David Afonso: ‘I work as an electrician in Tenerife’
Earlier this month, our very own Bea heard from Canarian singer-songwriter David Afonso, who’ll be hoping to represent Spain at Eurovision this year with his Latino-influenced song Amor barato (“Cheap Love”). Among other things, Afonso told us who inspires him musically, what his biggest achievements are and how he can help aspiring musicians.
David Afonso will perform in the first semi-final of Benidorm Fest 2025, on Tuesday 28th January at 10:50pm CET on La 1 de RTVE.
You can remind yourself of the song by listening HERE:
What was your motivation to participate in Benidorm this year?
I’ve watched other years’ editions, and this year I had the curiosity to try my luck, so I applied.
What would you say has been your biggest musical achievement?
I’d say being the opening act for the Reina de Tenerife gala (“Queen of Tenerife”, an event that takes place every year as part of the Tenerife Carnival in the Canary Islands, where they choose women to be the “Queen of the Carnival”), and then being one of the participating acts for Benidorm Fest comes a close second.
When you were young, you were a contestant in the kids’ singing competition Veo, veo – how do you feel you have artistically evolved from then?
I’ve learnt many things being on stage, like dealing with all kinds of crowds and problem-solving in difficult moments when it’s easy to get stuck. But I’m always learning. I think I still have a lot to learn.
Out of all the genres your music reaches, why go for a Latin rhythm?
It’s the genre I feel the most comfortable writing and performing.
What inspires you to create music?
The feeling that this is what I like to do, and that I’m enjoying it a lot.
Which artists do you look up to and why?
Amongst the artists I look up to are David Bisbal (Spanish singer-songwriter), because of how he constantly evolves, his passion and hard work, Marc Anthony (Puerto Rican Salsa artist) because I listen to his music and have admired him since I was a kid, I love his voice and stage rhythm, and Juan Luis Guerra (Dominican artist, known mostly because of his Bachata and Merengue hits), because his songs are timeless and known by all generations.
What advice would you give to an aspiring musician?
To chase their dreams, be constant in their work, and if something doesn’t work out, to think that it’s simply not the right time, but it will arrive.
Beyond music, what are other things you like to do?
I work as an electrician in Tenerife, so I enjoy that, and also video games.
What can people expect from your performance in Benidorm?
Something new and surprising.
Can you describe your upcoming performance in three words?
Novelty, danceable, sentimental.
What’s your fondest Eurovision related memory?
Seeing how “el Chiqui Chiqui” (Spain’s 2008 entry, Baila el Chiki Chiki by Rodolfo Chikilicuatre) made it so far.
Thanks so much to David and the team for putting together this interview – buena suerte en Benidorm!
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