Carlos Burga, the José José of “Yo Soy”: “On stage I believe myself to be him, I believe I am the greatest” | INTERVIEW

Jose jose it has always been present in the life of Carlos Burga. The first time the copycat “I am: Grandes Batallas Internacional ”connected with the romanticism of the ‘Prince of the Song’, he was seven years old: he was looking at the sunset, standing, through the window of his room in Ferreñafe, when he heard“ Gavilán o Paloma ”on the radio. “It was a great, magical, unforgettable moment”, Assures the Peruvian musician. Since then, he has paid tribute to him with his performances. “”, He agrees, while showing with visible emotion the tattoo he has on his arm in honor of the Mexican star.

“. In 2013, when I won ‘Yo soy’ I had the opportunity to chat with him via zoom, thanks to a connection that Latina made. That time he was happy, he thanked me for interpreting his songs, for giving them validity, he was a very simple man. The second time we spoke it was by phone, his voice was already deteriorated, but it was a pleasant, special conversation that I will keep forever.”, Highlights the two-time champion of the Latina imitation program.

What did he say to you in that second conversation?

. But the performance he had was so great that people didn’t care that he had no voice, they still went to his shows. That day I was making a contract for a presentation in Mexico, I really wanted to do things, to continue, not to stop.

Since when do you interpret José José’s songs?

Since I was seven years old. An uncle who knows a lot about music trained me, took me to the parish choir, then to festivals where I competed with people much older than me. He was always second. It was in 1984, before the intis came out.

What did you do with the money you made?

I paid for my mother’s operation, as she was prone to cancer, they had to remove the organ that was affected. That was the biggest and most important thing I have ever accomplished. She, my grandson and my children are my incentives. My three children are always aware of my musical career, they support me, they encourage me to get ahead and minimize some comments that try to destroy me emotionally.

Are you referring to the comments of César Osorio, the ‘Axl Rose’ impersonator, who accused you of enjoying favoritism in the contest and downplayed your artistic talent?

What I’m going to tell you, César knows and he’s not going to let me lie. I asked him not to touch my family. He told me he doesn’t, then he patted me on the shoulder and left.

In 2013, you won “I am”, and a year later, “I am: champion of champions.” What motivated you to go back to racing this time?

Being invited to almost every season has led me to continue working.

How many years have you been imitating José José?

A little over eight years, since the first time I participated in “Yo soy”, in 2013.

How did you get to the “I am” competition for the first time?

Before coming to the program, I worked in a mining company, in Cajamarca, as a driller, operator of a drilling machine. But there was a mining conflict with the communities and operations were closed. Then I worked in a construction company and in the Ministry of Energy and Mines with former Vice Minister Guillermo Shinno. He loved José José’s music, his favorite song was “Don’t tell me you’re leaving”. He always told me to introduce myself to “I am.” He encouraged me.

How do you see the competition in this international season?

It is quite close because there are participants from other countries. I want to win, but I am aware of the situation, my goal is to reach the final.

Are you planning to start your own career like Carlos Burga?

In addition, with my imitations I contribute to the new generations getting to know the greatest singer that has ever existed in the world.

What does José José represent in your life?

What has José José given you?

He has given me everything, he just needed to give me a hug. That is why I will never tire of paying tribute to him. A month and a half ago I got a tattoo in his honor: I tattooed his face and the logo on my arm that can be seen on the stage of the Teatro Ferrocarrilero, the day he sang “El Triste”, in 1970. It is still unfinished, they are three sessions, one to go. In my heart it is still alive, for me it will never die.

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