Latin pop star Ricky Martin, before arriving in Montenegro, and on the occasion of the concert that will be held tomorrow evening at Independence Square in Podgorica to mark 20 years of independence, spoke to the RTCG portal about the Montenegrin and Balkan audience, as well as social networks and the authenticity of stars.
"Even before I got the invitation, I knew about the natural beauty of Montenegro and the warmth of its people. There's something really special about performing in a country for the first time, especially because it gives you the opportunity to experience something completely new, even after so many years in your career," said Ricky Martin.
"What I hope to leave behind is a night of joy, connection and celebration. Music has the power to unite us beyond language and geography, and my goal is for everyone to leave with a sense of energy, inspiration and love," he told the RTCG portal.
When asked how his music marked the 90s and 2000s, but also has a completely new, younger audience through social media, and how he feels when he realizes that his songs are now being sung by generations who weren't even born when those hits were first released, Ricky Martin says:
"It's one of the greatest gifts an artist can receive. When I see people of all ages singing my songs, it reminds me that music truly has no shelf life. The songs take on a life of their own and continue to find new audiences in ways I could never have imagined when I recorded them. Social media has made that connection even more immediate. Seeing a new generation embrace these songs with the same passion as their parents is incredibly moving and something I never take for granted."
In the conversation, the musician also spoke about the Balkan and Montenegrin audiences, and revealed his expectations for the atmosphere in Podgorica.
"I've heard wonderful things about the audiences across the Balkans and I'm very excited about it. From what I've heard, they are very passionate and fully present in every moment, and if that's true, we are very similar. As a performer, that kind of energy is everything. When the audience gives in completely, it creates a very powerful exchange," he said.
"That's why my expectations are high in the best possible way. I'm ready to give my all and I have a feeling that Podgorica will be one of those unforgettable nights," he added.
Ricky Martin also addressed how much easier or harder it is today to remain authentic in front of millions of people, considering that throughout his career he was a symbol of Latin pop culture, but also spoke openly about identity, freedom, and the pressures of fame.
"I think authenticity has always taken courage. The world is changing, technology is evolving, and the way we communicate is constantly changing, but being true to yourself remains a daily choice. In a way, there's more pressure today because everything is instant and very visible. But there's also more freedom because people value honesty and vulnerability. I've learned that the more honest I am about who I am and what I stand for, the more meaningful my connection to others becomes," he replied.
As the song that best represents him both personally and artistically, the musician singled out "Simple", from the EP "Pausa", which he performs with Sting.
"That song expresses something I've realized after many years in this industry: the most meaningful things in life are often the simplest, the ones that remind us why we're here. Being grateful for what we have and understanding that life is beautiful, even when it's hard. In the end, what drives us is love and the people around us," he explained.
Ricky Martin arrived in Montenegro today, and the first photos of the popular singer were published on the Facebook profile of the Podgorica airport.
He will perform tomorrow evening at Independence Square in Podgorica, and before him, the audience will be able to hear Tamara Živković, Milena Vučić and Nenad Knežević Knez.
After Ricky Martin's performance, DJ Robin Šulc will take over the stage.
The program is scheduled to begin at 19 p.m.
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