On a busy New York City street, far from the tropical breezes of Santiago, Dominican Republic, Jose Cabrera – now known to fans as Josi C – first dreamed of musical stardom. At just four years old, holding a flickering candle and singing in Juan Luis Guerra’s children’s choir, he felt the first stirrings of his lifelong passion.
“The crowd, the lights, the music – it was electric,” Josi reminisces. “Even at that age, I knew this was my calling.”
But the path from that wide-eyed child to the emerging Latin music sensation we see today was far from straightforward. Like many immigrant families, Josi’s prioritized education and financial stability. He excelled at Penn State, later carving out a successful career in project management. Yet music remained his constant companion, a whisper in the back of his mind that refused to be silenced.
Growing up in a home filled with the soulful crooning of Jose Jose and the passionate ballads of Marco Antonio Solis, Josi’s musical palette expanded. The rhythms of his Dominican heritage blended with the eclectic sounds of New York, creating a unique auditory tapestry that would later define his style.
“My ADHD was actually a blessing,” Josi laughs. “It made me appreciate every genre, every beat. I’d hear a drum pattern in a rock song and imagine how it would sound with a merengue twist.”
It wasn’t until a serendipitous encounter with a music industry professional that Josi finally decided to pursue his dream full-time. “It felt like the universe was giving me permission,” he says. “Like all those years of balancing responsibility and passion were leading to this moment.”
Josi’s music defies easy categorization. Songs like “Una Noche Mas” and “Luna y Mar” showcase his ability to blend tropical rhythms with contemporary pop sensibilities. His latest single, “PDR,” released in May 2024, further cements his reputation as an artist to watch.
In the studio, Josi is a whirlwind of creativity. “Sometimes a melody comes to me in the shower, and I’m scrambling for my phone to record it before it disappears,” he chuckles. “Other times, I’ll spend hours tweaking a single line until it feels just right.”
His upcoming track, “Otra Dimension,” promises to push boundaries even further. “It’s cosmic, sensual, danceable,” Josi explains, his eyes lighting up. “I want people to feel like they’re floating and grooving at the same time.”
As he prepares for his first live shows, Josi admits to a mix of excitement and nerves. “The thought of seeing fans sing along to my lyrics… it’s surreal,” he says, shaking his head in disbelief. “But also terrifying. What if no one shows up?”
Despite his rising profile, Josi remains grounded. He speaks passionately about potential collaborations, name-dropping artists like FEID and Karol G with equal parts admiration and ambition. Yet he’s just as excited about a songwriting session with an unknown Indian composer, evidence of his openness to diverse musical influences.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about connection,” Josi insists. “Whether it’s a stadium full of people or just one person listening on headphones, I want my music to make them feel something real.”
As our conversation winds down, Josi takes a moment to reflect. “You know, sometimes I still feel like that little boy in the choir,” he admits. “Nervous, excited, holding onto that candle for dear life. But now, instead of just holding the light, I get to share it. And that’s the most beautiful thing of all.”
With his unique blend of Dominican soul and New York edge, Josi C is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Latin music scene. As he continues to evolve as an artist, one thing is certain: the rhythm of his journey is only just beginning.
On a bustling New York City street, far from the tropical breezes of Santiago, Dominican Republic, Jose Cabrera – now known to fans as Josi C – first dreamed of musical stardom. At just four years old, holding a flickering candle and singing in Juan Luis Guerra’s children’s choir, he felt the first stirrings of his lifelong passion.
“The crowd, the lights, the music – it was electric,” Josi reminisces. “Even at that age, I knew this was my calling.”
But the path from that wide-eyed child to the emerging Latin music sensation we see today was far from straightforward. Like many immigrant families, Josi’s prioritized education and financial stability. He excelled at Penn State, later carving out a successful career in project management. Yet music remained his constant companion, a whisper in the back of his mind that refused to be silenced.
Growing up in a home filled with the soulful crooning of Jose Jose and the passionate ballads of Marco Antonio Solis, Josi’s musical palette expanded. The rhythms of his Dominican heritage blended with the eclectic sounds of New York, creating a unique auditory tapestry that would later define his style.
“My ADHD was actually a blessing,” Josi laughs. “It made me appreciate every genre, every beat. I’d hear a drum pattern in a rock song and imagine how it would sound with a merengue twist.”
It wasn’t until a serendipitous encounter with a music industry professional that Josi finally decided to pursue his dream full-time. “It felt like the universe was giving me permission,” he says. “Like all those years of balancing responsibility and passion were leading to this moment.”
Josi’s music defies easy categorization. Songs like “Una Noche Mas” and “Luna y Mar” showcase his ability to blend tropical rhythms with contemporary pop sensibilities. His latest single, “PDR,” released in May 2024, further cements his reputation as an artist to watch.
In the studio, Josi is a whirlwind of creativity. “Sometimes a melody comes to me in the shower, and I’m scrambling for my phone to record it before it disappears,” he chuckles. “Other times, I’ll spend hours tweaking a single line until it feels just right.”
His upcoming track, “Otra Dimension,” promises to push boundaries even further. “It’s cosmic, sensual, danceable,” Josi explains, his eyes lighting up. “I want people to feel like they’re floating and grooving at the same time.”
As he prepares for his first live shows, Josi admits to a mix of excitement and nerves. “The thought of seeing fans sing along to my lyrics… it’s surreal,” he says, shaking his head in disbelief. “But also terrifying. What if no one shows up?”
Despite his rising profile, Josi remains grounded. He speaks passionately about potential collaborations, name-dropping artists like FEID and Karol G with equal parts admiration and ambition. Yet he’s just as excited about a songwriting session with an unknown Indian composer, evidence of his openness to diverse musical influences.
“At the end of the day, it’s all about connection,” Josi insists. “Whether it’s a stadium full of people or just one person listening on headphones, I want my music to make them feel something real.”
As our conversation winds down, Josi takes a moment to reflect. “You know, sometimes I still feel like that little boy in the choir,” he admits. “Nervous, excited, holding onto that candle for dear life. But now, instead of just holding the light, I get to share it. And that’s the most beautiful thing of all.”
With his unique blend of Dominican soul and New York edge, Josi C is poised to leave an indelible mark on the Latin music scene. As he continues to evolve as an artist, one thing is certain: the rhythm of his journey is only just beginning.
Want to connect with Josi C? Check out his website, watch on YouTube, listen on Apple Music or Spotify, and keep up with him on Instagram, TikTok, and Tidal.
