Listening to his vocals and watching him dance all together are reminiscent of Michael Jackson. The difference, though, is that Renzo performs in Spanish while adding a luminous touch of romantic merengue.

That’s the case with his single, “Mi Favorita.” A tune like no other, “Mi Favorita” is a sole production of Renzo – one topping the charts everywhere. It’s infectious, up-tempo and inspirational.

During a recent interview, Renzo spoke about his passion for music, musical influences, how “Mi Favorita” was inspired, upcoming agenda, and hobbies, among other things.

Campus Circle: How did you find your passion for music?

Renzo: I started off as a dancer, but I've always had music in me. I began signing when I was 12 years old, but at that time, I was more inclined to dance. Then around 2010-2011, I decided to pursue a career as a singer. 

CC: Besides Michael Jackson, what have been some of your musical influences throughout your career? 

R: Alex Bueno – a great merenguero from the Dominican Republic. My parents are Dominican and they've always been into merengue. So he was one of their favorites and at every family gathering and parties, they would always play his music.

CC: Talk to us about your single, 'Mi Favorita.' How did this song come about?

R: This song came about one evening. I wrote the whole thing that same night. I focused on what one really lives through when one's in school and how there's always that one cute girl in a group. So I know this is something young people and adults alike will be able to identify with.

CC: This single has been very successful. It's been playing all over the place. How does it make you feel that both the fans and the media have received this song so well?

R: It brings about many different feelings. It's truly been a blessing for me that I didn't expect. It's been a dream come true for me to be honest, that all these people have accepted this song as their own.  

CC: What's on your agenda for the rest of May and if possible, in June?

R: I have a media tour in New York. Then I'll be going to Miami and then Los Angeles and Boston, and other parts of the North East. I'll be visiting and performing 'Mi Favorita' for all my fans.

CC: What is the #1 fact about you that you want the people of L.A. to know?

R: That I want them to recognize me by my music, but also by my personality. I dance. I sing. I do a little bit of everything, and I know the people of L.A. will like it all.

CC: Dancing is not easy for most people, neither is singing. Yet, you do both. Can you talk about the discipline and dedication a person needs to keep mentally and physically fit to be able to do this?

R: I personally aim to rehearse daily. I do cardio, and play basketball. I run. I sing and dance at the same time during rehearsals. I have trainers, dancers and choreographers I work with, and they help me and make sure everything comes out well.

CC: What’s your take on social media and how do you use it to keep your fans engaged?

R: I love social media, and I'm always connected in one form or another. It's a great way to stay in touch with your fans, and you find yourself sharing a lot with them. Even things about your personal life or sometimes I will begin a lyric from one of my songs and then everyone responds and follows my thread. I know my fans love things like that.

CC: How important is fashion for you? Do you use it to help transcend who you are to your fans?

R: I believe each artist has his/her own style. In my case, I like to be a little weird. Sometimes I will wear something like, a blazer and gloves, so I try to be different – yet not necessarily eccentric.  

CC: What do you like best about the Dominican Republic?

R: I love the heat. Sometimes it gets so hot that you sweat profusely and become sticky. I like the fact that it's warm there all year long. So for Christmas or New Years, you can go out anywhere and have fun and celebrate. You're not stuck at home in the cold like in New York.

CC: What advice can you give the youth out there who might be considering to pursue a career in this industry, but might be facing some obstacles or difficulties? What could you say to help motivate them?

R: I would advise them to always stay on course with what they want. Don't stray from your path, especially if someone says something negative to you. Stay very focused and work extremely hard, just like I did. Keep moving forward. Keep pushing yourselves. Things will come to you in time.

CC: What's next, after 'Mi Favorita'? Are you still writing, composing?

R: Absolutely. I haven't stopped for a minute. It's a constant effort. Thankfully 'Mi Favorita' is a hit and continues to play. It debuted #30 on the Billboard charts and it's up to #22 right now. It's something incredible, but one has to keep working either by writing or producing.  

CC: Where does your inspiration come from when you're writing your songs?

R: It can come from anywhere. I could be on a plane or on a boat. There are different life situations. Couples fighting on the street or in love on the street, and then I begin to write down what I really feel.

CC: Who would you like to do a duet with in the future?

R: I would love to do a duet with Romeo Santos. I feel he's placed the Dominican Republic in a very high place. I would also love to do a duet with Pitbull; he's got a very peculiar style.

CC: One of the similarities between them is that they both believe that as an artist, one must find that motivation to always be working but, also, maintain a sense of originality. What do you think about all this?

R: I agree. It's something that's difficult to find. But as you work, you begin to find yourself, and that personality that's unique to you. And just like Romeo, he has his own way of singing and putting on a show.

CC: What do you do with your free time?

R: I play a lot of basketball. I like to play with friends of mine here in Dominican Republic – 

spending time with friends in general, something which is priceless. When one is in this career it's difficult to find this. In general, I just try to have a good time.

CC: Anything else you would like to add?

R: I would like to thank all my fans out there in Los Angeles, and thanks to you guys for your unconditional support and receiving me in this matter.