Michelle Zabaro, Latin Fusion Intensity

Levy Abad
Winnipeg Ethnic News

I had the opportunity to watch Michelle Zabaro, singer of the Latin Fusion band, perform at the Sonix Bar and Grill last February 17,2018. I can say that Latin Music is pretty cool.ʺ Latin Music is the heartbeat of Latin America. The influence of Latin Music and culture in general is pervasive.

The power of music to move people is proven historically whether it is for fun or as a medium for social change. Michelle's capacity  (voice and personality) as a singer in making people dance and sing along  to the beat arranged by Poncho  Zavandeaux,  the band leader and director,  is exemplary.

I want to know more about Michelle and her band mates. The opportunity came when Pablo Herrera asked his long time buddy  Poncho Zavandeaux, a co- pioneer of  Latin Music back in the UNIDAD band days, if I could interview Michelle for The Diversity Times.  Michelle shared the following:

 1.  Please tell us a little about yourself?  I was born in Colombia. I am proudly Latina. I have  been here in Canada for three years, but I was here seven years ago as an international student and met a fantastic Russian guy, who is now my husband. When I am not singing, I am working as an Automotive Industry Consultant. I love to sing and dance.

2.  When did you start singing?  I started when I was four years old. I remember singing along my dad music CDs such as, "Los 50 de Joselito,"  "Checo Acosta," " Trio Los Panchos,"  and "Nino Bravo," among others. I was always preparing songs for family gatherings and perform in front of a group of people ever since I was very young.  After that, I have been part of groups, or bands.

3.  Who are your favourite artists/ singers?  I have so many, I enjoy every genre. My favourite singers are Mercedes Sosa, Celia Cruz, Selena and Marc Anthony, but when I started listening to English music, I fell in love with the voice of Christina Aguilera, Adele, and Whitney Houston. I think the range of my voice was developed by practicing Christina Aguilera's songs. 

4.  Who are your influences?  I can say that my biggest influence in Latin music is Celia Cruz. She was just everything I have always dreamed of in a singer. Mercedes Sosa was a big influence as well. She opened my ears to Latin music. She was one of the first Latin singers I heard in my life who inspired me.

5.  When did you start performing with Latin Fusion?   I have been part of Latin Fusion Band for two and a half years. It was just destiny that brought us together here in Winnipeg. Right now, the band is busy with new projects. We are going to include Boleros, Rancheras, Baladas, and more exciting music. We hope all our people will continue supporting us as they have done so in previous years.

6.  What music genre do you sing?   I sing almost everything. I was singing some blues and Jazz back home, but when I came here, I felt the need of remembering my land. Lately, I have been singing Bachata, Merengue, Chachacha, Salsa, Boleros, Rancheras, Cumbias, etc.

7. Invitations to some future events?   We usually have an event at least once a month. Right now, we are working on our next month's event. Come May 5, we will be performing in one of the Casinos in Winnipeg. We are still working on the details.

While I was at the Sonix Bar, I was surprised to see Gerry Atwell, one of the respected musicians in Winnipeg. In my research on the history of bands in the Filipino community, I discovered that Gerry's music career goes back to the mid 70s when he was a member of Jade Band together with another awesome musician Oscar Lopez. I asked Gerry to describe Michelle as a singer of Latin Fusion Band and he commented,  "Michelle infuses her songs with life and expression such that even those of us who do not understand the lyrics can follow the emotional journey of each song." Just proves that there is more to the lyrics of a song. Michelle and her band use music to convey the message of hope, healing and unity in the midst of the tensions of industrial society.

Michelle Zabaro of the Latin Fusion band is a part of the diversity that is unfolding in Winnipeg. She represents the culture of Colombia and Latin America by singing songs that reflect or fuse the life and struggles of South America. This is one of the goals of Winnipeg Ethnic News, that is, to highlight artists in their effort to give back to the community.

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