In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, singer Quevedo presented his third album, El Baifo, placing emphasis on his roots and cultural identity. The new release hit all platforms and immediately attracted attention with its blend of reggaeton, traditional Canary Islands music, and the artist’s personal themes. The presentation took place as a tour of key locations around the island, where Quevedo personally introduced listeners to the tracks and explained their connection to local culture.
Music and Roots
El Baifo was created in different countries, but Gran Canaria became its true focal point. The first part of the album is steeped in classic reggaeton, a genre that has accompanied the artist since childhood. According to manager Carlos Mata, it’s impossible to understand either the album or Quevedo himself without it. The second half of the record shifts towards bossa nova, afrobeat, merengue, and Canarian folklore. Local groups, including Los Gofiones and the Nueva Línea orchestra, took part in the recording, and traditional instruments such as the timple and chácaras were used.
Personal Reassessment
Quevedo notes that working on El Baifo was an attempt to explore his own questions about heritage and identity. The artist consulted with historians and sociologists to gain a deeper understanding of Canary Islands culture and to reflect this in his music. The album features the song Vivo en un archipiélago, which is typically performed on Canary Islands Day, and several tracks contain themes from local festivals and traditions.
Connection to the Island and Change
During the presentation, Quevedo emphasized that returning home helped him look at his art without the pressure of expectations. He acknowledges that now he no longer tries to please everyone and trusts his own vision more. The songs on El Baifo are less romantic, more calm, confident, and connected to the present. The artist also talks about the challenges of entering the music market from the Canary Islands and his desire to create conditions for future generations of musicians so that they don’t have to leave to find success.
Cultural context
El Baifo became not only a musical, but also a cultural event for the region. The album reflects themes of migration, local cuisine, and collective memory. One of the tracks features the voice of chef Borja Marrero, while the gastronomic aspect of the island tour became an essential part of the presentation. This approach highlights the importance of cultural ties, as was also noted at the Cervantes award ceremony, where the role of memory and tradition was emphasized — you can read more about the event in the article about the Cervantes award ceremony in Alcalá de Henares.
