Antonio Cartagena, a successful life: Did they tell you that you couldn’t sing? Did he participate in the capture of Abimael? and more

“When I started in music, I found only closed doors, they denied me help because they didn’t believe in me, they said that I was wasting my time, that I wasn’t good at singing, that I shouldn’t try and that only if I did covers could they give me a chance; but I wanted to make my own themes, that identify me”, narrates Anthony Cartagenaone of the most important exponents of romantic sauce in Peru.

Before his talent for music was recognized, the Peruvian singer-songwriter dealt with rejection and disapproval. Despite this, he never declined to his artistic dreams, he continued knocking on doors, until the opportunity came and he knew how to take advantage of it. More than three decades later, he reflects on that uncertain time and thanks his parents for the motivation they gave him not to give up. He also remembers the most important period of his career, his presentations in impressive settings together with world salsa icons and his rapprochement with other genres.

“Many of those who, at some point, denied me support, later came to congratulate me. 31 years ago this story began and I have not stopped. This year I released ‘Lo Mejor de Mí… ¡Muchacha!’, a vinyl record that brings together my best hits and that could have a second volume because several songs didn’t come out. I also recently premiered the official video clip of ‘Aprender con migo’. In addition, I must express with joy that on February 10 and 11 I will be in Quito and Guayaquil and I am in negotiations to tour Europe”, he highlights.

military life

─Before being a musician, you were a policeman, what do you remember from that stage?

I am a retired police officer, my high school class and great friend is the Minister of the Interior, César Cervantes; also the new Commander General of the National Police of Peru, Raúl Alfaro, and others whom I greatly admire for the work they have to do today in defense of our country and culture. When we started we were between 17 and 20 years old, an unforgettable time, I learned a lot.

─What did you learn?

To love the homeland and serve my country, although my dreams later led me down the path of music.

─Is it true that you were part of the Special Intelligence Group (GEIN) of the National Police, which in September 1992 managed to capture Abimael Guzmán?

It’s a lie, I had nothing to do with it, I didn’t get to participate because at that time I asked for my leave to dedicate myself fully to my musical career.

─How was that step from the police to music?

I was working in the Ministry of the Interior as a Police Lieutenant and had just entered university to study Psychology, when the little bug of the cantada sat me down. With the support of my mother and the fearful permission of my father it all started. After they recommended that I follow my instincts and my heart, I took a break from the police and accepted the proposals they had, one of which was to record the song “Without you”.

─How was the initial path?

It was hard, I never had it easy; but here I am 31 years later. I did not enter this world by chance, I looked for opportunities and when they came I knew how to take advantage of them. I worked with the record labels Iempsa, El Virrey, RMM and Sony. Thanks to the latter I met the maestro Tony Vega, the great Oscar de León, Cheo Feliciano, La India, Ray Sepúlveda, José Alberto ‘El Canario’ and other great musicians.

─Any unforgettable memory of that time?

I have been able to mix with impressive figures of salsa on big stages like the Madison Square Garden, Carnagie Hall, the Miami Arenas nightclub, Copacabana… With some to this day I share a beautiful friendship, when I was in the Dominican Republic, I stayed at the house of ‘El Canario’, we talked, we joked, we watched together videos of the shows that we share; The same happened with Oscar D’León and Tony Vega, whom I was lucky enough to see again recently during a presentation at the Arena Perú. I feel very proud of the identity and the music that I carry in my blood, of being able to go out and sing to the Peruvians abroad, to bring joy to them, to fill their hearts, although it is not easy because there are also critics.

─In March 2020, “Magaly TV” broadcast some audios in which you are heard making racist comments during a show abroad. What happened that time?

What they did to me was terrible, that is not done, they did not show everything that really happened. Before that mini concert, in which there were about eight or ten people, there was great discomfort because they did not pick us up from the airport when we arrived, nor did they give us lodging. They left me and my orchestra abandoned until late at night, and despite the fact that this Peruvian businessman did not take us in or pay us, we complied with the presentation out of the love and respect that I have for Peruvians, even more so if they live in abroad.

─How did “Without You” come into your hands, a song that marks the beginning of your musical career?

I was a little over 18 years old and still in the police when I was lucky enough to record for two large and important orchestras in our country. With Peru Salsa All Star I recorded “Sin ti” (1990) in English and Spanish, and three months later, I recorded “Esa niña” and “Tengo todo excepto a ti” with Mr. Oscar Pitín Sánchez’s La Sensual 990. In 1991 came “I need a love.”

─ “I need a love”, the first song you wrote and the one that opened the doors for you.

Actually, it was the result of curiosity and the desire to act as producer, arranger and executive director. He didn’t have anything to record, he didn’t know what to do, he just went out and, indeed, with this song, this humble servant crossed borders. I started with Colombia and Venezuela, continued through Ecuador and Mexico, then the Caribbean, Europe and the United States. It was wonderful. As a result of that, I joined Mr. Ralph Mercado’s RMM record label.

─Is it inspired by some moment in your life?

It had nothing to do with me; but in fact it is part of everyone’s life and has great sentimental value for me because it is about my beginnings, when I sang for free in discos because I wanted to experiment. Then “The owner of my heart” arrived, “If you’re not here”…, and I’ve been doing a series of things like that. Once I began to grow in my career, with a lot of humility, without pretending to be better than anyone or taking anything from anyone, everything flowed. I can’t complain, the public supported me and my work from the first moment I went on stage.

─ Do you remember that first time on stage?

The first time was in a 20 meter long stadium, before 40 thousand people. I hadn’t even been a year into my career, having recorded “Without You” and my voice or hand didn’t even shake a bit to stand on that stage. Then I continued with performances in Huacho, Arequipa, Trujillo… That same year I traveled to New York, where I was lucky enough to meet Nora from the Light Orchestra of Japan and other renowned artists.

─At some point in your career, did fame destabilize you?

If it had been otherwise, if I hadn’t suffered in my beginnings, I probably wouldn’t have been able to sustain myself with music; but it was not my case.

─Is it difficult to be an artist in Peru?

Being recognized is difficult because people always leave because of the defects you may have and not because of the virtues. It seems that they are bothered by your triumphs, and what a pity that abroad it is said that an enemy of a Peruvian is another Peruvian. Thank God it never happened to me, I keep moving forward, creating songs and what I’ve experienced I won’t change for anything.

─If you had to choose only one song, which one would you prefer?

With “I need a love” because it has an added value: it is my authorship. “Without you” is also important because it was my first song, a wonderful ballad that I heard in the little voice of the great and beautiful Paloma San Basilio, a spectacular woman.

─In recent years, accusations of non-compliance with alimony have darkened your path. How is that situation going?

I have nothing to say on that subject. I move on, one is capable enough to solve them. I follow traveling, taking care of my work, which at this moment is the most important thing.

─What do you think of the new salsa generations, like Daniela Darcourt, Yahaira or Josimar?

They are being very well managed and I think the opportunity they have is wonderful. Now it’s their turn to fight, I’ve already been through that. I wish them the best, they have youth, which is important, and the opportunity to persevere in a career that is so rewarding and thankless at the same time.

─What is music for you?

It is an important part of my life, and I do not limit myself to a single genre, I have recorded ballads, reggaeton and recently recorded “Give me your love” in cumbia with maestro Víctor Romero. Since I started, from day one, music brought me closer to people and it has not stopped giving me unforgettable experiences.