karen Lizarazo: Breaking Barriers in Vallenato Music
In a recent interview with infobae Colombia, Karen lizarazo, a rising star in the world of female vallenato, shared insights into her journey adn her ambitious musical projects aimed at carving out a unique space for women in this traditional Colombian genre.
Lizarazo, who has quickly become one of the most prominent voices in vallenato, candidly discussed the challenges she has faced in establishing herself within a genre often perceived as “jealous” and resistant to change. She acknowledged the uphill battle she has encountered, much like other artists such as carlos Vives, who have experimented with blending vallenato with other musical styles.
“I think that the fact that I don’t live in Valledupar, where the vallenato place really is, has meant that I wasn’t suddenly caught by a negative ‘noise’,”
Karen Lizarazo
Born in the heart of vallenato country, Valledupar, Lizarazo revealed that her decision to live elsewhere has shielded her from some of the criticism that often accompanies innovation in the genre. However, she also expressed a deep longing to connect with the passionate audiences of her hometown.
“Sometimes I wish I lived in Valledupar,because the people are too excited,they are euphoric,they are passionate,people move anything in a minute,” she said.
Despite her admiration for the traditional roots of vallenato, Lizarazo is persistent to push boundaries.She recently collaborated with Luis Alfonso on a groundbreaking fusion project that blends vallenato with other rhythms, a move that has drawn both praise and criticism.
“I want them to know that every time something becomes a trend, its the coast that achieves it, they’re very good at making positive noise, but also making negative noise, and so I feel like I’ve missed sharing this whole song. career with them, but I also feel that I have saved myself more than one suddenly sad moment in my life,”
Karen Lizarazo
Lizarazo is acutely aware of the scrutiny she faces. She noted that if she had promoted her song with the spicy singer, she woudl have likely faced backlash for “mishandling” folklore.
“I also think that if I launched El Cora me duele there they would also tell me: ‘no, but that’s not vallenato Karen respects tradition or girl, go there for popular music here in vallenato no’ “They tell me vallenato is vallenato on its own and shouldn’t be combined with anything,” she explained.
Bucaramanga: A City of Opportunity
Seeking a more open-minded audience, Lizarazo has chosen to base her musical growth in Bucaramanga, a city she believes is more receptive to her creative vision.
“I decided to be in an intermediate city which is Bucaramanga and maybe I have to come here, to Bogotá because I think there is a market and there is an audience that, without asking, having been waiting for me, that is inside the country, because I have always been He is waiting for the people of Barranquilla and Valledupar to accept my music and i didn’t give 100% to other audiences,” she said.
Lizarazo has also ventured into other regions of Colombia, such as Tunja, Boyacá, Casanare, and Tolima, where she has discovered a diverse and appreciative audience for her music.
“That was strange, as I realized that the people who appreciate me are the ones who gave me the least, so I’m going to continue with vallenato, but I’m going to continue with what I have inside like that vein. popular and other rhythms aimed at a different target,” she said.
A New Collaboration with Luis Alfonso
On November 28, Karen Lizarazo and Luis alfonso, known as “Señorazo,” released a new song that showcases their innovative approach to vallenato. This collaboration is a testament to Lizarazo’s commitment to evolving the genre while honoring its rich cultural heritage.
as Karen Lizarazo continues to break barriers and redefine vallenato, her journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder that tradition and innovation can coexist in harmony.
Karen Lizarazo Teams Up with Luis Alfonso for Heartfelt Vallenato Single
Colombian singer Karen Lizarazo has recently unveiled her latest single, “El cora me duele,” a soulful exploration of heartbreak and the journey toward reconciliation.The track, which marks a departure from traditional vallenato by blending it with other musical rhythms, is expected to be a standout on her upcoming album slated for release in the first half of 2025.
In an exclusive interview,Lizarazo shared how the collaboration with renowned singer Luis Alfonso came to be. “I made the bold move,” she said with a laugh. “I sent him the song, and to my relief, he didn’t hesitate for a second. We instantly headed to Medellín to record it.”
A Unique Collaboration
Working with Luis Alfonso was an experience Lizarazo won’t soon forget. Despite his larger-than-life persona, she described him as a consummate professional in the studio. “He’s incredibly smart, respectful, and noble,” she said.”But he’s also very outgoing and sensitive at the same time. During the video shoot, he was enthusiastic until the very end. He never complained,even when he was tired or hungry.”
