Who is Jeannette Rosario, a.k.a Diamante?

From the words of the song from No doubt, “I'm just a girl” born in Manhattan of Puerto Rican decent. 

How and when did you start your singing career?

Well I first started out Acting and had a small part in a play at the Nueyorican Poets Cafe when I was 9 years old. The producer asked my grandmother if I could sing. She told him honestly that she did not know. Well, I sang my little heart out and the producer said I had a voice and should take voice class. Then I came out in another play, which I had to sing and have been singing ever since.

Why did you choose Freestyle music for your career?

Actually, I came to love Freestyle by chance. After singing stage songs, I started singing Spanish Merengue because it was easy to find the music for it. Then I had an opportunity to sing with High Power Records compilation with the song “Can we go back”. My Aunt and her husband loved the song! They started talking to me about Freestyle and playing the hits from La India, George Lamond, Noel, And More, and my favorite Nayobe!

What does Freestyle music represent in your life?

This is hard to answer, at this stage of my life I'm still trying to figure out what a lot of things represent? But, I think it represents a coming of age for me. I believe that Freestyle has tapped into my raw talent and introduced me to the most dedicated and energetic people! 

Even if you did one Dance music track (“Distance”), in which other types of music you would love to sing, and why?

I love Hard Rock music, which usually gets strange reactions from people. I also love Salsa!! I love how some of the old school Freestyle singers have crossed-over!! But the truth is I love music, all types of music. Some music I won't go out of my way to buy, but I won't turn it off either if it's playing. 

You “officially” began your Freestyle career in 1997 under the label High Power Records with the song “Can we go back”. Why did you choose this label? How did you get in touch with the legendary “Dr. Edit” a.k.a Tony Garcia?

My grandmother sent him a demo of a Salsa song I had, and he called me to do Freestyle.

How was it to work with Tony Garcia?

It was an excellent experience that opened the doors to Freestyle for me. I appreciated all they did for me. 

All your following tracks (“The fire”, “Distance” “Sometimes” and “Why?” were produced (and sometimes written) by Artie Arsenio Rodriguez. How did you meet him?

Why did you decide to work only with Artie Rodriguez? Could you tell us a little bit about him? He seems to stay voluntarily discreet in the Freestyle world!

Artie is the “Master of Freestyle” in my eyes. He has kept the music pure and helped me to find my own style. What I know of Artie is that he works with everyone and does not really want to be classified in one arena. He truly is talented and an innovator and most importantly multi talented. Meaning he is not only tied to Freestyle but in many other venues.

photo: ("Artie Arsenio Rodriguez", "Diamante" & "Rosa M. Marrero".)

Which other producers would you love to work with?

I would like to work with Willie Valentin and one day, hopefully, with Latif Mercado.

 Why do you wanna work with Willie Valentin and Latif Mercado?

I believe Latif Mercado is a great producer and knows a great deal about Dance Music “Freestyle”... And Willie Valentin has opened the doors to a lot of new talent. He believes in the music and strives for the best... He gave me two opportunities to expose my talent. Willie is a great guy. 

Your last single “Why” is now available on the Artistik Recordings compilation “Freestyle Parade 2K1”. Why did you choose Willie Valentin Rivera’s label?

The producer and arranger of the music is Artie Rodriguez and he decided that the best deal was with Mr. Valentin Rivera. 

Why were none of your songs released on CD or 12” single?

Honestly? Lack of opportunity in the field.

Do you think that there is any particular reason why the labels prefer to release more compilation instead of doing more singles?

Money!!! Lack of public support. The music is underground because although radio stations are playing more now there really isn't that much media support.

photo:
("The Diamante Show" (her own performance) May 2001.)

Among all your titles, which one you would love to release as a single? And why?

I would like to release “Why” because I have grown in my voice range and this song really projects its and of course because Artie sings my backup!! A true honor.

 What is your best and worse souvenir in Freestyle music?

My best souvenir is sharing a stage with And More, George Lamond, and when Nayobe performed on the Diamante Show and in New England Freestyle festival. Thankfully, I do not have any bad souvenirs!!

What is your favorite Freestyle song?

Nayobe's hit “Please don't go”. I just want to sing with her when I heard this song!! I want to sing LOUD!!! 

What is your favorite style of Freestyle music (Latin Hip-Hop, Progressive Freestyle, New School, etc.)? Why?

I prefer New School because it's more closely related to New School.

 I’m not sure to understand, what you mean!

I prefer New School music...(Freestyle). It is a mix of the old and new style...gives me the opportunity to be myself and not to sound like everybody... is a challenge... and i love it...

Do you enjoy other types of music?

Yes, I love Salsa and this usually freaks people out --- I love Hard Rock! I love to listen to Bouncing Souls, Become1, and Warzones.

 In the press kit that you sent me, it is mentioned that you are a SAG and AFTRA’s member. Could you let us know what it is?

"The Diamante Show's crew"

When I was 10 years old I wanted to perform, perform and perform. But guess what? There was not enough places for me to do this. I asked my grandmother, Rosa Marrero, why?

Artie also co-host “The Diamante Show” from time to time (with talent and humor!). Are you inseparable?

Artie has a lot of talent; I care a lot for him. I love his wife and kids...I love his acting talent...it bring a different perspective to the show... we received a lot of calls asking for him... due to the work i do sometimes i do not host the show for 2 months... i am in a professional dance group “Capoeira do Brazil” we do presentations in High Schools Saturdays so i have to practice with the group and i can not attend the show but it is in good hands Artie is the best... we have a good chemistry.

photo: ("Artie Arsenio Rodriguez" & "Diamante")

So, Rosa, what is the best asset of your granddaughter Jeannette to succeed in Music Business or as an actress, or both?

I think that my granddaughter has the ability to do anything she sets out for!! She is smart, has lots of energy, and is very talented. I wish she would focus on one thing but she is very tenacious. As her grandmother I support all her goals. I work to ensure that her life is a little smoother, her road a little less bumpy. I have taught her to be patience, have shown her the bad side of this business without actually letting her feels it, because it can be bad.  I have taught her to do as her heart tells her but to first listen to her brain. What have I done for her, I have been her grandmother.

photo: ("Rosa M. Marrero" & "Diamante")