Born in Mexico, moving to the U.S., and calling Grand Rapids her home, Gabriella de la Vega shares her love for Spanish-language sounds as a volunteer programmer on WYCE 88.1fm. Gabriella joined the community radio station's morning show El Mundo Musical in 2007, keeping the tradition of Spanish-speaking broadcasts on WYCE running past the 35-year mark. The show airs live on weekdays 5-7am and weekends 6-8am, with Gabriella hosting Saturdays and Sundays.
Lea una versión en español de este artículo traducido por Deisy Madrigal aquí.
Are you a morning person? El Mundo Musical airs 6-8am on weekends.
Yes, I am. I don't do well with night shifts though.
How would you describe the variety of music played on El Mundo Musical?
In my segment, I play music in Spanish from different countries and rhythms.
How is the show used to empower the local Latinx community? What about local Latinx musicians, in particular?
We have several bands and musicians in our city whose music we play. Before COVID, we used to invite them at the studio to perform live. I invite you to listen to Banda el Bajío—just to name one.
What are some moments that you treasure from your experience hosting El Mundo Musical?
Being a host for El Mundo is a gift every time that I come, but to know that we have listeners that are the third or fourth generations of the first listeners is a blessing. We also have many calls telling us about their love ones on special occasions and how we help them celebrate their special event.
What is your vision for the show and WYCE in the years ahead?
I would love to keep this space open for the future generations. Maybe have more available time on-air. Two hours is not enough for all the information that is available for our community.
Is there anything you’d like the community to know about El Mundo Musical that could use more attention?
This is YOUR radio station. You own this space and we are just here to support you during your morning routines—taking the kids to school, or at work. That if you own a business, we want to help you with the promotion, or, for those who are part of a nonprofit organization, we will promote your event!
Catch Gabriella's shows and eclectic playlists featuring tropical, salsa, ranchera, and other Latin-based genres Saturday and Sunday mornings on 88.1fm. Learn more about El Mundo Musical's other current hosts, Deisy Madrigal and Silverio Cerda, here and here.
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