Exclusive: Latin Urban Duo Fusión Latina ends up victorious during the 4th Annual LA6 [Latin Music] Showcase!

By: Fredwill Hernandez

Excitement was in the air in anticipation for the start of the 4^th Annual LA6 Showcase – a collaborative effort between Los Angeles, Ca. based DJ Irony, and [his colleague] DJ Lenny G who [both] are employed and spin for Spanish Broadcasting Systems’ [SBS’s] MEGA 96.3 FM and veteran Latin music promoter Marvin Alexis [of Marvelous Promotions] known to all as Marvelous — held on Wed. – June 28, 2023 at the building which formerly housed 20 Ft. Bear Studios [near DTLA] where Latin music insiders, producers, DJ’s, artists, and music journalists were anticipating the live performances by the likes of upcoming Latin Urban artists’ RangeL, Fusión Latina, Stefy Rose, Oriental, Zelly Vibes, and Frank B – who were the six finalist chosen out of one hundred and twenty artists submissions.

“This is the fourth year doing this showcase. One day I received a call from DJ Irony, it was his idea, he just reached out for me to help him bring his desire and vision [of having a showcase] to life. The first three years the winner of the showcase got the opportunity to perform for seven thousand people during Calibash – at their outside stage,” eloquently explained Marvelous [of Marvelous Promotions]. “DJ Irony will eventually produce, remix, and promote the winner of the showcase during his [live] mix show on the radio station, and during various other events and venues he is asked [or booked] to appear and or DJ, and will also help the winner with a music video of the song [he produces] in collaboration with Fuego Music which was also one of the LA6 showcase sponsors.” The building that formerly housed 20 Ft. Bear Studios was the perfect venue for the intimate concert which gave attendees a close-up view of what each performer had to offer and also gave attendees a perfect opportunity to network.

“Tonight — we’re honored to have Dj Vlatz [of Dj City Latino] as our house Dj, Vanessa Khan [CEO of the RYM Network] as our hosts and judge, along with Jerry Fortuna [of the Ice Cube Company] who manages Ice Cube, and Latin music photojournalist Fredwill Hernandez, as our judges. Each artist will get a chance to perform three songs, and out of these six performers — one winner will eventually be chosen,” explained LA6 Showcase co-founder Marvelous during welcoming remarks as he [and Dj Irony] thanked attendees for showing up and supporting the event, and initially [at the beginning] letting each judge introduce themselves. Venezuelan Latin Urban artist named Deivid Pujols known artistically as RangeL kicked things off by performing “Nota Loca,” “Mala,” and “Panaderia,” all songs he penned which had a “very catchy old school Reggaetón feel.”

“I was born in Venezuela, I never knew or set out to be a singer. I grew up in a Christian home, my parents were preachers so I grew up in the church and that’s where I picked up the musicianship: learning to play [and playing] the guitar, bass, and piano in the church. When I left the church, living in Ecuador I picked up the guitar and started singing in buses as a way to make ends meet. People started to clap and support: the feeling I felt, it really touched my soul and that’s when I realized and knew singing [and performing] would be my thing going forward,” eloquently explained Pujols, adding that his father was Dominican and that he had lived there in the Dominican Republic a while before coming here to the states, and eventually making his way to Los Angeles, Ca. As performances intensified, it was becoming obvious why these six music artists were chosen. It was also interesting to find out RangeL was not the only performer from Venezuela. Other countries like Mexico, Chile, and Ecuador were also represented.

“Music came into my life like a miracle: as far back as I can remember I’ve always sang [and danced] for people and loved the response and attention I would receive, and my parents have [always] been here and supported my ambitions, goals, and dreams since day one. I remember as a little girl singing in front of the mirror visualizing myself [and pretending] I was performing in front of a lot of people in a big crowd at a concert, but little by little I’m making my dreams a reality. I was born in Venezuela and have been here in the states for five years artistically giving it my all,” explained singer/ songwriter Stefy Rose, who was one of the six performing finalist, who [recently] released the single titled “Me Hipnotizas,” on June 3, 2023. “I feel fortunate and blessed to have been selected as one of the six finalists to take part in the LA6 Showcase and encourage anyone with a dream to never give up, fight for your dream until it becomes reality.”

As the [guest] house Dj for the night, Dj Vlatz [of Dj City Latino] entertained the guest, specially during the fifteen minutes breaks after two artists [of the six] would end their performances. These fifteen minutes breaks gave attendees a chance to network, talk, get a drink, and anticipate what was to come or to [also] wonder who would eventually win. Ultimately all performers did their thing, some had dancers, and some had synchronized choreographed steps which ultimately [as a duo] sealed their performance and fate.

“We’ve been doing music for 20 years, but only three years as duo or group, and it has been the best three years of my life. We are grateful for the opportunity, but thanks to these people [in reference to the event organizers] that through their work we are able to grow and keep pushing forward,” eloquently expressed Alonso Montecinos, who hails from Chile, and who [along] with Yasmin Yanirey [of Mexico] are artistically known as [the duo] Fusión Latina, who eventually were selected as the winners of the LA6 Showcase. “Being selected as the winners was a big relief, of a lot of rehearsing, sacrifice, dedication, and love for our music: pure joy.”