Latin pop singer Lali Espósito, or simply Lali, is making a move from Argentina to her first headlining tour in the U.S. later this month. Following a few major collaborations last year, Lali is a name that’s becoming known worldwide, and she’s proudly carrying her country’s flag with every opportunity that comes along.
Lali started out as a child actor in Argentina before crossing over to music with 2007’s Casi Ángeles TV show as one of the members of the spin-off band, Teen Angels. She later went solo with her debut album, 2014’s Soy. Last year, Mau y Ricky invited her to sing on a “Lady Marmalade”-like remix of their single “Mi Mala” with Karol G, Leslie Grace and Becky G. Her third album, Brava, and a collaboration with Thalía on the hit “Lindo Pero Bruto,” further raised Lali’s profile in Latin music.
Ahead of her upcoming Brava Tour, Lali talked with us about her breakthrough past year and her new single, “LALIGERA,” that will be featured in the show.
How did your world change after the “Mi Mala” remix?
It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with other very talented female artists that I admire and love. It introduced me to a new audience that didn’t know my music.
How was the experience of working with Thalía on “Lindo Pero Bruto”?
Thalía is a megastar. When she invited me to be on her song, it was very exciting because I’ve been following her all my life. That was something very big for me like with Mau y Ricky. The door that Thalía and Mau y Ricky opened for me definitely allowed for me to have this U.S. tour.
Who else do you want to collaborate with?
I admire iconic people like J. Lo and Shakira, women that represent girl power. The women representing Latinas and are colleagues of mine like Anitta, Becky G and Karol G, who are very strong in music right now – I would like to work with them.
What’s the theme behind your album Brava?
It’s called Brava because it made me brave. Brava was my first album where I played more with Latin sounds like dembow and more sexy rhythms. It allowed for me to let my Latina out more than my other albums.
What’s the message behind “LALIGERA?”
This song reflects a bit of where I come from, where I grew up. I grew up in a barrio here in the south of Buenos Aires. I grew up in a world with hard-working parents. We didn’t have a lot of money, but I had my dream. It’s trap-pop and it’s heavier and stronger than any music I’ve done before.
How do you feel about your first U.S. tour?
“LALIGERA” talks about the girl of the south, talking about me, and it’s very exciting for a Latina, for an Argentinian, to be able to enter the U.S. I’ll be singing songs from my three albums and putting on a show filled with superpower and dancing that shows my personality and where people can get to know me better up-close and live.
You have a lot of gay fans like myself. Do you have a message for them?
They’re a big part of my audience. They’re the best. They’re my family. We’re super united through the music. My songs like “Soy,” “Boomerang,” “Reina,” and “Caliente” with Pabllo Vittar are ones that I do for my gay fans so that we can come together and live in a free and happy musical world.
Brava Tour Dates
October 26th – San Antonio, TX @ Mala Luna Music Festival
October 30th – New York, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge
November 1st – Nashville, TN @ The Cowan
November 3rd – Chicago, IL @ Mansion
November 7th – Washington, DC @ The Howard Theatre