Bonny Cepeda, born Fernando Antonio Cruz Paz on June 5, 1954, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, is a prominent merengue artist, band leader, and producer. He is notably recognized as the first merengue artist to receive a Grammy Award nomination in 1986 for his album "Noche de Discotheque." Bonny Cepeda has been a significant figure in the Latin music scene, contributing to the development of the merengue genre with his innovative style that blends traditional rhythms with modern sounds.

His musical journey began with his studies in piano at Villa Consuelo and the National Conservatory in Santo Domingo. Bonny Cepeda was a former member of Wilfredo Vargas' orchestra and later led groups such as Los Hijos del Rey, Bonny Con Keaton, and Bonny Cepeda & His Orquestra. Over his career, he has recorded more than 30 albums and produced for various artists, including Fernando Villanova and Sergio Vargas.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Bonny Cepeda served as the Vice Minister of Culture of the Dominican Republic under President Luis Abinader. His career, however, has not been without controversy. In 2021, he faced criticism for performing at a birthday party for Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro during a time of crisis in Venezuela and the COVID-19 pandemic, a claim he later denied.

Bonny Cepeda's discography includes numerous albums such as "Bonny Cepeda y la Gran Orquesta" (1976), "¡Arrasando Con Todo!" (1982), and "Dance It! ¡Bailalo!" (1986). His influence and contributions have made him a celebrated figure in the merengue genre, inspiring countless musicians and fans worldwide.