Amor Y Pasión (Love and Passion) stormed onto the International Pop/Regional music scene in 1996. Fronted by sisters Diana and Dalila Muñoz, Amor y Pasión blends cumbia and flamenco rhythms with soulful lyrics to create an energetic sound distinctive to the Latin pop scene.
SOUNDMEX/Sony Discos released Amor y Pasión's first album titled BESA, BESA on May 9, 2000. Their first single titled "Enamorándome" was released on April 17, 2000 to all Contemporary and Regional Mexican radio stations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Dago Gonzalez, who directed videos for Ricky Martin and Marc Anthony, conceptualized and created two videos for "Enamorándome" including both the original and the dance mix version. The video and EPK (Electronic Press Kit) was released nationally on April 27, 2000.
Originating from Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and raised in the United States, Diana and Dalila inherited an appreciation for music from their parents at an early age. As the daughters of a preacher, Diana and Dalila participated in the church choir and were only allowed to listen to religious music for the most of their childhood. Their first forays into music were as a family act, with their mother teaching them songs and how to harmonize while their father played guitar.
Their initiation into the world of Latin music began in 1991 when they became exposed to a variety of styles and sounds such as salsa, merengue, mariachi, tejano, norteño, and cumbia. Diane and Dalila also became influenced by artists such as Gloria Estefan, Azucar Moreno and Juan Gabriel at that time.
This newfound exposure to international genres inspired them to begin exploring their own artistic talents. "The music was so inspiring that I wanted to do it all," recalls Dalila. At 16, Dalila began singing with a local salsa orchestra. "It was such a great experience. The audience always supported my music and encouraged me to sing and dance with passion and excitement." Meanwhile, Diana was modeling and performing in local and regional talent shows. "Modeling and talent shows provided great exposure and taught me the importance of expressing myself through my music," she said.
In 1996, Diana and Dalila met Bob Grever, president of industry powerhouse SoundMex Records. After hearing the girls perform a duo version of "La Media Vuelta," Grever was sold on their talent and signed the act on the spot to an international recording contract.
Amor y Pasión officially formed in 1996, but its musical inclinations started long before. "Love and passion for music has been in our family all our lives," said Dalila. "Our name is based on our own personal styles and family influences." Through its music, Amor y Pasion maintains an image of fire and strength. Diana and Dalila describe themselves as "hard-working and fun-loving who are best friends and family first."
In 1999, Amor y Pasión attended the Sony Discos 20th Anniversary Celebration Conference where they showcased their material and sang "Happy Anniversary" a la Marilyn Monroe style to Sony executives, distributors, artists and industry leaders. Their sultry moves and soulful voices captivated the audience and heightened their presence in the Latin music industry.
Performing across the United States and opening for names such as Graciela Beltran and Carlos Ponce, Amor y Pasión has captivated audiences with its passionate cumbia rhythms and energetic dance moves. The group has also performed the National Anthem in English and Spanish for worldwide audiences at two Oscar de la Hoya fights.
The sky is the limit for these two young divas. Their ultimate goal include winning a Grammy for their work and breaking new ground for Latin music throughout the world.