Gloria Estefan to front Radio 2 series

BBC Radio 2 is to air a seven-part series later this year tracing the history of Latin music, fronted by seven-time Grammy winner Gloria Estefan.

The series – charting the genre from its roots to the present day – is being produced by Indie of the Year Folded Wing.

The programmes are being recorded at Estefan’s studio in Miami and include her own memories from four decades in music, as well as interviews with other Latin music stars.

It’ll air from Thursday nights at 11pm from 3rd November, in the slot currently occupied by David Rodigan’s 10-part series on reggae, roots and ska music. Previously Dave Pearce was on at that time with a series about Dance music.

Estefan says: “I am so happy to be able to share my Latin roots and the passion of the music to the listeners of BBC Radio 2 and all my fans in the UK. This will be a special treat for me to make.”

Folded Wing director Karen Pearson, who will produce the series, is delighted by the commission. “I’ve been a huge fan of Gloria’s for years and I’m so pleased that she’s bringing all her wealth of knowledge and experience to this series for BBC Radio 2,” she told RadioToday.co.uk. “Spreading her love of Latin music is a real passion for Gloria, and she’s being very hands-on with choosing the music and the guests. There’ll be lots for the real Latin devotees and experts, but there’ll also be lots for people who think they might like Latin, but don’t know much about it.”

Folded Wing was named Indie of the Year at the 2011 Radio Production Awards, and produces the Jamie Cullum show for BBC Radio 2 as well as a range of other programmes and digital content for the BBC and commercial clients.