The release of Rosalía’s new album, Lux, has triggered a true media storm: countless articles, interviews, and reviews have flooded the news space. The singer has become a global sensation, earning praise even from veterans like Raphael, who recognized her genius, and prompting popular host Jimmy Fallon to perform the song “La perla,” which many associate with her ex, Rauw Alejandro. One way or another, Rosalía left no one indifferent, breaking all sales and streaming records for an album of this caliber. The record not only debuted at number four on the US Billboard chart but also topped streaming platforms in Portugal, Switzerland, Germany, and, of course, Spain—where, for the first time in her career, she dethroned Pablo Alborán and his new work “Km0” from the top spot.
Much has recently been said about the artistic direction and concept behind this album. It stands out for its eclectic mix of styles and its pursuit of transcendence through spirituality, without overlooking the physical side of human nature. Equally impressive is the range of guest artists, including Björk, Sílvia Pérez Cruz, Estrella Morente, and Carminho.
Previously, other urban music artists, including her former partner C. Tangana, were often cited as her sources of inspiration. She has also spoken about the epiphany she experienced when she first heard Camarón de la Isla, as well as the folkloric singer films she watched with her maternal grandmother. She was named after this grandmother, whose voice in Catalan can be heard on the album ‘Motomami.’
However, there are two figures to whom Rosalía paid special attention during her formative years as an artist, and who had a profound impact on shaping her creative identity. These are Carmen Amaya and Lola Flores—two immortal icons who left an indelible mark on collective memory and paved the way for future generations of performers.
The singer once spoke about Lola Flores, emphasizing her admiration for her character and inner strength. Notably, in 2018, Lola Flores’ daughter, Lolita Flores, was asked an awkward question about whether she considered her mother to be ‘the Rosalía of the 60s.’ Lolita replied, ‘Lola Flores was Lola Flores, and Rosalía is Rosalía.’ When speaking about Carmen Amaya, Rosalía noted an unusual detail: Amaya wore men’s clothing at a time when few female dancers would dare to do so. This is how she described the flamenco revolutionary, who died prematurely in 1863 at the age of 45.
Carmen Amaya was a unique phenomenon in the world of flamenco. Rising from extreme poverty, she became an international star. In Spain, she shared the stage with legends like Concha Piquer and Miguel de Molina. Beyond her homeland, she captivated prestigious venues, including Carnegie Hall in New York, and met with figures such as Queen Elizabeth II and President Roosevelt, as well as performed for King Alfonso XIII. Amaya’s influence can be seen in the image of Rosalía, who is now a global artist and fashion icon in her own right. Fans are eagerly awaiting her upcoming world tour, which is expected to solidify the resounding success of the album Lux. Groundless accusations of cultural appropriation and scandals she chose to avoid have faded into the past. Sometimes, silence is the best answer.
Rosalía Vila Tobella, known worldwide as Rosalía, was born on September 25, 1992, in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, a small town near Barcelona. Her passion for music emerged at an early age, and by her teenage years, she was determined to dedicate her life to flamenco. To pursue this, she enrolled at the Catalonia College of Music (ESMUC), where she received a solid foundation in this complex and multifaceted art form. Her graduation project became the basis for the conceptual album “El Mal Querer” (2018), which marked a real breakthrough and brought her global fame. Inspired by a medieval Occitan novel, this work showcased her unique ability to blend traditional flamenco with pop, R&B, and electronic elements. The success was staggering, earning her numerous awards, including several Latin Grammy Awards. Since then, Rosalía’s career has continued to rise; she has become one of the most influential and successful Spanish artists of her generation. Her music and style have had a tremendous impact not only on music but also on global fashion. She is a two-time Grammy Award winner and a twelve-time Latin Grammy winner—the record for a Spanish performer. Rosalía continues to experiment with sound, proving that artistic boundaries exist only to be broken.
