When Hip-Hop superstar Akon calls you his “secret weapon,” the world is bound to listen, and that’s exactly what happened to 20-year-old Colby O’ Donis, a singer-songwriter who is just getting started on becoming the next pop sensation. The New York native, born to Puerto Rican and Guyanese parents, received his first break at age nine when platinum producers Full Force, known for collaborating with everyone from Bob Dylan to Britney Spears, chose to shop his demo to numerous music labels. At age 10, O’ Donis studied guitar with Johan Oiested from Carlos Santana’s rhythm section. Even at age 12, O’ Donis began producing his own music. Just as he was later about to sign a record deal with Babyface, the young prodigy was given the opportunity to meet Akon, which would forever change his fate. By 19, O’ Donis released his debut album Colby O, a collection of R&B and dance hits with some sexy Latin guitar, which jumpstarted parties at nightclubs, swooned teenage girls, and flew up on the Billboard charts. Before becoming legal to drink, O’ Donis earned a Grammy nomination for “Just Dance” with Lady GaGa, the no-pants wearing electro diva who’s recognized as the hottest trendsetter in music today. However, with his new single “Let You Go” already garnering attention by the media, O’ Donis is getting his time to shine.
O’ Donis spoke with nocheLatina from his Los Angeles home on meeting with Akon, the truth behind his new single “Let You Go,” and whether this musical Adonis is really a ladies man.
nocheLatina: When did you first realize that you were meant to be an entertainer?
Colby O’ Donis: I was nine-years-old when I first began working with Full Force in Orlando, the same producers that worked with the Backstreets Boys and N’Sync. It was an amazing experience to do something that I’ve always been passionate about with people that believed in me. I couldn’t see myself do anything else and I haven’t looked back since.
nocheLatina: You’re originally from New York City?
Colby O’ Donis: Yeah, I was born in The Bronx, but grew up in Queens. Definitely a city boy. New York City is one of my favorite places to perform, so I always love going whenever I can.
nocheLatina: 
How did you and Akon meet?
Colby O’ Donis: It’s actually quite simple. It was about three years ago and we met through my management by some hookups they had. We got in the studio, played him my demo, and he loved it. A few weeks later, we set up a session and just started working on music. He then told me that he was starting his own label called Konvict Muzik and asked if I wanted to be a part of it. We ran with it and I guess the rest is history and now I’m here talking to you.
nocheLatina: When did you find out that you were nominated for a Grammy? How did this recognition impact you?
Colby O’ Donis: I was in the studio working on some music and I then got a text message saying I was nominated. It was just an incredible feeling and I spent that day celebrating with my family over dinner.
nocheLatina: What was it like working with Lady GaGa?
Colby O’ Donis: Lady GaGa is a really wonderful person to work with. We had a great vibe, so I was happy to share that nomination with her.
nocheLatina: Many singers don’t write their own songs, but you do. Why is it important for you to not just sing, but also write?
Colby O’ Donis: Writing my own songs is extremely important to me. I feel that I’ve gone through so much in my life and there’s no better way of showing the real you than through music. It’s a way for me and my fans to connect through the same struggles. There’s so much more of me that I haven’t revealed and music is my way of letting people know who I am.
nocheLatina: As a musician of Puerto Rican descent, do you see yourself recording in Spanish?
Colby O’ Donis: Yeah, that’s definitely something I plan on doing in the future, possibly recording a Spanish album. I’m very proud of who I am and I definitely want to connect with my fans in any way I can.
nocheLatina: What’s the story behind 'Let You Go?'
Colby O’ Donis: 'Let You Go' is my new single and it’s a very personal song about a real relationship I was in for about three years. We broke up and the song explains how everything went down. I think anyone who has been in a relationship with someone for a long time and then had to call it quits will relate to it.
nocheLatina: I read that you recently performed for a women’s only audience in San Jose.
Colby O’ Donis: Yeah, that was crazy! All the women were screaming and having a blast. It was fun.
nocheLatina: Would you consider yourself to be a ladies man?
Colby O’ Donis: Oh yeah, I’m definitely a ladies man. No doubt about that!
nocheLatina: 
Is there anyone special in your life now?
Colby O’ Donis: Not that I know of. I’m single right now.
nocheLatina: I’m sure that’s something the ladies are going to love to hear. Tell me something that few people know about you?
Colby O’ Donis: Um…I like to eat sushi.
nocheLatina: What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? Is there a specific place you like to go and party?
Colby O’ Donis: Honestly, I’m always performing in clubs, so the last thing I want to do on my day off is go party at a club. I prefer just staying home, spending time with my family, and watching movies. You know, just staying chill until my next gig, maybe make some music, and relax.
nocheLatina: What do you hope fans will get out of Colby O?
Colby O’ Donis: I want fans to listen to my music and have a good time. I’ve put my all into this album and I’m now living my dream. I want people to be a part of that and know that they should never be afraid to believe in themselves and make anything happen. I couldn’t have gone this far without the support of my fans and I will never stop thanking them.
Ladies, it’s been reported that Colby O’ Donis tries to respond to all his fan mail on Myspace. Check out his page here.
