Singer Superstar Fonseca Talks Latest Project

By: Celia Martinez

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Local NewsThe lighting in the lobby of the Crown Plaza was dim. Voices echoed through the hallways as guests of the hotel filtered in and out. With every passing body one thought occurred: “Is that him?”

“Sorry for the wait,” said Fabio Acosta, Fonseca’s publicist, as he approached the entrance of the lobby. “I was waiting for the elevator. Juan will be here shortly.”

“Juan” was in reference to Fonseca, the singer’s first name. Juan Fernando Fonseca was born in Bogotá, Colombia and has reached superstardom in his country and throughout Latin America. His music, a blend of vallenato, cumbia and tropical, has lead him to tour in over 25 countries and win various music awards including MTV Latino, Billboard and a Latin Grammy. He has sold over a million records nation wide and FONSECA LIVE BOGOTA went double platinum.

“Here he is now,” said Acosta as he pointed to the thin man on the other side of the windowpane, overlooking Huron Street. Casually dressed, in jeans, t-shirt and cap, he removed his earphone as he walked through the revolving doors and towards the lobby.

“Pleasure,” said Fonseca with a firm but gentle handshake. Fonseca made his way opposite of the black leather sofa, and took a seat.

“I love it,” said the singer of the city of Chicago, “I’ve never been here in the summer and I love it.” Fonseca has been in the United States for over two months promoting his fourth album Illusion and the single, “Eres Mi Sueño.”

“The song is doing really well in the United States and Billboard,” said Fonseca, “but I’m also here to perform an acoustic show for 100 winners.”

The show he was referring to was for a contest for the radio station Pasion, where 100 lucky contestants won any intimate evening of acoustic music at the restaurant La Quinta de lo Reyes in Berwyn, to be performed by Fonseca that night.

The “Te Mando Flores” singer was humble and laid back in demeanor, there was nothing cocky or arrogant about him, even when describing his future plans.

“A lot of special things are happening to me in Latin America,” said Fonseca. “I was invited to take part in ‘La Gira de los Gigantes,’ with Marc Anthony and Chayanne in Central America and I am also collaborating with Prince Royce in Central America.

Although Fonseca is now a big name in tropical music, he actually began his music career as member in the rock band Baroja where they covered music from Nirvana, Guns n Roses and Metallica. “I’ve always had two sides,” Fonseca said with a smile, referring to his taste in music, “I like listening to everything.” But it wasn’t until he disbanded from the group that he gained a niche audience and following, something that is not always easy to accomplish.

“One has to believe in his own dreams. I think that when one believes in his dreams you transmit that energy to the people and then people also believe in your dream and help push you to where you need to go.”

The Grammy winner said his life is what inspires him to write but most importantly his daughter Paz, 2, who was a big inspiration for Illusion.

“I feel fortunate to be living what I am and to be able to carry a message of gratitude through my music.”

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