MannySwagg is a Cuban-American singer / songwriter / percussionist based in Miami who joined forces with three time Miami New Times “Best of Miami” award winners Electric Piquete. The singer and the Latin funk band first joined forces two summers ago and are now promoting an infectious new Miami-themed single “Muevete Con Ganas”. The video for the hip-shaking, dance floor burner premieres Friday, July 25 on the group’s YouTube Channel. The Jitney sat with the vocalist to talk about his career and collaboration with the mainstays, fresh off their “Best Musical Act” 2025 Readers’ Choice win.
What is your earliest musical memory?
MannySwagg: My grandfather playing vinyl records by Bola de Nieve and Benny Moré on his furniture-like RCA Victor record player.
Who are some of your musical influences?
I come from a very cultural and festive family and have lived a very eclectic sonic experience. Artists like Ruben Blades, Juan Luis Guerra, Celia Cruz, Oscar d’ Leon, the Fania All Stars, James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Miles Davis, Irakere, Los Van Van, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Havana Abierta, Michael Jackson, and Prince. I’m also a fan of modern rock, blues and R ‘n’ B, grunge, and ska, all of whom made the language barrier disappear at every social gathering.
Tell our readers about some of the other acts you’ve collaborated with.
Sol & the Tribu, which was previously known as Picadillo and is fronted by Sol Ruiz and Rey Rodriguez), Mr. Haka , Lobo and Raphox (Dem’ Boiz), BarrioActivo , Stealing Cigarettes, Gaiya, Nick N. Taya, Doble 9, Raudel Escuadron, Diana Fuentes and Jorge Luis Chacin (“La Vida es Buena Live”), and now Electric Piquete. “Muevete Con Ganas” is my most recent collaboration.
How did you first hear about Electric Piquete?
The name kept coming up on social media platforms, and I had my first glance at them at the 2023 Shakori Hills Grassroots Fest (in Pittsboro, NC), when we had the opportunity to be on the same lineup. I remember talking to Michael and some of the gang for the first time at the lunch tent.
When was the first time you collaborated with the band?
I remember that clearly. I happened to have a private event at The Confidante, and they were performing at a summer 2023 Miami Beach OnStage earlier the same day. We joined forces and had a blast taking the crowd on a full on “Miami Sound Get Down” with Locos Por Juana closing the day. That day saw the birth of the phrase. “Esto es un cohete, MannySwagg y Electric Piquete” (laughs). ¡Tremendo Sofrito!
What was it like writing the melody and lyrics to an EP song that already existed?
Well, it’s always a bit of a challenge when you’re called upon to do something extra for an already well-conceived idea. You’re always second guessing yourself if the lyric might take away or be in sync with everything else that’s happening. You never wanna over-saturate. Luckily, we’re all from the 305, and that’s what first showed up in my head. Spanglish definitely had to play a part in the opening line, and somehow I got led by the feeling of Que Pasa USA skits blending into a Miami Sound Machine “Conga” style remix and boom! Neon flooring meets Carnaval, Balseros dancing through Miami Beach and Hialeah bringing the diaspora, exile, and multi-cultural experience, and setting the mood for just the right Miami story.
What was shooting the video at Ball & Chain like?
Couldn’t be more accurate, a Tropical Stage and the oversized ornament were key elements to this project. Wonderful getting together and sharing the vibe. The sun was definitely Miami.
What are your hopes for the “Muevete Con Ganas” single?
That everyone who comes across this groovy tune gets the vibe and feeling of what a genuine night turns-to-day out in Miami would sound and look like.
What’s next for MannySwagg?
To infinity and beyond, but nah…the sky’s really the limit when it comes to try the endless possibilities to keep exploring and expanding my musical universe. Although “Muevete Con Ganas” is already streaming, I’m really looking forward to sharing the video with everyone, which will drop on Friday, July 25.
How can readers learn more about you?
Check out my latest single “Ricota”, and follow me on Instagram and Spotify.
