When it comes to music, sometimes there’s no one that inspires more than mom. So for this Día de las Mamases, we bring you mothers from across the music industry reminiscing on what reminds them of, well, their own matriarchs.
Natalie Albino, one half of Nuyorican duo Nina Sky, Buscabulla’s Raquel Berrios, Jarina de Marco’s super accomplished mom Irka Mateo, future folklorist Lido Pimienta, and Bomba Estéreo’s Li Saumet all gave us their ideas about what it means to be called “mom.” They also shared the songs that speak to their maternal spirit. All of these badass women said that unconditional love is a key factor in what defines them as mothers.
Irka Mateo called motherhood the “purest and wildest unconditional love” — aka that feeling that makes you love a being that cries nonstop between the hours of 3 and 6 a.m. All of a sudden, your problems are nonexistent because this wide-eyed, beautiful being thinks you are the best, and you feel it in your bones.
Raquel Berrios refers to her daughter as her own personal Yoda. “My daughter is my mirror, constantly reflecting the energy I put out, keeping me in check spiritually,” the Puerto Rican musician said. To her, being a mom is about keeping it 100. “We give so much attention to things that don’t really matter. Being a mom will reveal that pretty quickly.”
“My daughter is my mirror, constantly reflecting the energy I put out, keeping me in check spiritually.”
Natalie Albino is all about shutting down those that tell you there’s only one way to be called mamá: “Everyone will offer advice and guidance, but don’t let that scare you from following your motherly instinct. Trust yourself and do what’s best for you and your family,” she said.
Motherhood taught Lido Pimienta self-love. “When I became a mother, I stopped being vulnerable. ‘The no bullshit lifestyle’ really kicked in – one learns to respect oneself…I have learned to avoid toxic and needy people who simply are too self-absorbed to understand my time and emotional well-being are hugely valuable.”
For Bomba Estéreo’s Li Saumet, being a mom is all about empathy. “I now get what my mom and all of the moms of the world felt when we’d get home late without telling anyone,” the Colombian singer said. “It’s about giving yourself over completely.”
So call your mother and let her know you’re gonna be home late, and then listen to our playlist for songs that inspire these cool moms and remind them of their own mera meras.
Li Saumet (Bomba Estéreo)
“La Noche” by Joe Arroyo
“El Centurión de La Noche” by Joe Arroyo
Raquel Barrios (Buscabulla)
“Te Necesito” by Luis Miguel
“Endless Love” by Luther Vandross ft. Mariah Carey
Natalie Albino (Nina Sky)
“I’ll Always Love You” by Tito Nieves
“Like a Prayer” by Madonna
Irka Mateo
“El Tabaco” by Johnny Ventura
“En la Oscuridad” by Tito Rodriguez
Lido Pimienta
“Quien Maneja Mi Barca” by Remedios Amaya
Nadia Reiman (Remezcla Contributor)
“Piel Canela” by Bobby Capo
“Emilia” by Ana Tijoux
“A Eme O” by Andrea Echeverri
“Madre” by Orishas
“TKM” by Gepe