Lita Pezo: “In Peru, music is an endurance race”

Lita Pezo was 13 years old when she sang in 'Perú has talent'. It was the first time she had traveled to Lima from her native Iquitos and she had chosen 'Sailor of Lights' by Isabel Pantoja. Cecilia Bracamonte left her jury chair and came out to congratulate her. “I thought I was delirious,” recalls the singer who will represent Peru in Viña del Mar (from the 25th). “The weather had shocked me, I was very weak and I had taken serum. My presentation was at night and I was there from 6 in the morning, imagine! I said, 'I'm going to take my last breath,'” she tells us over the phone.

Lita wanted to win the prize to help her family. She grew up next to her father, who is a musician and accompanied her to the casting in Lima. “If my father had not instilled in me the love of art, I would not be here. My dad is fundamental to this day, and I follow his advice: follow a discipline, keep improving, believe in it and trust in my dreams.”

At the festival she will be in the international competition with the theme 'Luchadora' and coincides with another Peruvian, Ruby Palomino, who will be in the folklore competition. “She is also a fighter. “I represent Iquitos and she represents Huancayo, so it would be historic for us to win.” Lita will go to Viña with her coach in 'The Voice', Eva Ayllón. “It's a privilege. Also, she was my vocal coach in the recording session, so because of her I get to sing the song the way I sing it. She has been a very important piece in my career and she takes care of me personally and professionally.”

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-What do you remember most about your first appearance on television?

-I remember that when I saw the teacher leave her seat I said: 'Is this real?' I only see the magnitude when my dad hugs me and we bow in gratitude. I think it was visionary, she believed in me.

-You compete after applying for the second time, right?

-Yes, I applied for the same category, I didn't pass, but it was for a reason because the song has other arrangements and I have participated now.

-You overcame the covid, you thought you would leave music and now in the video clip for 'Luchadora' you put your family story. Do you feel more identified?

-Yes, definitely. It's the most important song I'm performing. We all have battles, we all want to achieve something for someone or for ourselves. It is for those who resist. Here, this is a race of strength, of endurance.

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-You told me that you find it interesting that two artists from the provinces, with the difficulties they have, are in an international competition.

-Iquitos is a beautiful city where there is a lot of talent, but sometimes due to lack of resources there are no opportunities and that talent is not shown. I want to contribute, in a little or a lot, I don't know, but let them know that there is a region where there are boys and girls who want to achieve their dreams. Many times talent is not enough.

-What has meeting Pantoja meant to you?

-Phew! With his songs I have had a moment of much work and much teaching. It was a dream come true. He thrilled me that he knew my name and told me: “Thank you for singing my songs” and “sing what you like, I know you're going to be a big star, I'm telling you.” Imagine if he sees me in Viña! I believe that the key to success will be preparing to sing and enjoy.

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