Colombia's Strong New Brew

Given the international success of such artists as Shakira and Juanes, it is by now pretty much established that Colombian music—even at its most regional—has possibilities abroad.

The latest artist to get a heavy international push is singer/songwriter Fonseca, a native of Bogotá, whose mix of vallenato and cumbia fused with pop, jazz and world beats vacillates between sophisticated and eminently mainstream.

His breakthrough was "Te Mando Flores," the first single off "Corazón," his EMI Latin debut. (Fonseca had a previous album on indie Lideres.) The song spent 22 consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Colombia's radio charts last year, propelling sales of "Corazón" in that country and making Fonseca an exportable commodity.

Now, EMI is pushing Fonseca in the United States, following his success in Ecuador, Venezuela and Peru. Although single "Te Mando Flores" has yet to chart on Billboard's lists, it is probably only a matter of time before it does as Fonseca has a similar sound to that of countrymates Juanes, Carlos Vives and Jorge Villamizar (of Bacilos), coupled with a truly fine and distinctive voice.

The appeal of "Flores," beyond a great melody, is how it combines dance rhythms with a palpable sense of yearning.

The song, about a far away lover who can only send flowers in his dreams, may be interpreted in many dramatic ways. But actually, it has a quirky story behind it.

Fonseca wrote it between record deals while he was a contestant on a Colombian reality show called "La Granja" (The Farm).

"Wow, I've never told this story," he says with a laugh. "They told me I could take my guitar with me, and I spent all my free time with my guitar. When you're in a reality show, you're totally isolated. My girlfriend was in Spain, and I don't know what came over me, and I wrote that song."

We are betting on Fonseca's success, however, for reasons that go beyond a single song. "Corazón" is a well-rounded album that touches upon many styles and gives glimpses of a thoughtful writer. And although Fonseca sounds a lot like Vives, he has developed his own direction. At the same time, he takes care to give Vives the props he deserves.

"I've had an evolution toward vallenato," says Fonseca, whose sound was initially far more pop. "I always liked it, but it was a bit foreign to me. Then, I heard 'Clásicos de la Provincia' [Vives' breakthrough album] and my [thoughts] changed. I heard the music in a different way."

Although Fonseca says he would never dare call himself a vallenatero, he has received support from that musical community based on Colombia's Atlantic coast.

Perhaps more important, he sees a real Colombian movement developing, emboldened by the international success of Shakira and Juanes.

"I no longer see it as an unattainable goal," he says of worldwide acclaim, noting that these days merely being Colombian opens doors for radio and TV promotion.

However, he adds, "It's also a dangerous moment. We don't want to be repetitive, or else we'll bury ourselves. I'm confident in what I can do with this album. Here, I want to take my first, firm step. I don't want to be the guy who came, sang one little song and left."

Other noteworthy, up-and-coming Colombians to watch include Andres Cepeda, newly signed to SGZ/Univision; as well as Maia, Ilona Jorge Celedon and Julio Nava. All are currently unsigned but surely not for long.

by Leila Cobo
Source: Billboard; 7/1/2006, Vol. 118 Issue 26, p48.

By platano on Jul 18, 2006, 19:52 in Friendly Talkzone.

mcraig says on Jul 18, 2006, 21:31:

Shakira wasnt that fine to me Her music was cool but she just was so so looking until her new video an well lets just say she is extremely fine.

mcraig says on Jul 18, 2006, 22:43:

I'm pushing my wife into getting in a few dance classes lol I cant imagine being with a women that can do all those motions with her hips some lucky guy will be in heaven with her thats for sure.