Flava of the Month

Dance party fixture Flava discusses his life and career.

by Victor Barreiro

His given name is Mark Martinez, but audiences around the world simply know him as Flava. From the Black Party in Rio de Janeiro to Atlantis gay cruises, this Latino has been entertaining audiences for over a decade as his alternate ego. This multi-talented performer also sings, and in 2005, Flava added recording artist to her list of accomplishment,s thanks to hit single “The Music,” done with producers DJ Dan DeLeon and DJ Alexander. Last year, he appeared on the big screen as Sylvester in the Academy Award-winning Milk. We recently chatted about his exciting career and his latest venture with Club Papi.

FRONTIERS IN L.A.: How is your Thursday gig with Club Papi's Pan Dulce at Micky's going?

FLAVA: They're going very well. I never really saw myself going back to Micky's, but being that it's new and I love working with the Latin community, it's fun to be back.

Who would you say is your favorite artist to interpret and why?

My favorite artist to interpret is pretty much Beyoncé. I don't usually interpret anybody, but if and when I do, it would be her. I love B's commitment to performing, and the girl can move almost like me. [Laughs]

What's the toughest part about being a performer?

Always having to come up with something new is a challenge. You know that saying “You're only as good as your last show”— well, it's true. I have been doing this for 11 years and the reason why I am still keeping it strong is because I am always reinventing myself. Sometimes that's the best part, but that's the toughest part as well.

Clearly you do a lot of traveling and I am sure it gets lonely. Is there anything you do for comfort?

Yes, I travel loads and for the longest time I never really got lonely, but these past two years I have, so now I bring a friend everywhere I go and have a blast.

When did you realize you wanted to be a performer?

I don't know when I realized that performing was going to be part of who I am. I always danced as a child and never stopped. I danced, choreographed, directed and then performed. I have never looked back—never.

Tell me something about you that no one knows.

Well, I'm not sure if anyone knows that I am a certified acting and life coach. I love helping people break down their walls in life and become that great powerful person that's inside them. I guess you can say that I have used Flava to empower the world on all levels.

More info: tangobluesentertainment.com