Isael Gutiérrez Orbe was born on February 10, 1976, in Mexico City, but grew up in Paso de Arena, Guerrero, in the Tierra Caliente region, an environment that shaped his resilient character and deep love for Mexican music. From a young age, his father—a passionate fan of artists such as Javier Solís, José Alfredo Jiménez, Los Yonic's, and Los Bukis—instilled in him the musical culture that would later be the root of his professional career.
Although he trained as a Graphic Designer, his path in the industry began at the bottom, selling records in the family business and working in a small recording studio. Over time, he became a self-taught manager, developing his own style based on observation, words, instinct, and loyalty. Isael doesn't sign contracts out of necessity; he believes that a verbal agreement is worth more than any piece of paper: "I don't sign contracts, I sign with my word."
In 2012, he founded Music VIP Entertainment Inc. with his brother, Evert Gutiérrez. The company was born with the goal of building idols, not taking advantage of passing fads, and became an incubator for Latin artists, producers, and entertainment visionaries.
The Discovery of Grupo Firme: A Vision That Changed the Industry
In 2017, Isael discovered Grupo Firme at a performance in Tijuana. From the start, he recognized Eduin Caz's talent, his on-stage charisma, and the group's unique energy. Far from seeking immediate fame, Isael designed a long-term strategy: re-recording repertoires, perfecting the visual and sound style, and building a real emotional connection with the audience through social media and organic content.
This commitment was consolidated during the pandemic, when, as the world came to a standstill, Isael promoted strategic releases, live performances, collaborations, and open-air concerts that made Grupo Firme an unprecedented phenomenon. Under his leadership, the group transformed into a global brand of Mexican music.