Arabella

Biography

María Margarita Pinillos, better known as Arabella, is a Colombian singer and songwriter, born on June 15 in Bogotá. During the 1970s and 1980s, she achieved great success with her songs, and thanks to her powerful voice, she was considered “La Sonera Mayor de Colombia.”

(Read also: Biography of La India Meliyara)

Her interest in music began at an early age, though she did not initially plan to pursue it professionally. At 13 years old, a friend enrolled her—without her knowledge—in the radio contest Orquídea de Plata Phillips. Although she was disqualified for lack of preparation, this led to her participation in Michel Talento, the first amateur television contest in Colombia. From there, she was hired at the prestigious Hotel Tequendama, becoming the first woman to sing vallenatos in the Salón Monserrate, accompanied by accordionist Ángel Martínez.

Her stage name Arabella came from her resemblance to a model who had visited Colombia and tragically died. Her pianist suggested adopting the name, and she accepted.

Before launching her solo career, she worked with several groups, including Los Armónicos of Manolo Monterrey, Chucho Sanoja y su Orquesta, Willy Pérez’s orchestra, and Los Megatones de Lucho.

(Read also: Biography of Antun Castro)

In 1972, she moved to Venezuela, where she strengthened her career and recorded several albums with renowned artists. In 1978–1979, she formed the group Los Maraqueros, which allowed her to freely perform Cuban and Puerto Rican music, especially from the Trío Matamoros.

As a composer, Arabella wrote for major artists, including Celia Cruz (Mi Vida es Cantar), as well as Cheo Feliciano, Billo Frómeta, and others.

She also lived in Puerto Rico, where she became a music entrepreneur, organizing tours across Latin America with top singers such as Marvin Santiago, Oscar D’León, and Ismael Miranda.

Eventually, she announced her retirement after recording La Musiquita and Yo te Vi. She settled in Miami, United States, dedicating herself to her daughter, her home, and her beloved pets.

Discography

ALBUMS

• Más Allá Del Sabor (1990)
• Mi Son Es Un Misterio (1987)
• Puro Trópico (1987)
• La Musiquita (1987)
• Arabella (1985)
• Sabor Y Raza (1982)
• La Simpatiquisima (1980)
• Encontré Mi Amor (1979)
• Arabella (1978)
• Nelson Martinez y Arabella (1976)
• Nelson Martínez / Arabella Y Su Combo Tropical (1974)

SINGLES & EPs

• Fui tu cacería (1990)
• Amiga La Vida / Sin Dejarte De Amar (1987)
• Mi Son Es Un Misterio / Mentiras (1986)
• Zape Pa’ Lla / Mentira (1986)
• Mentiras / Panamá (1985)
• Chico Matanza / Nu Sueño Mas (1982)
• Pal Campo/Mucho, Poquito, Nada (1978)
• Hija De Nadie (Flor Del Mal) / Arepas
• Domingo En El Barrio / Chico Matanza
• Mentiras / Espejismo
• Tómame Que Tómame / Con La Vara Que Midas