Meet Manuel Turizo’s Parents: Diana Marcela Zapata and Carlos Santiago Turizo

Manuel Turizo Zapata, the Colombian reggaeton and Latin pop sensation, has won the hearts of fans worldwide with chart-topping hits such as “Una Lady Como Tú” and “La Bachata.”

Known for his deep baritone voice and infectious rhythms, Turizo has become one of the most recognizable voices in the Latin music scene.

Born on April 12, 2000, in Montería, Córdoba, Colombia, Manuel Turizo is of Colombian descent, with cultural roots strongly connected to the Caribbean region of Colombia. He was raised in a Christian household, a common background in Colombia.

Manuel is the son of Diana Marcela Zapata and Carlos Santiago Turizo. His father, a musician, and his mother, a supportive figure in his early life, played crucial roles in fostering his love for music. He grew up alongside his older brother, Julián Turizo, who is not only a musician but also a frequent collaborator, helping shape Manuel’s sound and style.

From a young age, was surrounded by music. His parents introduced him to a variety of genres, including vallenato, salsa, and pop, sparking his passion for singing. Initially, he aspired to become a veterinarian, but his love for music eventually took centre stage. To refine his talent, he took singing lessons from a Cuban instructor and experimented with learning the guitar, eventually discovering his strength in his powerful vocals.

His parents encouraged him to pursue music while balancing his education. During his school years in Montería, he performed at local events, gradually building his confidence as an artist. This strong foundation led to the release of his breakout single Una Lady Como Tú in 2016, which propelled him to international stardom.

Behind Manuel Turizo’s success is the unwavering support of his parents, Diana Marcela Zapata and Carlos Santiago Turizo, whose guidance and influence have been instrumental in shaping his journey.

Diana Marcela Zapata

Diana Marcela Zapata, affectionately known as the “Mommanager,” is the backbone of Manuel and his brother Julián’s careers. With over 20,000 Instagram followers, Diana proudly takes on the role of manager to her talented sons, accompanying them to performances across Colombia and beyond.

Her dedication extends beyond logistics; she has been a nurturing force since Manuel’s childhood, fostering his love for music by exposing him to diverse genres, including Mozart, vallenato, tropical, and salsa, during her pregnancy.

Diana’s influence is deeply personal. She was the first to hear Manuel’s breakout hit, “Una Lady Como Tú,” which skyrocketed him to fame in 2016, garnering over 1.4 billion YouTube views. Her emotional support and managerial acumen have helped Manuel navigate the music industry, from local stages in Montería to international tours.

In a 2020 interview for Quiéreme Mientras Se Pueda, Manuel interviewed his mother, revealing their close bond and her insights into his early years, showcasing her integral role in his life. In December 2023, Diana faced public scrutiny when a photo of her kissing Manuel on the lips in a private plane sparked debate on social media.

Carlos Santiago Turizo

Carlos Santiago Turizo, Manuel’s father, is a musician whose passion for music has profoundly influenced his sons. While he pursued a career in the breeding business, Carlos’ love for music created a creative environment in the Turizo household.

His musical background inspired both Manuel and his older brother, Julián, to pursue their artistic dreams, with Carlos passing down his enthusiasm for melody and rhythm. From a young age, Carlos encouraged Manuel’s musical aspirations, supporting his decision to focus on singing after early attempts to learn the guitar.

When Manuel expressed his dream of becoming a singer, Carlos and Diana ensured he balanced his passion with education, fostering discipline alongside creativity.

Carlos’ influence is evident in the family’s collaborative spirit, with Manuel and Julián often working together on compositions and performances.

Though less visible in the public eye than Diana, Carlos’ pride in his sons’ achievements is unwavering. His musical legacy lives on through Manuel’s versatile style, blending reggaeton, pop, trap, and vallenato, and Julián’s contributions as a composer and ukulele player.

Carlos’ role as a supportive father has been crucial in grounding Manuel as he navigates the pressures of fame.