Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi switches easily between humour and seriousness when speaking about his latest song, Echame le Culpa with Demi Lovato, almost one year of Despacito fame and about the cause for which he was in Dubai, in association with the Global Gift Gala at the ongoing Dubai International Film Festival.
Fonsi said he was still coming to terms with how successful Despacito was, even though he got a positive response within a week of its release.
“Artists who normally wouldn’t call called. There was a different level of congratulatory response. You feel as though this is something different — this is special,” he said.
Speaking about the overseas success of his music, he said: “I can’t take any credit for that. I am just another part of music — what many other Latin artists have done to globalise Latin music is the reason I am where I am. I am just part of the party.”
Fonsi attended the Global Gift Gala on Friday as part of a group of celebrities working to raise money and awareness for philanthropic causes in India, the Americas, Europe and Asia.
“I am so proud to be a part of Global Gift Gala, to be invited, and to use our voices, not just to speak about my music, but to do good for others. That is and has always been a priority for me, ever since I started doing music 20 years ago. I have worked with many organisations throughout my career and am very passionate about a lot of things,” Fonsi said.
His priority this time around is rebuilding Puerto Rico. The small island he calls home was heavily damaged when hurricane Maria hit earlier this year. “It really breaks my heart; it’s been a very hard two and a half months. A lot has been done, but there’s still so much do. You sometimes feel helpless, like you are not doing enough. Events like this makes you feel good at being able [to help],” he said.
Fonsi laughed when asked whether he saw himself as a cultural ambassador of Puerto Rico, saying: “Actually, I have been designated this position of a cultural ambassador for Puerto Rico, and have been working with Puerto Rico tourism on formal campaigns. It gives me more passion, if I needed that, to talk about Puerto Rico.”
The music video for Despacito has actually boosted tourism, which hadn’t been one of the motives behind the song.
“What it [Despacito] did naturally was amazing. La Perla, where the video was shot, is close to me for obvious reasons, and I am dedicating a lot of time and effort to that part of the island. The place had gotten popular after the song and now it’s devastated. A lot of people have lost their homes and like I said, I’m helping get Puerto Rico back on its feet and getting tourism numbers back where they were,” he said.
Speaking about Dubai, he said, “It is so amazing to be on the other side of the world, seeing people care about that little small island on the map, that brings me so much joy.”
Fonsi arrived in Dubai a few days ahead of the event, making a few appearances while enjoying the city.
“Dubai is really one of those cities where you land and go wow. I can’t wait to get to know it more and to keep visiting as well”, he said.
His latest song is another high-profile collaboration.
He said, “Echame le Culpa, means ‘put the blame on me’ and pokes fun on the cliched phrase — it’s not you, it’s me. It is a very light-spirited, fun, break up song.”
