Fausto Moreno
Latin Pop & Urban Tropical Artist

Sandeep (00:02) Today's guest is Fausto Moreno, a Panamanian artist whose sound blends Afrobeat, Caribbean rhythms, roots reggae, dancehall, and urban music into a style shaped by evolution, authenticity, and cultural connection.

Suraaj Parab (00:21) Welcome, Fausto, to the Artist Conversation.

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (00:37) Sorry, we touched the cable by accident.

Sandeep (00:41) So we are happy to have you talking to us today, Fausto. Thank you for your time. I want to get into where it all started for you—your origins and early days. When reading your profile, I saw you started performing in 2016 at festivals, community events, and fairs. What did those early live experiences teach you about who you were as an artist before the industry ever got involved?

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (01:24) When I started doing live music, it was actually much before 2016—around 2005 or 2006. Back then, performing at fairs, the vision and passion were without the pressure we face today. It was different because the mentality and passion were done without that daily industry pressure. It's not that I don't have the same passion now—I live and do everything with passion—but it has also become a daily pressure to offer my music to the public.

I've been relocating from one country to another to better understand the industry and see how I can improve my delivery to the public. In Panama, I used to self-manage everything. I organized and sold events myself; about 70% of my career was self-managed so I could present my live music. But when I arrived in Colombia last year, I learned that live performance opportunities were more accessible there. There is great satisfaction in what I've learned, but it can be shocking because connections are crucial in the live music industry. That's a reality I can't change.

It plays against you because of the pressure to constantly seek connections just to show your talent. It becomes a continuous stress to prove myself.

Sandeep (06:03) What you are describing is true across the entire music industry globally, not just in Panama or Colombia.

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (06:16) Yes, it's global. Opportunities like the Bogotá Music Market came up because of the work I've been doing. Out of 1,061 artists who applied, I was selected among a group of around 100. That validation shows we have been doing progressive, consistent, and quality work.

Sandeep (07:22) That's amazing. Being selected among the top 10 or 11 percent out of over a thousand artists must feel very fulfilling and make you proud.

Suraaj Parab (07:41) Being born on Panama's Caribbean coast seems central to your sound and identity. What parts of that culture live most strongly inside your music today?

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (07:55) Having to grow in Panama and create my own opportunities instilled a strong work ethic in me. That drive pushes me to perform internationally with dynamic energy. You can see the roots of Panama and Afro-descendant music—emerging from Panama's history—in everything I bring to my live performances. I want to tell people: "Here I am, this is who I am, this is Panama."

Sandeep (10:00) From your debut album Orgánico: La Tierra Es Nuestra to the music you're making today, your sound has evolved. How have you learned to experiment across different genres without losing your identity or essence?

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (10:42) I consider Orgánico my experiment. Through Orgánico, I was able to know myself and understand my capabilities in production. What I keep inside my music is the original essence: positive messages that encourage you, fill you with energy, and remind you that life is beautiful and problems can be overcome.

In the transition after Orgánico, amidst the anxiety of wanting fast results, I made some music that didn't necessarily align with my core essence. It taught me that when I sang certain songs, I didn't feel complete or true to myself. Currently, while studying production in the Dominican Republic, I realized much of the commercial music around lacks soul. That woke me up to ensure my music serves a genuine purpose. I am returning to Panama to work on projects that realign with the sensitivity and lyrics of Orgánico.

Suraaj Parab (15:31) You mentioned wanting to discuss what it really takes to build a long-term music career. From your experience, what are some of the hardest behind-the-scenes realities people don't see?

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (16:00) I've tried to disconnect from worrying about the future and focus on living in the present without overwhelming myself. I maintain discipline, uphold quality, and keep learning. Being an independent artist is like David fighting Goliath, and that struggle creates anxiety if you focus too much on what comes next.

People often see the growth from the outside and assume everything is easy, but they don't see the struggles behind it. I have to stay focused on the process regardless of external perceptions. It's an ego game, but I want to stay grounded and focus on meaningful results rather than feeding an ego.

Sandeep (19:35) A lot of artists are told to chase quick results, but you emphasize preparation, growth, and perseverance. What has staying in the long game taught you that instant success never could?

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (20:08) The most satisfying thing is to sing a song I wrote and be moved to tears by it. If the music touches my heart and heals me, it will have that same effect on others. I've seen colleagues chase fast success, but they aren't happy.

World events—like natural disasters or global conflicts—put things into perspective. Chasing fame aggressively or empty success isn't important; having a purpose behind the music is. You have to pace yourself. It's like an Olympic long-distance race: if you sprint too fast early on, you burn out. Social media shows that people are tired of empty content. I want to approach this industry with both intelligence and heart.

Sandeep (24:44) It brings to mind an Indian saying: "You are a horse training for the long race." You aren't just trying to run fast; you are building for distance.

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (25:26) Exactly, long distance. Doing things independently is tough because of the financial costs, and money can't buy authenticity. While I'm open to smart business proposals, I won't sell my soul. I need proposals where I retain control and stay true to my work.

Suraaj Parab (27:13) Could you share the story behind joining the Recording Academy and the Grammys?

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (27:49) Around 2020, after recording a track called Jenga, which had a strong positive message, my wife and manager looked into how we could join the Grammys. She told me the answer was simply to keep working. We spent years organizing events, doing radio outreach, and grinding independently.

In 2024, right before releasing a new track, we received notification that we were accepted as voting members of the Latin Grammy Academy, followed by an invitation from the Recording Academy for the Grammy Awards. It proved that honest work from the heart opens the right doors.

Suraaj Parab (30:32) I can relate to that feeling—I became a Recording Academy voting member in 2021, and it's a huge milestone. Thank you for spending time with us, Fausto. We appreciate the honesty, discipline, and cultural depth you bring to your journey.

Uzzu (Fausto Moreno) (32:15) Thank you. I also want to acknowledge my wife, partner, and manager—she manages every critical aspect of this job and makes all of this possible.

Sandeep (32:24) It takes a great team. Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us; building an artistic life takes patience, growth, and courage.

Suraaj Parab (33:57) To everyone listening, go check out Fausto Moreno’s work under his artist name, Uzzu, on Spotify and Apple Music. Thank you for tuning in to Artist Conversation, and we will see you in the next episode!