Fonseca Opens Up About New Music — And Where He Sees Himself in 20 Years

Over the last two decades, Fonseca has been a force in the Latin music industry with tropi-pop and vallenato hits that have made listeners dance and fall in love. The Colombian singer-songwriter, who rose to stardom in 2005 with the hit “Te Mando Flores,” has navigated changing industry trends and an often fickle market with his piercing, pathos-filled tenor voice and iconic sound intact.

In an exclusive Q&A during Latin Music Week, Fonseca will celebrate his 20-year career before closing the En Vivo concert series on Oct. 6.

In no more than five words, describe your career.

Heart, gratitude, obsession, connection and roots.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement to date?

Being able to put my music at the service of the people and accompany the lives of so many people in love, in heartbreak, melancholy, partying and — very important — carrying a message of gratitude.

You recently released the first single from your upcoming album, “Si Tú Me Quieres,” with Juan Luis Guerra. How was it working with him?

Singing alongside maestro Juan Luis Guerra is something that I had always dreamed of. I grew up with his music; his songs were part of my first loves, of my first parties. Not only has his music been a huge influence on me, but his way of leading his career. It has always struck me that Juan Luis’ career has been built 100% from his music. That is his way of being present, current, and I can relate a lot with that.

Tell us about your new album.

I’m very happy with the songwriting process. Somehow, I feel that I am returning to that sound with which I started my career, and I like that. Although it’s a work in progress, I feel that the sound is very organic, very “woody.” “Si Tú Me Quieres” is undoubtedly a sample of what I want it to taste like.

Where do you see yourself in another 20 years?

I want to continue writing, singing. I have never seen music as a sprint or endurance race. For me, it is a way of life and I carry it like that, so it will always be present.

Fonseca will play the En Vivo stage and participate in an Icon Q&A during Billboard Latin Music Week in Miami, Oct. 2-6.

This story originally appeared in the Sept. 23, 2023, issue of Billboard.