfather Aramis Camilo, for his work and dedication during the Dominican Festival of Yonkers 2025, reaffirming his status as an emblematic figure of merengue and ambassador of Latin culture in the United States.
Similarly, the Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Massachusetts,
Brian A. DePeña, issued an Official Proclamation declaring Aramis Camilo as an Icon of Merengue and Living Cultural Heritage of the Dominican Republic, on the occasion of his 40 years of artistic career, highlighting his exemplary career and his contribution to Dominican musical identity.
Adding to this recognition is the
Yonkers Mayor’s Office,
Mike Spano, who also proclaimed Aramis Camilo as The Dominican Godfather, for his outstanding participation in the Third Dominican Heritage Festival of Yonkers, held in conjunction with Westchester Union and the association of bodega owners.
A Historic Year for Dominican Merengue
These recognitions come after a year of great achievements led by Aramis Camilo and his son, the businessman and international producer Aramis Rafael Camilo, President of “Panthera Records USA”, who produced and starred in high-impact events that marked the history of Dominican music in the United States and the world: Closing show of Premios Lo Nuestro 2025, representing the Dominican Republic, international Challenge “El Motor” in Times Square, in homage to Dominican merengue.
You may be interested in: Aramis Camilo closes Latin Fashion Week at the Warner Theatre in Washington, D.C.
He was named the “Godfather of the 2025 Dominican Parade of the Bronx” Third Dominican Festival in Yonkers (New York) and First Dominican Festival in Lowell (Massachusetts). The Night Merengue Public Concert in Plaza Quisqueya, New York. Historic concert for American veterans and students of Hostos Community College, celebrating the 40-year career of the Godfather of Merengue.
And to close the year, Aramis Camilo becomes the first Dominican to sing at the Warner Theatre (Warner Bros – Live Nation), during the closing of Washington D.C. Fashion Week, a stage where legendary figures such as Frank Sinatra, Prince, Stevie Wonder and Bob Dylan have shined.
Acknowledgements and words from the artist
“All of this is thanks to God, to all Dominicans in the world, to the United States Congress, to the ambassadors, diplomats, communicators, television producers, journalists, and to each person who has believed in our music. This recognition is not just mine, it is for an entire country.” Aramis Camilo affirmed
The artistic entrepreneur Aramis Rafael Camilo, thanked the institutions and allies who made this historic achievement possible, including: Roberto Yañez Jr. President and General Manager of Univision, Mr. Jesús Chalás Director of Mega 97.9 FM of New York, Juan Carlos Barguil & Jamar Chess of Sunflower Entertainment, Manuel Rivera (CEO of M Rivera Events), Alison Polanco (CEO of Camali Music Group LLC), Sobeidy Vidal (President of Latin Fashion Week Washington DC), Susana Orozco (Dominican Entrepreneur in New York) Francisco Marte (President of the Association of Bodegueros and Small Merchants of NY), Marisol Mancebo (Dominican Diplomat), Christopher R. Cabanillas (Cabanillas & Associates / Cabanillas & Associates, P.C. in New York), the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic and its Minister David Collado, as well as the Consul General of the DR in Miami, Mrs. Geanilda Vásquez.
About Aramis Camilo
Aramis Camilo is one of the most influential figures in Dominican merengue.
Founder of the emblematic group “La Organización Secreta”, he revolutionized the genre since 1983 with immortal hits like “El Motor” “Susana” “La Varita” and “Candela Pa’ los Pies” solidifying himself as a cultural ambassador of the Dominican Republic to the world.
