Already a star in Latin America, Christian Acosta is ready for Miami's spotlight.
Christian Acosta at the Mondrian South Beach.
A known heartthrob in Latin America, Colombian-American singer and actor Christian Acosta is now conquering the US. Growing up between South Florida and Medellin, Colombia, Acosta has always straddled the line between being North and South American. But with his single “Tonta” garnering praise in both Spanish-and English-speaking markets, he is ready to join the two halves of his upbringing into one unstoppable force.
I love Miami because: It is the perfect combination of Latino and American; it represents who I am. If there is a city that could be molded after just my essence, it’s Miami. You can go somewhere and be completely in the USA, but [then] you walk a block and feel like you’re in the middle of Colombia or Cuba. That’s so fantastic. I don’t think that any other place in the world really has that juxtaposition.
Next up: My single “Dame de Beber,” which we are currently filming the music video for.
My musical inspirations are: The old-school Latin singers. José José is a major inspiration because of the way he has always connected with the audience. Nino Bravo, for unfortunately the short amount of time he was on this earth, still has an impact today. His music is just astonishingly beautiful. [And] Celia Cruz—that energy that she gave off on stage is something that I emulate because there is no one like her.
I am a singer because: I truly enjoy the connection with the audience. I like to get people out of their stresses and into the music.
I am grateful for: Every frickin’ minute that I have! As a child, I was very sick [with leukemia], and I am so blessed to just be here today. Forget career, forget money, it all comes down to every moment that I have in this life.
My biggest hurdle has been: Taking on too much. Part of that is me wanting to conquer everything and knowing that life is extremely short. I always say I wish I had three different lives because there are so many things that I want to do.
My proudest career moment was: When I heard my song on the radio for the first time. There’s nothing that can prepare you for that moment. In five years: I would like to see myself with a stronger legacy than I have now—whether it is musically, sonically, artistically, or philanthropically, who knows?