Paisley Park’s Queen of Percussion, Sheila E. needs no introduction, but introduction we shall give her, because she deserves it! Originally from Oakland, California, she gained success in her early 20s when she played with the likes of George Duke, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Herbie Hancock, and Diana Ross. At the start of her solo career, Sheila released a record with her father, the renowned Latin drummer, Pete Escovedo, at the same time as she contributed vocals and percussion to ‘Purple Rain’, by Prince. That energy she’s brought to all her work has never diminished, and her latest collaboration, ‘El Rey del Timbal’, with her friend, Gilberto Santa Rosa, will see Sheila E. introduced to a whole new audience.
Santa Rosa is a six-time Grammy winner as a bandleader and vocalist, as well as an accomplished actor and comedian, and in 2021 both he and Sheila E. received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 22nd Annual Latin Grammys. As a result, their new single, ‘El Rey del Timbal’ serves as a tribute to those who have inspired them throughout their respective careers, as well as a sort of “victory” lap. Blaring horns pave the way as Santa Rosa croons the lyrics, while Sheila E. keeps the pace with her deft drumming. The salsa track pays homage to their idol, songwriter Tito Puente, who originally penned the track.
The music video for ‘El Rey del Timbal’ starts in black and white, and gradually adds colour, beginning with Sheila E. She hammers out her percussion alongside her father, as well as the suave Santa Rosa. A portrait of Tito Puente overlooks them, and the band dances their way through the track.
Watch the music video for ‘El Rey del Timbal’ below and find out more about Sheila E. and her music online on her official website.
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