TONY SUCCAR: “THE GAMES OPENING CEREMONY WAS IMPRESSIVE”

The largest sports event ever held in Peru keeps gathering Peruvian talents not only on the fields but also on stage. One of them is the Peruvian-American musician and producer Tony Succar, who will participate in the Lima 2019 cultural festival Culturaymi, which is held at the same time as the sports competitions.

Succar arrives in Peru amid a host of celebrations: the International Peruvian Cajón Festival Rafael Santa Cruz, and Culturaymi festival, where he will perform and give a master class.

“It’s a blessing to be here at this important time for Peru, when the international spotlight is on the country. I left my country at a very young age when I was 2, but I feel very Peruvian because of the music and culture I have always related to.”

The musician, who is settled in the United States, was amazed by the Lima 2019 Pan American Games held on July 26 at the National Stadium.

“The Games opening ceremony was impressive. The show was similar to a World Cup opening ceremony or a Cirque du Soleil production. All the details, people singing songs when entering the stage... Everything was very well planned and executed. It was spectacular, and I think that it sets a good example for young people in Peru.”

Regarding the importance of the Peruvian cajón in the ceremony, Succar said it strengthens the popularity of the instrument around the world. A big group of trained volunteers also participated in the show.

“That was a very big thing for me. The Peruvian cajón is today an international instrument. All musicians know what a cajón is. It has been all over Spain because it has been incorporated into flamenco, but everyone knows it comes from Peru. Even the percussionists of Jason Mraz, who is a very popular pop artists, play the cajón, and he is 100% American.”

Additionally, the Peruvian musician said he is a friend of Luis Fonsi, the opening ceremony headliner, through his brother Jean Rodríguez. Succar featured Rodríguez on Me enamoro más de ti  song, which was nominated for the Latin Grammy.

The Lima 2019 Pan American Games Opening Ceremony was a trending worldwide 

“We’re friends. Luis Fonsi’s brother has gone to my shows many times. That’s why when I see something that Luis Fonsi has done makes me very proud. The last time I saw him in person was in Puerto Rico, right before Despacito was released. Fonsi came to our concert and said that he was working on something new. He loves Peru and has a fan club here that has supported him a lot. Everyone loves Peru. I’m very proud of saying that I’m Peruvian.”

Besides, Succar provided details on his participation in  Culturaymi, with a playlist made up of mainly Peruvian songs, including part of his new disc, Más de mí, as well as songs from the Latin tribute project to Michael Jackson which made him famous.

“The show on Saturday will be spectacular here in the Nicomedes Santa Cruz amphitheater, which is an impressive stage. I was surprised when I saw it. It will be a varied show with 16 musicians on stage. It’s a wonderful team. And the rhythm section of the band will join me on Saturday and we’ll explain what we do when playing music. We’ll focus on the cajón and percussion, that is what I do, and part of the production I’ve always done in my whole career,” he added.