Lizarazo emphasized that Alfonso’s energy was crucial to the success of “El cora me duele.” “He has this incredible ability to uplift everyone around him,” she explained. “he was always encouraging the team, playing around, and even teasing the producer. But at the same time, he was the one driving the creative ideas that ultimately made the song what it is.”
A Promising Future
The collaboration with Alfonso is just one of many exciting projects Lizarazo has in store for her upcoming album. She hinted at a remix of her hit “Beber,” which she plans to record with another popular artist and champeta singer. Fans can expect a mix of fresh sounds and familiar favorites when the album drops in 2025.
As Lizarazo continues to push the boundaries of vallenato, her work with Luis Alfonso on “El cora me duele” is a testament to her creativity and willingness to take risks. With a blend of heartfelt lyrics and dynamic rhythms, the single is poised to resonate with listeners far and wide.
Stay tuned for more updates on Karen Lizarazo’s upcoming projects and collaborations.
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Karen Lizarazo: Redefining Vallenato and Pushing Boundaries in Latin Music
Karen Lizarazo, a trailblazer in the world of vallenato music, is making waves with her innovative approach to the customary Colombian genre. In a recent interview, she opened up about her journey, upcoming projects, and collaborations, including her groundbreaking work with Luis Alfonso. Join us as we delve into her inspiring story and her vision for the future of vallenato.
Breaking Barriers in Vallenato
Senior Editor: Karen, you’ve been making significant strides in the vallenato world, especially as a woman in a genre that has traditionally been dominated by men. What has your journey been like so far?
Karen Lizarazo: It’s been a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. Vallenato is a genre that’s deeply rooted in tradition, and while that’s beautiful, it also means there’s a lot of resistance to change.As a woman, I’ve faced my fair share of skepticism and criticism, but I’ve always believed in staying true to my vision. I think the key has been to find a balance between honoring the traditions of vallenato while also pushing the boundaries to create something new and exciting.
Senior Editor: You mentioned that living outside of Valledupar has shielded you from some of the criticism. Can you elaborate on that?
Karen Lizarazo: Absolutely. Valledupar is the heart of vallenato, and while I love it dearly, the community there can be very protective of the genre. By living in Bucaramanga, I’ve been able to experiment more freely without being constantly scrutinized. Having mentioned that, I do miss the passion and energy of the people in Valledupar. They’re incredibly keen, and I hope to connect with them more in the future.
Collaborating with Luis Alfonso
Senior Editor: Your recent collaboration with Luis Alfonso, known as “Señorazo,” has been making headlines. How did this partnership come about, and what was the creative process like?
Karen Lizarazo: Working with Luis Alfonso has been an remarkable experience. We both share a passion for pushing the boundaries of vallenato while staying true to its roots. The creative process was a mix of traditional vallenato elements and modern rhythms, which is something we’re both very excited about.It’s a song that we hope will resonate with both longtime vallenato fans and new listeners who are discovering the genre for the first time.
Senior Editor: How do you handle the criticism that sometimes comes with blending traditional vallenato with other styles?
Karen Lizarazo: It’s not easy, but I believe that criticism comes with the territory when you’re trying to innovate. Some people feel that vallenato should remain untouched, but I think there’s room for both tradition and evolution.My goal is to honor the genre while also making it accessible to a broader audience. It’s a delicate balance, but I’m committed to staying true to my vision.
The Future of Vallenato
Senior Editor: What’s next for you, Karen? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about?
Karen Lizarazo: I’m always working on new music, and I’m excited to continue exploring different rhythms and styles within vallenato. I also want to connect more with audiences outside of Colombia. There’s a growing interest in Latin music globally, and I believe vallenato has the potential to reach new heights. As for collaborations, I’m open to working with artists from different genres to create something truly unique.
Senior Editor: what message do you have for aspiring artists who are looking to break into the music industry?
Karen Lizarazo: My advice is to stay true to yourself and your vision, no matter what challenges you face. The road to success is never easy,but if you’re passionate and persistent,you can achieve great things. Don’t be afraid to take risks and push boundaries—that’s where true innovation happens.
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