Nicol Peña (born August 6, 1974, in Guananico, Puerto Plata) is a Dominican merengue típico accordionist, singer and songwriter known as La Mega Estrella. He has led ensembles and pursued a performing career in the Dominican Republic and the United States.

Early musical experience

A local biography published in 2010 places his first artistic experiences in Guananico’s folk ballet at age eleven, followed by work in his brother’s group. He gained experience in merengue ensembles before establishing projects of his own.

El Mambo Millonario

A December 2006 newspaper report marked the first anniversary of «Nicol Peña y Su Mambo Millonario», following his work with «La Selección Típica». Coverage in 2014 documented his activity in the United States. His Spotify repertoire includes «La Cartera», «Quererte Fue Un Error» and «Ay Amor», while his official Instagram also promotes «La Fiera 2.0».

Legacy

Peña’s career illustrates the continuing place of the accordion in merengue típico and the movement of this repertoire between the Cibao and Dominican communities in the United States.