Ozuna: The Universal Sound

Your fifth album, Ozutochi, has just been released. What has it been like working on this album and what has made this experience different from previous albums?

OzuTochi is an album that I really enjoyed the process of making. What was different is that I didn't put pressure on myself to finish it with a specific deadline. I spent a lot of time in the studio with my team; there were many songs that we created, and the most difficult thing was to choose the 18 tracks that are finally part of the album. I am very happy with the result, grateful to all the artists who collaborated, and above all with the acceptance it has had from my fans all over the world.

What is the creative process when you are presented with the opportunity to create a song for something like writing the song "Arhbo" for the FIFA World Cup?

When I was presented with the opportunity it was an incredible surprise. I was very honored with the invitation to collaborate with Gims and RedOne on the track "Arhbo". Being part of the official soundtrack for the FIFA 2022 World Cup has been a very special experience, one of the best of my career.

What were some of your favorite tracks you collaborated on for this album, and why?

All the collaborations on the album were special. I can't say I have a favorite one. All the artists who collaborated with me contributed to each of these tracks having a distinct essence, which makes OzuTochi a varied album for all tastes.

You recently collaborated with Shakira on the single "Monotonia." What was it like working on this track and is there anyone you haven't worked with yet that you would love to create something with?

Working with Shakira was a great experience, a collaboration that I always dreamed of and has been a lot of learning. She is an excellent artist and a professional to whom I have a lot of respect and admiration. I am very grateful, I love you Shak!

Among the artists I would like to collaborate with in the near future, it would definitely be Rihanna, as well as Bruno Mars and Juan Luis Guerra, just to mention a few.

In a 2017 interview with the New York Times, you mentioned that you were practicing English so you could crossover. Can we expect you to drop a crossover with a song in English soon, or even an album soon?

Although I've gotten a lot better with English and have done interviews and sung the occasional verse in English, I've really gotten my music heard in different countries, and language hasn't been an impediment. I have done many collaborations with international artists where I have not had to stop singing in Spanish. For example, "Del Mar" with Doja Cat and Sia, who sang in Spanish, and "Taki Taki" with Selena Gomez and Cardi B singing in English and Spanish as well.

From your performance in the latest movie franchise Fast & Furious: F9 to his roles in Father of the Bride (2022), Tom and Jerry and The Lions, can we expect to see more of you performing in 2023?

We are already working on the post-production of my biopic ODISEA. We don't have a release date yet, but we will be providing details later about this project, to which we have dedicated a lot of effort.

Do you have a favorite film genre?

I lean towards comedy and action movies.

If you weren't in the entertainment industry, what other profession would you be interested in?

I think something related to sports.

How do you balance family life given your busy work schedule?

My family is 100% supportive; they are my biggest blessing and the reason I work tirelessly day and night. I always look for ways for them to be a part of everything I do and to be with me wherever I go. It is important to me to be present in my children's lives, in their school activities, sports, vacations, and to spend as much time as possible with them.

Do you see your children following in your footsteps, or do they have any interest in music?

They really enjoy the process of my work, but they are still very young. Right now they are enjoying their childhood, and the most they are involved in is sports. I will support them in whatever their interests are as they grow up.

You have been nicknamed "The New King of Reggaetón.” How do you feel about carrying the weight of this title attached to your name?

I feel more than honored with that kind of distinction, but really I'm just continuing the legacy of the great exponents of reggaeton, who have inspired me and have been responsible for opening the doors for the new generations of urban Latin artists.

Any last words or advice you would give to your fans?

To my fans, I never get tired of expressing my love and gratitude for backing my music and supporting me during all these years. Thanks to them I am here today realizing my dreams in music. The advice I can give them is to never stop striving to achieve their goals, whatever it is, we all have the potential to succeed. It is not an easy process; I have had to work hard and persevere in what I do. Success does not come overnight, but with discipline and perseverance anything is possible.