Chayanne , The Diamond of IberoAmerica and The Hearts of Lazos de Amistad

Maria Soledad Chavez Ortiz

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Very recently I had the privilege of interviewing Maria Soledad Chaves Ortiz, founder and current president of Lazos de Amistatd  de Costa Rica. Lazos de Amistad is one of the oldest Chayanne fan clubs in existence. Maria is truly a sweetheart of a person. She was more than willing to answer any question that I had. Maria is still as enthusiastic today about Chayanne as she was as a young high school student when she and the other founders took on the magnanimous task of starting a Chayanne fan club.

Maria and Chayanne

Lazos de Amistad de Costa Rica was started in May of 1984, the founders of Lazos are Zelmira Ortiz Arroyo - General Coordinator (Founder); Maria Soledad Chaves Ortiz - President (Founder); Eida Maria Ramirez Abarca - Vice President; Magally Gutierrez Gutierrez – Secretary; Claudia Arauz Mendoza – Treasurer.

In the early days

In 1987 Lazos de Amistad was the driving force in having the name "El Diamante de *Iberoamerica" officially bestowed upon our beloved Chayanne. (* The definition of Iberoamerica : Iberoamerica is a term used to refer the group of countries in the Americas that were colonies of Spain and Portugal. The reference is to the Iberian Peninsula, where Spain and Portugal are. Beside these European nations, Iberoamerica is formed by all Spanish-speaking countries in America plus Brazil (Portuguese-speaking). Since the 1990s these countries, following the urging of King Juan Carlos of Spain, began coordinating their efforts through summits held every second year.)

The formal group

Lazos Costa Rica with Lazos Venezuela

To read the complete history of Lazos de Amistad Costa Rica please visit their web site, there is incredible history to be found there.

Q-To what do you attribute you many years of success as an official Chayanne fan club?

A-So many years ... well without a doubt whichever friendship came first, what brought us together is the love and admiration for Chayanne.

It hasn't been easy maintaining a sincere group for so long, but the basis of this work has been accomplished with teamwork. Many times, for personal reasons, I have not been able to take on the leadership and so therefore others have taken on these lead roles to continue and reach the balance.

We form this group in honor of this name that we have.

Q-You started the club shortly after Chayanne began his solo career. Can you tell me about the first time that Lazos de Amistad had the opportunity to meet Chayanne in person?

A-Over here in Costa Rica, for the first time it was announced in a newspaper that Chayanne would go solo at the end of April 1984, meanwhile on May 19th of that year, we formed our name, Lazos de Amistad. We were able to see Chayanne as a solo artist for the first time in October 1984.

Q-When Chayanne arrives in Costa Rica during his tours, what part does Laces of Friendship have in his welcome?

A-Since a few years back, it is not possible to greet him at the airport due to the fact that we are not sure of his flight arrival and also he doesn't use the main entrance.

But for the concert, we always had signs and banners to welcome him and support him. Since that time we have been able to identify ourselves with the official blouse for the fan club! It's lovely!

And before his arrival, we work with the record label in mass communications in whatever they need help.

Q-How has the organization changed over the years? How do you manage the organization internationally now that there are bases in many countries?

A-Of course, with the passing of time, it has changed. The majority of us are moms with kids, some are married and some divorced. Although there are young women, some are our own daughters who have also followed the group.

Now we are a mature group and the majority of us are older, but we never lose the love and enthusiasm for Chayanne, which is more important.

 Ever since CHAF gave orders to have a change of clubs, the chain of fan clubs disbanded including us Lazos Internacionales, and we all became independent. But, it's just the same that our name and friendship still unites us.

Q-I have Chayanne fans from almost every part of the world that visit the blog to look for information about Chayanne. How do you feel about Chayanne being loved by fans across the world?

A-How do I feel that so many fans love Chayanne? It makes me very happy. I believe that it is the fruit of his labor from so many years. He has always given all his heart in everything he has done. So, it's not just the fact that so many love him, but that it is a love that he has gained with all he has given and loved.

Q-What made you want to be a Chayanne fan so early in his career?

A-Why have I been a fan since the beginning of his career? Because I had the lucky chance to meet him at the exact moment when he was not part of the artistic environment. He is a friend whom I've always given my support since the beginning of his solo career.

Q-Because you have been a fan of Chayanne from the beginning of his career, if you could give words of advice to a new Chayanne fan what would they be?

A-Advice for a new fan? That they enjoy his music and his concerts to the best because it's truly a spectacular show, but also that they value the marvelous human being that is among the stage. That they support him by always buying his original CD's in a manner that clearly expresses your love, respect and admiration for his work.

Diamond :  (noun)

1: a transparent piece of diamond that has been cut and polished and is valued as a precious gem

Chayanne is in every sense of the word a diamond. He allows himself to be transparent as an artist and as a person. Not only does he give of himself through his music, he gives of his time, energy, and influence to help wherever help is needed. He’s been polished through many years of very hard work and dedication. Lazos de Amistad is a excellent reflection of Chayanne. They continue to shine brilliantly as loving fans of the man we can call not only the “Diamond of Iberoamerica”, but the diamond of our hearts.

Many heartfelt thanks to my very dear friend Teresa for helping me with the English to Spanish translation, and Rosa for translating the Spanish interview responses into English for me. (I promise that I'm learning to speak Spanish!)