Samy y Sandra Sandoval

Sandoval, Samy y Sandra. Samy and Sandra Sandoval form part of the tipico (traditional music from Panama) duo, and are brother and sister. They are also known as "Patrones de la Cumbia" and have a huge popularity in Panamanian pop culture.

Beginnings and Early Years

They were born to their father Luis and their mother Dolores in Monagrillo. At 8 years old, Samy began to play the accordion, with Sandra listening to songs at home and began singing. They began in their adolescence on stages of their native Herrera, the first being when Sandra was 9. They slowly began gaining popularity in other provinces such as Cocle, Chiriqui, Veraguas and Los Santos. Samy Sandoval, at 11 years old, began to win many contests. The gaining of the popularity was difficult in order to gain fans who like tipico music, they made appearances on channels such as RTVE, Channel 11.

In these shows they began to travel with their band "Ritmo Montañero," with Samy age 15. Their popularity grew faster than other tipico stars, with popularity in Sandra's voice, lyrics and sensual movements, as well as Samy's accordion playing.

Musical Hits

Their many hits include "Brindemos por lo nuestro, La mujer superficial, La gallina fina, Oiga el viejo pa´ jodé" and "Lo que no da se deja." In fact, it was in 1994, in the Festival " that they were a hit with Gallina Fina. Encuentro de Acordeones"Recent hits include last Carnavals' hit "Raspadura". They have released 15 albums, sold more than 30,000 and have a platinum album. They have also starred in their own music videos (which can be viewed on weekends night on musical channel "Mas 23" (a.k.a. +23). They also have made interviews on national networks ans shows such as "Los compadres, Aires de mi tierra, Hecho en Panamá" and "De Mujeres." They also did a small role in national comedy "Los Vergaras."

Other Contributions

One of their major concerts was "Evolucion", where Sandra had said that "tipico music has finally came where it had to come." This concert has been released as a CD and as a DVD. They have also released a book titled "Samy y Sandra, la historia". Other concerts have been made by them in the U.S.A., Dominican Republic, Europe (at Belgium with an audience more than 70,000 and the Netherlands) and they had performed in front of the late prince of Monaco before his death.

Today they are well known throughout Panama and participate in events such as the Teletón and Carnavals.

They made a short appearance in the movie The Tailor of Panama.