Her Way: How an Obscure Mariachi Singer Went from Quinceañeras, to the World Series, to Kendrick Lamar
Jan 21, 2025
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Deyra Barrera, a Mariachi singer with a powerful voice, gained fame after being featured on Kendrick Lamar's GNX. She shares her journey from performing at quinceañeras to captivating audiences at the World Series. Deyra discusses the cultural significance of mariachi music and her dreams of a Super Bowl performance. She reflects on the challenges women face in the industry and highlights the emotional connections forged through music, celebrating community ties and the resilience needed to succeed.
Deyra Barrera's journey from performing at local events to collaborating with Kendrick Lamar illustrates her resilience and the transformative power of opportunity.
Mariachi music serves as both a cultural bridge and a personal narrative for Deyra, connecting her identity with her aspirations on global platforms.
Deep dives
Dara Barrera's Musical Journey
Dara Barrera has experienced a significant transformation in her music career, especially following her collaboration with Kendrick Lamar. Before this opportunity, she performed regularly at various events such as weddings, quinceañeras, and private parties to make ends meet. Her passion for singing has been a constant driving force, despite facing challenges along the way. Dara's resilience has paid off, as her recent exposure has resulted in newfound recognition, especially among younger audiences who now link her to Lamar's prominent album.
Cultural Significance of Mariachi Music
Mariachi music plays a vital role in Dara's identity, representing the rich cultural heritage from Mexico that she embodies. She explains how mariachi can evoke a wide range of emotions, capturing both the happiest and saddest moments of life. This universality resonates strongly with listeners, allowing the music to bridge cultural gaps and unite people from different backgrounds. Dara's aspiration is to elevate mariachi music on global platforms, showcasing its ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Personal Connections and Tributes
Dara shares a deep personal connection to Fernando Valenzuela, the legendary Dodgers pitcher, which intertwines sports and music in her narrative. She remembers fond moments from her childhood relating to Valenzuela and how his legacy influenced her life. After his passing, Dara felt honored to perform a tribute at the Dodgers game, demonstrating the emotional weight of such events and the role of music in healing. Her upcoming performances and aspirations reflect not just her career, but also a heartfelt tribute to her roots and those close to her, including her ailing mother.
Deyra Barrera was playing birthday parties and restaurants and funerals in Los Angeles when she got the call: Kendrick Lamar wanted her to sing on his new album, GNX. And now, if we’re lucky, she might be a guest at the Super Bowl 59 halftime show. But today, we find out why there is no better soundtrack for her rise — from a tiny town in Mexico to the World Series, with the Dodgers — than the musical genre she’s mastered: mariachi.