After an exhaustive national search for up and coming Hispanic talent, Diestra, a musical group from Atlanta, Georgia, was selected as the grand prize winner of “Lo Maximo de la Musica Latina” (The Best of Latin Music) contest, sponsored by McDonald’s. The grand prize pool includes a special music video of Diestra featured as a McDonald’s commercial currently airing on the Univision Network.
After reviewing hundreds of entries for the contest, a jury panel selected Diestra as the winning band based on vocal performance, originality, musicianship and songwriting quality. Diestra’s winning song “Sin Direccion” (Without Direction) is a fusion of Rock, Pop, Flamenco, Reggae and the classic Spanish guitar. The selection panel, which included Oscar de la Hoya as honorary judge, was composed of media and music industry experts.
Diestra, which means, “to make things at your own pace or way,” was formed by Venezuelan brothers Ricardo Bonilla, 25, and lead vocalist, Luis Eduardo Bonilla, 22, who also plays the guitar and Brazilian John Michael Schlott, 21, who plays the drums and congas.”We feel honored in our selection as the national winners in McDonald’s contest. We were able to showcase our unique musical style and Latin spirit and are very enthusiastic about this tremendous opportunity in our career,” said Ricardo Antonio Bonilla.The band started their musical career in college at American Intercontinental University and have been performing for the past four years in their hometown of Atlanta as well as other major cities and international countries such as Miami, Washington, D.C., Spain and Venezuela.
