Ebby Magazine


 

POWERFUL ANTHEM OF HEARTBREAK, HEALING, AND CHOICE

In his powerful new release, Samuel Mancini teams up with Eric West and Kedward Avilés to explore themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the life-changing power of choice. Written by Grammy legends Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Tú Eliges (Choose)” offers a raw, emotional journey that transcends language and speaks directly to the heart.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILL TOLIVER JR.
 
 


“OVERCOMING HEARTBREAK AND TRUSTING THE HEALING PROCESS IS A MESSAGE I WANT TO GIVE THROUGH MY MUSIC. IT’S EASY TO LOSE SIGHT OF YOURSELF WHEN YOU’RE HEARTBROKEN.”

 
SAMUEL MANCINI, SINGER-SONGWRITER

 

In his latest single, Samuel Mancini collaborates with global stars Eric West and Kedward Avilés to craft an evocative anthem that resonates far beyond the music. Tú Eliges (Choose)” delves into themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, and the pivotal choice of embracing ones path forward. With its layered mix of English and Spanish, the song offers listeners a deeply personal narrative of healing and transformation. Co-written with the legendary Grammy-winning producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, the single invites audiences worldwide to reflect on the journey of mending hearts and redefining love.

Bringing their unique talents to the project, West and Avilés enrich the song with presence and cultural depth. Named Hottest Actor of the Year” by Cosmopolitan, Eric West shines as a multi-faceted artist with roots in film and fashion, showcasing his versatility in roles alongside Bruce Willis and the British hit The Hurler: A Champions Tale. Meanwhile, Puerto Rican icon Kedward Avilés, celebrated for his roles in West Side Story and Evita, adds a heartfelt authenticity, drawing from his background as a performer at landmark events like the 500th anniversary of San Juan. Together with Mancini, they craft a song that reflects the resilience needed to heal and grow, inviting listeners to choose love and live authentically.

Tú Eliges (Choose)” will also include exclusive remixes and a range of limited-edition physical formats for true fans. Click here to Pre-order

 

 

 

Samuel Tú Eliges (Choose)” delves into heartbreak and healing. How did these themes resonate with your journey, and what do you hope listeners will take away from this powerful narrative?

Overcoming heartbreak and trusting the healing process is a message I want to give through my music. It’s easy to lose sight of yourself when you’re heartbroken. Life can feel like it’s never going to feel good again. But that is not the truth. The truth lies in the healing. I want listeners not to be afraid to believe in that.

 

This song is about making choices—especially when faced with emotional pain. Can you share how youve navigated these difficult decisions and what advice youd give to listeners going through similar experiences?

When dealing with emotional pain, I always turn to God. No matter how confused or angry I may feel, I always choose to give God praise and thank Him. Worship and spending time in his presence always gives me clarity. 

 

Samuel, as you embrace your bilingual audience with this release, what does it mean to you to bridge the gap between languages and cultures, especially in a song that speaks so directly about love and heartbreak?

Not only does the topic of heartbreak and healing transcend language, but so does music itself. So being able to do a song like this is very exciting. The group got together in Puerto Rico to work on the record so it was great to experience the culture while working on the song at the same time. 

 

 

 


{ MANTRA }

“ Philippians 4:13. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” He is above it all and there is nothing I can't overcome. Anything I put my mind to I can succeed in.”

 
S A M U E L.  M A N C I N I
 


 
 

 

Eric West at the Hôtel Balzac in Paris

 
{ MANTRA }

“ I am capable, I am resilient, and I attract opportunities that align with my purpose.”

 
E R I C  W E S T
 

 

Eric, you have influenced people through film, fashion, and this emotionally charged music project. How do you hope Tú Eliges (Choose)” will connect with listeners looking for solace and strength during heartbreak?

That is really kind of you to say. Thank you! Heartbreak often comes with painful lessons, but it also provides an opportunity for growth. I hope that our music empowers people. I hope that we remind people that they are more than their heartbreak. Hopefully Tú Eliges (Choose)” will help them rebuild their sense of identity outside of the pain.

 

Kedward, your career spans music and theater, and Tú Eliges (Choose)” speaks to the emotional journey of recovery and self-discovery. How do you connect with the themes of heartbreak in this song, and how does it reflect your growth journey?

Going through heartbreak is a deeply transformative experience, and for me, singing and writing about it is a way to heal. I connect with this song because it resonates with the emotions I've felt during my own struggles—it captures that raw, vulnerable place I've been in.

 

Samuel, in a world where digital music dominates, your decision to release limited-edition physical formats for this song is a rarity. How does this choice reflect your commitment to creating something meaningful for your fans that goes beyond just the music?

I grew up in the peak age of CDs. I remember being so excited to go to the store to look at album artwork. I couldn’t wait to open up the booklet and look at all the additional pictures and credits. As a kid who wanted to be an artist, I would study how cd’s were designed knowing one day I would have my own CD. Physical formats help create a universe for the music. I think it makes the art so much more meaningful and personal. That’s the kind of art I want to put out. 

 

The legendary Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis wrote this single. How did their influence shape the emotional depth of the song, especially in its reflection on heartache and the power of choosing to move forward?

Samuel: Everything Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis create is timeless. Being able to sing a song they wrote is the biggest honor. They produced some of my favorite artists such as Janet Jackson and Mint Condition. Both of which I listen to when I need a good vibe. The emotional depth they bring to music is so innate that it can do nothing else but bring good inspiration. 

 

Eric: Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, along with Color Me Badd are incredible, they wrote such a timeless song. They’ve been some of my biggest inspirations throughout my own musical journey. The way they craft melodies, lyrics, and produce hits that stand the test of time is unmatched. I'm in awe of their ability to connect with listeners on such a deep level, and I’m so grateful for the impact they’ve had on the music industry and on me personally. Bryan Abrams, Mark Calderon, Sam Watters and Kevin Thornton are some of the best male vocalists of the 90s and deserve all the credit. We are deeply inspired by them. 

 

This song touches on the universal experience of heartbreak and the courage to heal. What advice would you give to those listening to Tú Eliges (Choose)” who are struggling with loss, reminding them that they have the power to choose their path toward healing?

Samuel: My advice would be to be kind to yourself and keep pushing forward no matter how hard it feels. Dont meditate on the hurt and mess. Remember that your mind is worth renewing and that you are special. It is up to you to determine how you think and what you believe.

 

 
 

 

Kedward Avilés taking a moment to reflect

 
{ MANTRA }

“ Every step I take brings me closer to my best self.”

 
K E D W A R D   A V I L É S
 

 

Whats your self-luxury? What do you do to feed your soul?

Samuel: I like to read in the morning. I always have a good book that is correlated with scripture that helps me learn more about the word of God. I love spending time with my nieces and nephews. I love visiting my grandma. I enjoy going on runs in the woods on trails. And spending time with my close friends and being goofy. 

Eric: My self-luxury is the time I carve out to simply be—to slow down and disconnect from the rush of life. It’s when I step away from screens, sit with a book, or just take a long walk outside, feeling the rhythm of nature around me. I feed my soul by letting myself be present in the moment, without judgment or expectation, and by honoring the small, quiet joys that often get overlooked—like a warm cup of tea, a good conversation, or watching the sky change colors at dusk. These moments remind me that true luxury isn’t about accumulation, but about cultivating inner peace, gratitude, and connection with the world around me.

Kedward: My idea of self-luxury is spending time outdoors with friends—hiking through nature and ending the day at the beach to watch the sunset. I also love capturing the beauty of nature through photography. I nurture my soul with activities that bring me peace and recharge my energy, whether it's a good workout or simply taking a quiet day to rest and reset.