Provo is home to many people who come from all over the world, many bringing their culture to Provo’s social scene, creating a unique melting pot in the area.
As for the Provo music scene, there's a bit of everything — from live music, dance nights or workshops, all tailored to one's niche. Whether it be Hip-Hop, EDM or Latin.
Luis Castro, also known as "DJ Azuquita," is one of the masterminds behind the Latin music and dance culture in Provo. Castro is involved with music in many ways including DJing weddings, church dances, events and a bit of music production.
Castro, a Chilean-American, got his start in Provo after he returned home from his full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New York City.
He said music has always been important to his family, as his father was once a DJ and his family owned a radio station in their hometown in Chile. As the years passed, music became a passion for Castro.
“I believe that music can change you, your DNA if you let it,” Castro said. “I think that music to me has always been an outlet of release, of enjoyment and just fulfillment.”
On his mission, Castro said many people liked to gift the missionaries things, and all he’d ask for was music.
“I would tell the members I love music, so if you want to give me anything, just give me music. I can't listen to it right now, but I want to listen to all these CD’s when I get home,” Castro said. “ So I came back with about 50 CD’s.”
This would become a huge asset to the commencement of his DJ career. Castro shared his long DJing career about 30 years ago, after he returned home from his mission.
He got his debut at the former “Club Omni,” which was located on Center Street in Downtown Provo, where the Nu Skin building is now located.
“It was the biggest non alcoholic/smoking nightclub in Utah, and it held about 4,000 people. The guy that DJed Friday Latin nights found out I had new music from New York and invited me to play,” Castro said.
From then on, doors opened more and more for Castro, and eventually, he expanded his audience to events in Salt Lake City as well as monthly Church dances.
“He puts a lot of effort into his art, and he invests a lot in his image to be somebody who stands out rather than being just another DJ,” said Aaron Hooker, a friend and DJ who works with Castro.
As Castro started building his brand, he knew he wanted his events to reflect the promises he’d made to God and the standards he lives by. That meant keeping things clean: no alcohol, no substances and no music that went against his values.
For him, creating a fun, safe space wasn’t just a business choice, but it was simply who he is.
Camilo Sobarzo, a close colleague who has worked alongside DJ Azuquita for years, shared, “I would say that behind the scenes, he would not lower his standards, no matter how much money or for what his situation might be at that moment.”
Throughout the years, Castro has expanded his brand and has been the brains behind the infamous “Afuego Fridays” and “Salsa Chocolate” Latin dance nights held on Thursdays.
A BYU Salsa club that has been running for more than 15 years, and most recently his dance events held at “The Rise” in Downtown Provo.
As his brand grew, times haven't always been the easiest. He said there were times when they had to fight to keep events and dance nights up and running.
Castro said they opened “Afuego Fridays” back in 2014 — and by 2020, business and attendance were booming. It was COVID-19 that killed the continual growing success of this event.
“I remember that I made a few promises to the Lord, and I've always consulted with Him. And then I said, help me make this work,” Castro said.
After the challenges that Castro and his team faced during COVID-19, as well as the nationwide Latino attendance at events, his effort has been to rebuild with intention. He’s now working on creating more niche, experience‑driven events: nights that feel immersive, cultural and memorable.
“We’re trying to reinvent ourselves, I want to do unique concepts and for it to be an experience people will talk about,” Castro said.
Many will agree that Castro has a deep-rooted love for the art of music, which he has devoted his life to. Throughout his years of playing for and creating these events in Utah County, many have been able to find their identity as well as connect to their roots.
Castro shared that his events aren't just for the Latino community to feel embraced, but for anyone and everyone to feel like they, too, can belong.
“The community that comes to my events are so welcoming and receptive, willing and wanting to learn and to be a part of the culture,” Castro shared.
For Castro, the future of Provo’s Latin scene isn’t just about rebuilding numbers or reviving old events; it’s about preserving the joy and connection that first drew him to music decades ago.
Wherever moving forward may take him, his goal remains the same: to create spaces where people feel welcomed, uplifted and part of something bigger. As long as there’s a crowd willing to dance, Castro plans to keep showing up.
To learn about DJ Azuquita’s upcoming events, visit his Instagram page.