Fonseca

From a young age Colombian Juan Fernando Fonseca had developed a passion for music, a passion which was encouraged by his parents. At the age of 12, the budding musician recorded his debut song which he later sold to friends and family. Fonseca subsequently attended Pontificia Universidad Javeriana studying music as well as the Berklee College of Music in Boston, where he expanded his musical and performance skills. Upon returning to Colombia, Fonseca recorded his debut album “Bomba de Tiempo”, which he flogged door-to-door and in small bars.

In 1977 the singer-songwriter and guitarist met Colombian musician José Gaviria who attempted to get him signed to the U.S. label Sonolux. The deal remained in the works until 2002, when Fonseca signed a three album deal with the EMI Capitol imprint Líderes Entertainment Group. The singer’s official self-titled, debut album was subsequently released in February 2002 in Colombia, and earned its international release three years later in 2005. Spawning the singles “Mangangué”, “Noche de Carnaval”, “Sueño”, and “Confiésame”, the album is epitomised by the tropipop sound, popularised by Carlos Vives’ musical output. The success of the album led the singer-songwriter to tour alongside Shakira and Juanes, and raised his profile to new, international levels.

Released in May 2006, Fonseca’s sophomore full-length, “Corazón” saw the singer build on his success with the album rising to No. 7 on the U.S. Tropical Albums Chart. Combining the thematically Latin vallenato, bullerenuge and tambora rhythms with Western influenced pop/rock, the record was well-received, aided by the singles “Como Me Mira”, the Latin Grammy-winning “Te Mando Flores”, and “Hace Tiempo”. Led by the singles “Enrédame”, “Arroyito”, “Paraíso”, and “Estar Lejos”, Fonseca’s third studio album “Gratitud” appeared in May 2008. The full-length “Ilusión” followed in 2011, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Latin Pop Album.