Nicaragua, a land of history and passion, has always found its sporting identity in baseball and boxing. For decades, these sports have been the country’s banner, allowing its athletes to shine on international stages. However, a new wave has begun to flood the hearts of Nicaraguans: soccer, the sport that gathers crowds and ignites passions, has risen as the new protagonist. Today, soccer resonates powerfully in every corner of Nicaragua, carrying with it the enthusiasm of a nation that has found in this sport an inexhaustible source of joy.
Seven countries gathered for this tournament, and among them, Nicaragua shone with its iconic team, Real Estelí FC, which captured hearts by reaching the final. Although the champion was Costa Rica’s Club Alajuelense, the red-and-white team of Real Estelí demonstrated its greatness and commitment by securing the runner-up position. This milestone in the history of Nicaraguan soccer is merely a reflection of the steady steps this team has taken, year after year, toward glory.
The magic of music did not stop there. Inspired by the greatness of Real Estelí, on October 19, the music video for the song Mi Real Estelí was launched on the YouTube channel M.A.C Studio Production, produced by M.A.C Studio Production from Gibraltar, UK. The lyrics and music were written by Nicaraguan composer Pedro Alfonso Morales Ruiz, and the musical producer is Carlos Javier Jarquín. Joining this initiative were talented Gibraltarian artists John Adam Mascarenhas, Teresa Mascarenhas, and Anselmo Ochello.
The result was a perfect symphony: John Adam, a prodigious sound engineer, also collaborated as a co-arranger, while Teresa contributed her creativity as co-arranger and mastering editor of the music video. Anselmo, with his guitar in hand, added the chords that bring this unforgettable melody to life. Each note, each verse, each image is a sincere tribute to the “Tren del Norte.” This musical creation is not only a homage to the team but also a celebration of the Nicaraguan spirit—one that never surrenders and continues to dream. Without a doubt, this song is a tribute that envelops its supporters in a wave of emotion and pride.
To learn more about this project, I reached out to the artists who made this masterpiece possible. I also took the opportunity to ask Helmuth Hurtado, General Manager of Real Estelí FC, for his opinion on this song. Here are the questions and answers from my distinguished guests:
Dear Helmuth: What do you think of the song “Mi Real Estelí” performed by a European singer?
—First of all, let’s start from the fact that sport, by its nature, transcends borders and unites people from diverse cultures through shared passion. In recent years, Real Estelí has achieved remarkable internationalization, becoming a benchmark in Central American soccer and attracting attention from fans beyond Nicaraguan borders. Regarding the song Mi Real Estelí, the author’s perspective presents certain challenges. One of them is the context; the richness of Real Estelí lies not only in its sporting achievements but also in its social and cultural impact in Nicaragua. The song offers a deep and nuanced view of the values and traditions surrounding the club. On the other hand, the contribution of a foreign singer-songwriter is valuable. Their objective approach highlights a new perspective on the growth and internationalization of Real Estelí. Additionally, their interpretation and prose can attract international audiences interested in Nicaraguan soccer, expanding the club's visibility. The artists involved in Mi Real Estelí present with cultural and contextual depth the essence of the struggle and heroism of the city, also offering opportunities to expand the club’s narrative to broader audiences. The narrative manages to balance the external perspective with a genuine respect for the team’s roots and history, thus celebrating the universality of sport while honoring its local legacy.
Dear Pedro Alfonso: How did the idea for this song inspired by this Nicaraguan soccer team come about?
—The idea came from a proposal made to me by Carlos Javier Jarquín at the end of 2023 to write a song dedicated to Real Estelí FC for all the achievements accomplished that year. Faced with the challenge, I told him I would think about it and began searching for ideas. The first thing I did was look for a brujito or shaman that my friend Gloria Isabel had given me a few years ago. Indeed, observing the symbol led me to research its history, and I discovered why it is the most important symbol of Estelí. Then, I researched the history of the city of Estelí, and it was essential to gather information about its three original settlements: Las Pintadas, Agüegüespala, and Michigüiste, which are the origins of this beautiful city. Finally, I researched the history of the Real Estelí FC team and its stadium, Independencia, and other natural resources of the city, such as tobacco, Estanzuela, and Tisey, which helped me shape the lyrics of the song. At the same time, I began to hum a melody with my guitar that I couldn't quite figure out, but gradually the music of what we now know as Mi Real Estelí emerged. The lyrics and music were created between December 21 and 24, 2023. Overall, creating the lyrics and music for the song was a pleasant experience because I had a great team of highly professional people like John Adam Mascarenhas, Teresa Mascarenhas, Anselmo Ochello, and Carlos Javier Jarquín.
Dear John Adam: What did it mean for you to be the performer, co-arranger, and sound engineer for this song dedicated to Real Estelí FC?
—Being the performer, co-arranger, and sound engineer for this song dedicated to Real Estelí FC has been an extremely rewarding and meaningful experience for me. As the performer, I had the privilege of giving voice to a piece that not only celebrates the spirit of the team but also the passion and pride of its fans. In my role as co-arranger, I worked closely with my wife to shape the composition, ensuring that each musical element reflected the energy and essence of Real Estelí FC. This creative process was enriching and allowed me to contribute my vision and experience to enhance the song. As a sound engineer, my goal was to achieve the highest quality in the recording and mixing, paying attention to every detail to ensure the final result was impeccable and exciting. This role allowed me to apply my technical knowledge and passion for music to create a production that met the dedication and talent of the team. Overall, this experience has been an unforgettable journey that has allowed me to grow both professionally and personally. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of such a special and meaningful project.
Dear Teresa: What was your experience on this musical project collaborating as co-arranger, editor, and mastering of the music video?
—My experience in this musical project has been incredibly enriching and challenging. As a co-arranger, I worked closely with my husband to shape the song and ensure that each musical element resonated with the spirit and passion of the Nicaraguan soccer team and its supporters. It was essential to capture the energy and essence of the team in every note and chord. Additionally, I deeply appreciate the excellent work of Pedro Alfonso Morales Ruiz for capturing, through his music and lyrics, the entire essence, culture, and history of his land and Real Estelí FC. In my role as editor, I experienced great satisfaction. My goal was to create a visual narrative that complemented the music and enhanced the viewer’s experience, ensuring that each image conveyed the emotion and strength of the team. I am deeply grateful for the great work of Carlos Javier Jarquín, who produced this video, thanks to his approach, valuable suggestions, and support, as well as all the images provided by Real Estelí FC. Working on this project has been an honor that allowed me to develop and refine my skills in multiple areas, and I am proud of the final result that celebrates and honors the beloved Nicaraguan soccer team in Central America.
Dear Anselmo Ochello: What does it mean for you to have been invited to participate as a guitarist in this musical project?
—Being invited to participate as a guitarist in this musical project has been an honor and a great experience. The opportunity to collaborate on a song dedicated to Real Estelí FC not only allowed me to contribute my talent and passion for music but also to be part of something that will resonate over time and celebrate the spirit of a beloved team in Central America. The guitar is for me an extension of my soul, and being able to contribute my sound and style to this project is an immense privilege. Working with such a talented and committed team has been inspiring, and together we have created something that I hope touches the hearts of everyone who hears it. This project has allowed me not only to grow as a musician but also to connect more deeply with a culture and community passionate about soccer and music. I am grateful for this experience and excited about the impact this song will have.
Dear Carlos Javier: What has it meant for you to be the musical producer of this song dedicated to Real Estelí FC?
—Dear Osiris: Thank you for the space. As the musical director of this project, it has been a wonderful experience to be part of this initiative. I am immensely grateful to everyone involved: since the project Mi Real Estelí was conceived, we have formed a great team, and I firmly believe that each of us contributed in our way to making this song a reality. For me, the most rewarding part has been collaborating with such talented artists. It is essential to emphasize that working with professionals like Pedro Alfonso, who writes beautiful lyrics and melodies, is truly inspiring. It motivates you to give your best, and the experience is unique. In the studio, we created a space filled with positive energy and enthusiasm, which undoubtedly influenced the final result. The idea was to capture the essence of the team and its spirit, and I believe we achieved that. In conclusion, I feel honored to have been part of this project that pays tribute to Real Estelí FC. Soccer is more than a sport; it is a passion that unites people, and this song reflects that shared love.
This song is a musical production by M.A.C. Studio Production from Gibraltar-UK. For now, you can listen to it on the YouTube channel M.A.C Studio Production at the following link:
https://youtu.be/GfDw92Y77vY?si=drb7xd3bBjsMMjE_
About the author:
The author is a Cuban-Spanish writer, columnist, and poet currently residing in Chicago, United States. She is the author of two works, including "The Rainbow of My Insatiable Desires," published by Editorial Planeta in 2021. She is also a co-author of CANTO PLANETARIO: HERMANDAD EN LA TIERRA, Volume I, a compilation by Carlos Javier Jarquín (H.C EDITORES, Costa Rica, 2023).
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