The Colombian pop star chats with YSL News about his career and the inspiration behind his celebratory fourth album.
Embracing the vibes has propelled Manuel Turizo on an impressive journey.
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter, from MonterÃa, Colombia, displayed a natural talent for music from a young age. By 17, he had his first hit, “Una Lady Como Tú,” thanks to the creative input of his brother Julián Turizo, who is also a musician.
Following that initial success, Turizo released three studio albums—2019’s “ADN,” 2021’s “Dopamina,” and 2023’s “2000”—and enjoyed 14 top 10 hits on Billboard’s Latin Airplay chart, including the platinum-rated “La Bachata.”
While achieving musical acclaim is a key focus, the Latin Grammy-nominated artist also prioritizes enjoyment in his craft.
His latest album, the lively and danceable “201,” is a nod to his childhood home and encapsulates the festive spirit of his upbringing.
“It’s a fundamental part of our culture in Latin America to celebrate life—being with loved ones and enjoying good times together,” Turizo explains to YSL News. “This happens in your home, among those who matter most. You can’t replicate this feeling anywhere else.”
As the holiday season approaches, Turizo hopes that his album becomes the perfect soundtrack for those gatherings where joy is in the air.
“There’s lots of dancing, energy, and power,” he describes. “It’s all about the vibe, reminiscent of summer or vacation moments.”
Manuel Turizo channels Colombian heritage with eclectic ‘201’ sound
Turizo demonstrates his musical versatility on “201.”
The album features 12 tracks that explore various genres, from bachata and mambo (“Qué Pecao,” “Enhorabuena”) to reggaeton and dance-pop (“Mamasota,” “Bahamas”). For Turizo, this genre-hopping feels natural, as he states, “When I listen to music, I aim to have a great time, to elevate my mood beyond daily struggles. Creating music follows the same principle: Letting go and allowing creativity to flow.”
Turizo’s standout track from the album is “Plata Pa Gastar” (“Money to Spend”), a vibrant electropop number where he expresses a desire to pamper a partner with extravagant gifts. “It reflects my essence—the lyrics and the overall spirit,” he shares.
The album also features a tribute to his Colombian roots with “La Ex De Mi Amigo,” a laid-back song infused with vallenato, a traditional regional genre. This track, which showcases vocals from Elder Dayán, the son of vallenato legend Diomedes DÃaz, hints that Turizo may venture further into this style in the future.
“It feels incredibly natural to me; it embodies the cultural music of my homeland,” Turizo notes. “Vallenato has been a constant in my life since childhood whenever the radio was on.”
Manuel Turizo gushes about working with musical idol Yandel
Among the collaborations on “201,” one stands out particularly for Turizo.
The artist teamed up with Puerto Rican reggaeton star Yandel for “Mamasota” (“Hottie”), an upbeat tribute to unabashed desire. Their music video adds an intriguing twist as it plays out in a mob-style narrative.
“Mamasota” represents Turizo’s third project with Yandel. The duo previously collaborated on “Celda” from Yandel’s 2020 album “Quién Contra Mà 2,” and Yandel’s former duo Wisin & Yandel appeared on Turizo’s album “Dopamina.”
“For me, they were the largest stars since my youth,” Turizo reflects. “There’s a saying that meeting your idols can ruin the magic, but that wasn’t my experience. Meeting him only elevated my admiration—he’s genuinely cool.”
Lessons from ‘La Bachata’: How Manuel Turizo Learned to Trust His Instincts
Manuel Turizo’s new album “201” marks a significant transition after the tremendous success of his hit song “La Bachata.”
This track, from his third album “2000,” is a heartfelt anthem that dominated the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart, holding the No. 1 spot for an impressive 14 weeks. It has garnered Turizo numerous accolades and has become the most-streamed Latin solo song in Spotify’s history.
Initially, Turizo’s record label hesitated to allow him to release a bachata song, a soulful dance style with roots in the Dominican Republic. However, he reflects that this challenge helped him recognize the value of staying authentic to his musical vision.
“You need to connect with what you’re doing because the essence of your life is recognizing what resonates with you,” Turizo explains. “That should guide your decisions.”
Manuel Turizo Shares Plans for Touring and His Vision of a ‘Perfect Life’
Turizo is gearing up to bring the “201” celebration to audiences worldwide.
He is set to embark on a major world tour in 2025, which he describes as an event that will capture the lively and distinctly Latin essence of his new album.
“This will be my largest tour to date,” Turizo says. “I want fans to feel like they’ve walked into a Caribbean New Year’s celebration. That’s the energy I’m aiming for.”
While music is his top priority and passion, Turizo also dreams of exploring other creative fields, including acting, fashion, and songwriting for fellow artists.
“I’m eager to learn and gain insights from those who excel in the fields I admire,” he shares. “My ideal life involves waking up each day and focusing on what I can create today.”
