Fito Blanko: Behind the Beats with the Latin Music Sensation!
MUSIC ICON FITO BLANKO SITS DOWN WITH LAPSOFLUX TO DISCUSS HIS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
HIS DISCOGRAPHY IS IMMACULATE AND FITO FEELS AS IF HE’S JUST BEGUN.
MUSIC ICON FITO BLANKO SITS DOWN WITH LAPSOFLUX TO DISCUSS HIS PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE.
HIS DISCOGRAPHY IS IMMACULATE AND FITO FEELS AS IF HE’S JUST BEGUN.
LAPS OF LUX: Fito, you’re a well-known name in the Latin music scene, but for those who might not be as familiar, 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.”
LAPS OF LUX: You’ve achieved so much in your career. Can you share some of your most memorable moments during projects you’ve 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.”
In this VIP exclusive, Fito Blanko gives us a glimpse into the passion and drive behind his successful career, highlighting key moments that have shaped his journey as a Latin music pioneer and cultural advocate.
LAPS OF LUX: Fito, you’ve had an incredible career, filled with unforgettable moments. Can you share one of the most memorable experiences you’ve had during a project?
Fito: “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.”
Fito Blanko takes us back to a pivotal moment in music history, where a room full of young, hungry artists and producers—including names that would later become industry giants—came together to create something special. This night, filled with raw talent and boundless ambition, remains a cherished memory, symbolizing the beginnings of a journey that led to success for many involved.
LAPSOFLUX: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO MAKE MUSIC? HOW DID THE “FAST AND FURIOUS” SOUNDTRACK COME ABOUT?
When it comes to understanding the roots of Fito Blanko’s music, the artist himself says, “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.” Growing up in 90s Toronto, Fito absorbed the influences of iconic figures like Shabba Ranks, Cutty Ranks, Super Cat, Yellow Man, Buju Banton, and Beenie Man. The era’s fashion and music were equally significant for him, with Starter jackets, Fila kicks, and Karl Kani jeans making up his wardrobe, while MTV and artists like Wutang, Biggie, 2Pac, Nas, Jay Z, and Snoop Dogg shaped his musical outlook.
As for his track “Meneo,” which found its way onto the Furious 7 soundtrack, Fito reveals that “the song was finished and released two years before the movie Furious 7 dropped.” He recalls how Producer I am Chino stopped by his studio while on tour with Pitbull, where they worked on the music along with Sensei Musica and Jorgie from Mr. 305 Inc. The song was submitted for the movie in 2013, but production was paused after Paul Walker’s tragic passing. When the film’s production resumed, “Meneo” was selected for the soundtrack.
The inclusion of “Meneo” in Furious 7 was nothing short of monumental, especially as the movie became a global sensation. Fito fondly remembers how the song was featured in a “feel-good scene with Paul Walker playing with his kid by the beach,” describing the moment as “magical.” The success of Furious 7, bolstered by its heartfelt tribute to Paul Walker, only amplified the impact of Fito’s track, which resonated with audiences worldwide thanks to the rise of streaming platforms like Pandora, Spotify, and Shazam.
LAPSOFLUX Exclusive: Fito Blanko on Collaborating with Industry Giants
When it comes to working with some of the biggest names in the music industry, Fito Blanko’s resume is nothing short of impressive. Reflecting on his collaborations, Fito shares, “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 Alvarez, Gente de Zona among others.”
His journey in the music world has allowed him to contribute to a variety of projects, showcasing his versatility and talent across genres. “I feel blessed to have played a role on so many projects, big and small,” Fito adds, highlighting the depth and range of his contributions to the global music scene. Whether you’re a fan of Latin urban beats or mainstream pop, Fito’s work with these industry titans offers a rich catalog of music to explore and enjoy.
APSOFLUX: You’ve got so many projects under your belt. What’s next for Fito Blanko?
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: With so much influence in the music industry, 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: And when it comes to your favorite music cities, where do they rank?
FITO: “Toronto, Miami, and Mexico.”
LAPSOFLUX: Finally, who’s your favorite music producer? Any dream collaborations?
FITO: “My dream producer is Timbo. I’d love to hear what a Timbo shatta dancehall beat sounds like.”
Fito’s energy is infectious, and it’s clear that he’s ready to bring a new wave of music that will get everyone on their feet. Stay tuned to his social media for all the latest updates on his upcoming projects!
SPECIAL THANKS
SINGHARA
JEM FORTAINE
ISLAND DIAZ
STUDIO: MAISON FILMS