IN CONVERSATION WITH FARIANA
interview by JANA LETONJA
Colombian artist Fariana is stepping boldly into a new era with ‘Música para Bailar’, a vibrant, merengue-fueled celebration of her Latin roots. Following a milestone year marked by a Latin GRAMMY nomination for Best Urban Album, where she stood out as the only Colombian artist in her category, Fariana returns to the sounds that first awakened her love for music. With chart-topping hits like ‘Me Muevo’, which reached No. 1 on Colombian radio, and an emotionally charged new focus track ‘Tal Para Cual’, Fariana once again proves her versatility, storytelling power, and undeniable star energy. ‘Música para Bailar’ isn’t just an album—it’s a homecoming, a celebration, and a reminder that the roots we return to often carry the brightest light.
blazer MCQUEEN
shirt and accessories SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO
What was that moment or memory that made you say “I need to return to merengue for this project”?
Remembering the way I began my path in music and how I was simply happy. I had a dance group in my neighborhood with whom I danced merengue house. At that time, I didn't understand why I liked that type of music so much, but today it all makes sense. Besides being a Latin rhythm, it had a dose of rap, and that was what led me to discover urban music in its entirety.
You describe this album as a return to happiness. What part of your younger self excited you most to reconnect with?
Seeing myself rehearsing with my dance group. I didn’t know back then that those moments would mark my life and push me to become who I am today.
Merengue house plays a huge role in the album’s sound. What do you love most about this genre and why does it feel so timeless to you?
I love that it represents a vital part of my story in every sense. I enjoy making it. It makes me feel happy and has reminded me of things that over the years I had forgotten. It’s a genre that represents me because it’s 100% Latino and has endured, just like I have, plus it comes from the Caribbean, which is a huge detail that’s part of my essence. Also, it’s a genre I grew up with. It only brings back beautiful memories. And the best part is that it allows me to flow with both my abilities, singing and rapping.
blazer MCQUEEN
shirt and accessories SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO
The album arrives just in time for the holidays. Was that intentional, considering its festive energy?
None of it was intentional, it was all God’s will. It’s strange, but I made one Christmas song in January of this year, and even though we moved the album date several times, God wanted it to come out in December.
After your Latin GRAMMY nomination for ‘Underwater’, what creative risks or freedoms did you feel you could take with this album?
I think I always take risks without realizing it. I’ve learned to just flow and let my heart lead me. Creating should make you feel at peace and completely free. Obviously, creating also leads me to research, to search for a concept, for structure. But that’s something I enjoy to the fullest. At least, that’s how I work.
You’ve always blended melodic vocals and rap very fluidly. How did that fusion evolve in ‘Música para Bailar’?
I feel that the mere act of making an album with a rhythm different from what I usually do is already an evolution. I wanted to contribute my color and my grain of sand to merengue. So, besides taking great care with the lyrics, I combined romantic elements with the “palabreo” and delivery I normally use. I applied new ways to inspire myself and write, used different techniques to add new colors and nuances to my voice in each song. You’ll notice, for example, the huge vocal contrast between ‘Bebiembre’ and ‘Tal Para Cual’.
This album strongly celebrates your Latin roots. How do you hope it resonates with the Colombian and broader Latin communities?
I hope they receive it in the most beautiful way possible. I say that because the album holds nostalgia and happiness. But it also carries a rhythm that identifies us as Latinos. So, I hope they love this album as much as I do, or even more.
blazer MCQUEEN
shirt and accessories SAINT LAURENT BY ANTHONY VACCARELLO
What does it mean to you to bring Caribbean and tropical rhythms to a global audience in your own style?
It means sharing our treasure with the world. We are blessed with our music and culture. There is something immensely special in our sounds that definitely brings good to anyone who listens to them.
Looking back at your career so far, what moment feels like the true turning point?
I feel I’ve had many turning points. Moments like being recognized in my country, hearing myself on the radio for the first time, being invited to collaborate with great artists, going on tour across the world and seeing thousands of people sing my songs, the freestyles that made me go viral on social media. But if we talk about something recent, all the blessings that ‘El Caballito’ and ‘Dora’ have brought me have been like a movie, and also being nominated for the Latin Grammys with my entire album. I feel the most valuable part has been being able to remain present over time.
Now that ‘Música para Bailar’ is out in the world, what new chapter do you feel you're entering artistically?
Besides feeling an enormous musical maturity and unbreakable confidence, I feel this chapter is the beginning of many dreams that will come true, experiences that I want to surprise me, and of harvesting the fruits of my work and my journey.
And lastly, what is something that would surprise your fans to learn about you?
I think they know me well enough. But I want them to know that there are songs on this album that have made me feel very special things that I had never felt or experienced throughout my career. Here is Farina the girl, and Fariana.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography MARIA JULIAH
styling NC STYLES
