Daymé Arocena captivates with "Al-Kemi", her first album in five years

Daymé Arocena captivates audiences with her album, "Al-Kemi", which marks her return to the music scene after a five-year hiatus, produced by Eduardo Cabra.

The album is accompanied by the release of her single, "American Boy", a track written ten years ago and originally deemed too pop to be released. Arocena looks back on the challenges she faced in the music industry, expressing how unwelcoming it seemed for a black woman like her, contrasting with the success enjoyed by artists like Rosalía or Karol G.

She talks about the deformation of musical genres such as salsa and bachata over the years, highlighting the pressure on artists to conform and hide their racial or cultural identity. Undeterred by the perceived limitations of the industry, Arocena is determined to defy expectations and prove that she belongs in the music world.

The album was recorded in Puerto Rico, where Arocena collaborated with producer Eduardo Cabra. Arocena stayed with Cabra for the five months it took to record the album, unsure at the outset whether he would grasp the complexity of her message. Cabra, however, described Arocena as one of the most talented artists he had ever worked with, praising the joyful experience of creating music together.

Arocena's fusion of Afro-Cuban roots with contemporary elements, such as analog synths and electronics, forms the heart of "Al-Kemi". Cabra emphasizes the desire to bring the two worlds together, respecting and challenging ancestral colors in a musical exploration that promises to be both profound and dynamic.

This announcement follows the release of "Suave y Pegao" with Rafa Pabön, which gives a glimpse of Arocena's musical direction. The forthcoming album follows her 2019 album, "Sonocardiogram", which included the single "Para el Amor: Cantar!" Daymé Arocena is making a significant impact with her bold musical vision and unwavering determination to break industry stereotypes.

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