IN CONVERSATION WITH MANUEL TURIZO

interview by JANA LETONJA

US-based Colombian sensation Manuel Turizo has quickly cemented his status as a powerhouse in the Latin music world, and he’s just getting started. His breakout hit ‘La Bachata’ made history as the most-streamed Latin solo song ever on Spotify, earning him global recognition. Most recently, he teamed up with Becky G for the chart-topping single ‘Qué Haces’. But Manuel’s influence goes far beyond the studio - he’s also become a rising force in fashion, collaborating with top luxury brands like Fendi, Dior, and Balmain.

full look GUCCI

Your fourth studio album ‘201’ has been described as genre-defying. What inspired the musical direction and concept behind it?

The musical direction for ‘201’ was basically to continue experimenting and delving into influences, between things I like in music, genres, artist, fashion, eras, and musical destinations. I like to keep experimenting with that, seeing where Manuel Turizo can go next. For me, being creative is just that, offering something different to people who value your art, giving them something fresh, exploring, getting to know yourself, and developing.

You’ve said that ‘201’ marks a new chapter in your career. How does it reflect where you are personally and artistically right now?

I feel like it marks a new chapter because today, I have the freedom to make an album like this, after eight years of showing who I am in music and what my vision is. I can now try whatever I want, completely with a much more open door. I think I've broken down barriers, and people who listen to me know they can expect any kind of music from me.

full look ISSEY MIYAKE
glasses GENTLE MONSTER

Your song ‘La Bachata’ broke records and became the most-streamed Latin solo song in Spotify history. Did you ever anticipate that kind of global response?

You never know where a song will go. You can have a song you love, your team loves it, and you feel something personally and have a gut feeling about it, but there are millions of totally different ears that would be listening. For a song to be memorable, it has to connect with people. Sometimes it connects, sometimes it doesn't.

You’ve collaborated with massive names like Shakira, Marshmello, and Grupo Frontera. What do you look for in a collaborator?

The most important thing for me is that I like what the other artist is doing. If there's chemistry and mutual admiration, something unique and special is born for our audience.

full look AMIRI

Your single ‘Que Haces’ with Becky G debuted strong on the charts and was a hit performance at the AMAs. What was it like working with her on that track and live?

It was amazing working with her. We'd been talking about making a song together for almost two years. It was at the beginning of this year that we felt the time was right, and she sent me the track. I loved it, and that's when we connected. We made it, and it was incredible.

The ‘201 tour’ is taking you across LATAM, the US, and Europe. What has been the most unforgettable moment or city from the tour so far?

It's my tour, so every night matters. Each country has its own distinct energy, its own culture, but what unites us is our love of music. We resonate with the same energy, and people take home a memory.

How does your connection with fans change from region to region, and what has surprised you most about your international audiences?

Honestly, I don't feel a huge difference. Maybe due to cultural issues, there are countries or places where people are more effusive, more expressive, and others where they're a little more quiet or reserved. But at the end of the day, I think it depends a lot on the culture. Even so, my communication with my fans always feels the same. Color and race don't matter. What unites us is our love for music, perhaps a similar outlook on life. I feel like we vibrate in the same energy, in the same orbit. That's why the connection is always there.

full look GIORGIO ARMANI

You’ve won multiple Billboard and Latin AMAs. How do these awards change the way you approach your work, or reaffirm your vision?

Awards don't change the way I approach my work or my vision at all. I've always said they're a breather for the ego, a reaffirmation that we're doing well. They remind you that your daily effort hasn't been in vain, but they're not what guides my music. What matters is connecting and making the people who enjoy my music feel like I'm offering something special.

From Fendi to Dior and Balmain, you’ve made a real name for yourself in fashion. How does style play into your identity as an artist?

Style is something I love. I like to look good, and I feel like, like everyone else, it fuels my self-esteem. I think we all like to feel good. That's where all these interactions and collaborations I've had with the fashion world have come from, very organically. I describe it like this: I want to idealize myself. I feel like, through clothing, you project how you feel, how you want to look, and who you want to become. That's how I see it.

full look RALPH LAUREN
shoes ADIEU

As a judge on ‘The Voice Spain’, how has mentoring rising talent influenced your own outlook on the industry?

Honestly, it hasn't had any influence at all. It was simply an experience I thoroughly enjoyed. I was excited to be involved in the artistic process of someone so young and have the opportunity to contribute something to them. When I was their age, I never had someone successful in music around me who spoke to me directly, gave me advice, or simply motivated me. The most special thing about that program was precisely that, being able to motivate and influence young people to fall even more in love with music and this lifestyle. Many of them treat it as a game, not with much commitment, because they don't yet see it as something serious. But part of our job as coaches is to get them truly involved, to fall in love with the process, and to breathe music—to want to eat music for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, until it becomes a lifestyle they truly want to adopt.

At just 25, you’ve already achieved so much. What’s coming up next for you, besides finishing the ‘201 tour’?

Continuing to work on several collaborations. We recently released one with Los Ángeles Azules, an incredible cumbia, that we're very excited about. I'm also about work on my next album while continuing the ‘201 tour’, which I'm also super excited about. I take advantage of every break from touring to lock myself in the studio and finish everything coming up. My two biggest focuses for 2025 are the tour and my next album.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MANUEL TURIZO
photography ISAAC ANTHONY
creative direction RYAN LUCCA
styling BRANDON HO
post production NATALIIA TRACH
production JEAN JARVIS at Area1202
dp FRANK APOLLONIO
photography assistant ANDREW BEARDSWORTH
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN