In the realm of music, some artists transcend boundaries, both geographical and emotional, to deliver powerful messages that resonate with listeners on a profound level. One such artist is Alømelí, a 27-year-old singer-songwriter hailing from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. With a background in theater and contemporary dance, Alømelí’s career has always been closely intertwined with music, but it’s her latest track, “La Frontera (feat. Baldo Verdú)”, that truly showcases her ability to captivate hearts and minds.
“La Frontera” a poignant song that delves into the complexities of border dynamics and migration, sheds light on the experiences of those who leave their homeland in search of a better life. Alømelí’s journey as an immigrant to the UK served as, the catalyst for “La Frontera”. She arrived in 2019 to pursue a Master’s degree in acting and soon found herself immersed in themes of identity, belonging, and borders. These themes were not new to her; growing up in Sonora, a border state neighboring Arizona in the US, they were an intrinsic part of her life. Her experiences as an immigrant in the UK, particularly the challenges associated with her immigration status, ignited her desire to create this song. Alømelí explained that the song came to life in a single day as she contemplated her options to remain in the UK legally. Her visa deadline loomed, and her reflections conjured vivid images of immigrants in Mexico, sparking a flood of emotions and memories from her upbringing.
Growing up in a border state exposed Alømelí to the harsh realities of border dynamics and migration from a young age. Her frequent travels to the US revealed poverty and hardship along the journey, and headlines about individuals attempting perilous border crossings filled the newspapers. These experiences fostered in her a deep empathy and a profound aversion to borders due to their arbitrary nature and the suffering they often cause.
Alømelí’s immigration journey to the UK was prompted by a sense of fear and insecurity in her homeland. She described living in constant fear for her safety, unable to walk alone at night or go out without the fear of violence or abduction by cartel members. Despite the beauty of Mexico, Alømelí left to seek a safer and more stable life abroad. In the UK, Alømelí realized the significant impact of a passport and how the place of one’s birth can dictate their mobility and opportunities. “La Frontera” became more than just a song; it became a performance art piece, evidence of her artistic journey to prove her worth as a contributor to society, beyond the confines of paperwork.
Alømelí’s collaboration with Baldo Verdú was serendipitous, as they both understood each other’s experiences as Latin American musicians living in the UK. Their shared cultural identity played a crucial role in the production of “La Frontera”. Baldo’s musical interpretation beautifully captured their Latin American roots, creating an atmosphere that resonated deeply with their heritage.
Looking forward, Alømelí’s project with Kareliona Records aims to challenge stereotypes unfairly placed upon Latin Americans. She seeks to provide an authentic perspective on these stereotypes, shedding light on the complexity and beauty of their backgrounds. Her goal is to showcase that the Latin American community has much more to offer than what has traditionally been portrayed. We can only encourage her to follow that path.
Listen to “La Frontera”: