Leopold Nunan is bringing a whole different kind of Christmas cheer this year, and honestly, it feels like a breath of warm ocean air in the middle of winter. Released on December 6, which also happens to be his birthday, his reimagined take on โFeliz Navidadโ arrives straight from a Brazilian-born, Los Angelesโbased perspective that swaps snow and sweaters for sand, sunshine, and barefoot dancing. The short context behind the release makes it even sweeter: Nunan grew up celebrating Christmas under blazing sun in Brazil, and this version is his way of sharing that lived-in joy with a global audience, while paying respectful homage to Josรฉ Felicianoโs timeless original.
โFeliz Navidadโ opens with a high-energy, jovial rhythm section that immediately sets a festive, tropical mood. The groove leans into bossa nova warmth and playfulness. Leopoldโs thick, deep voice enters with confidence and charm, singing enjoyably and thrillingly, like heโs hosting a party and personally welcoming you in. With natural ease in his delivery, he makes the familiar lyrics feel freshly alive.
As the track rolls on, the percussion really comes into its own, tapping, jingling, and shaking with infectious momentum. The flutes wind lightly through the catchy and fun arrangement, adding a breezy, summery lift that feels straight out of Ipanema. Then the horns swell in, blowing warm, celebratory melodies that push the song into full-on revelry mode. It makes you smile without realizing why, the musical equivalent of clinking glasses and spontaneous dancing.
What really works here is how effortlessly the song balances respect for the original with Nunanโs own cultural imprint. It feels like a genuine memory set to music. By the time the track fades out, โFeliz Navidadโ no longer feels tied to one place or season. Instead, it becomes a sunny, communal global celebration thatโs full of life, exactly as Leopold Nunan intended.
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Review by: Naomi Joan