FITO BLANKO MUSIC ICON

LAPS OF LUX: WHO IS FITO BLANKO?

Fito: I’m an award-winning Panamanian-Canadian Latin recording artist, a pioneer of Latin urban music in Canada, an advocate for Latin music and culture, and a dreamer.

LAPSOFLUX: TELL US ABOUT YOUR MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS DURING A PROJECT YOU CREATED?

Fito: I’ve had some pretty cool moments like performing at EDC Mexico, presenting at the Latin Grammy Awards and being an ambassador for the Pan Am Games.

One of the most memorable moments I have was working with Bishop Brigante on a song featuring Snoop Dogg back in 2008. Bishop had just signed a contract with BODOG and was working out of my studio in Scarborough. That night, Bishop invited a group of Toronto mixtape rappers and producers to join us for the Snoop remix. There was so much talent in that room: Bishop, Sensei Musica, Boi 1da, Roxx, Ken Masters, Hush (Young Tony), and Drake. It was one of those nights that felt like we could achieve anything. We were all just kids then, but seeing how far everyone has come since makes that night all the more special.

LAPSOFLUX: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE MUSIC? HOW DID THE “FAST AND FURIOUS” SOUNDTRACK COME ABOUT?

Fito: I was greatly inspired by Panamanian and Jamaican reggae artists, the pioneers of Latin urban music like Renato, El General, and Nando Boom, as well as Puerto Rican underground mixtapes such as The Noise and Playero. Artists like Shabba Ranks, Cutty Ranks, Super Cat, Yellow Man, Buju Banton, and Beenie Man were also major influences while growing up in 90s Toronto. Fashion-wise, we rocked Starter jackets, Fila kicks, Karl Kani jeans, and Wallabees. Wutang, Biggie, 2Pac, Nas, Jay Z, Fugees, Dr. Dre, Snoop, Eminem, and DMX dominated pop culture; MTV was my go-to news source—I absorbed it all like a sponge.

As for Meneo, the song was finished and released two years before the movie Furious 7 dropped. Producer I am Chino was in town while on tour with Pitbull and stopped by the studio. I remember Chino, Sensei Musica, and Jorgie (Mr 305 Inc producer) working on the music while I conceptualized the song and melodies. The song was released in 2013 and submitted for the movie that same year but production on the film paused due to Paul Walker’s passing. Eventually, it was selected for the movie soundtrack when production resumed. By 2015, streaming services like Pandora, Spotify, and apps like Shazam played a huge role in the international success of “Meneo.” I loved how the song was used in the film, a feel good scene with Paul Walker playing with his kid by the beach, magical!

Focus on your craft, find a mentor, trust your instincts, and rehearse rigorously for performances. Make every opportunity count.

LAPSOFLUX: WHO ARE SOME OF THE BIGGEST NAMES IN THE INDUSTRY THAT YOU HAVE WORKED WITH? WHAT PROJECTS CAN WE TAP INTO?

FITO: I’ve worked with a lot of great artists, collaborating and remixing tracks with Pitbull, Sak Noel, Fat Joe, Elvis Crespo, Shakira, Enrique Iglesias, Rick Ross and J Balvin, Jowell, J Avarez, Gente de Zona among others. I feel blessed to have played a role on so many projects, big and small.

WHAT’S NEW?

FITO: I’m back in the studio, recording new music for a fresh project. I’m on a mission to bring the party back and make clubs fun again, changing the music frequency. Follow all my social media accounts Fito Blanko. I like connecting with my online community.

LAPSOFLUX: WHO ARE YOUR TOP 3 MUSIC ARTISTS OF ALL TIME?

FITO: I’ll give you my top 5 in no particular order: Kanye, Sean Paul, Pitbull, Daddy Yankee, and Hector Lavoe.

LAPSOFLUX: WHO ARE YOUR TOP 3 MUSIC ARTISTS OF ALL TIME?

FITO: Toronto, Miami, and Mexico.

LAPSOFLUX: FAVORITE MUSIC PRODUCER?

FITO: My dream producer is Timbo. I’d love to hear what a Timbo shatta dancehall beat sounds like.