Changuería is a colloquial and somewhat playful term that translates to "foolishness" or "monkey business." It's derived from "chango," meaning monkey, implying silly or mischievous behavior.
In the context of iLe's song, it's used to criticize the politicians and powerful figures who are causing problems. The line "Déjense de changuería" (Stop with the foolishness) is a direct and strong call for them to cease their irresponsible and deceptive actions, highlighting the song's theme of social critique.
iLe wrote this as a direct call-out of Puerto Rico's political class. "Ñeñeñé" is old island slang for empty chatter, the kind of noise politicians make when they're dodging the truth, and she opens the song mocking it: "Ñeñeñé pa' aquí" (chit-chat over here) and "Ñeñeñé pa' allá" (chit-chat over there). The verses get specific fast, naming the country as "Endeudados hasta el ñó" (in debt up to here) "Con gente que no es de aquí" (to people who aren't even from here), a jab at the outside creditors profiting off the island's debt crisis.
The song came out in 2019, right as Puerto Ricans were flooding the streets over leaked chats between then-governor Ricky Rosselló and his inner circle. That moment is all over the ending, where iLe drops the wordplay and says it plainly: "Despierta borincano" (wake up, Puerto Rican) "Que hoy nos fuimos sin sedante" (because today we went out with no anesthesia), meaning the anger was finally real and unmedicated, out in the streets instead of swallowed.
iLe, born Ileana Cabra Joglar in Puerto Rico, first gained recognition as the sole female vocalist for the popular group Calle 13, alongside her brothers. Her powerful voice was a key part of their sound for many years.
After her time with Calle 13, iLe launched her solo career, releasing her debut album iLevitable in 2016. This album earned a Grammy Award, and she continued to blend traditional Latin American styles with contemporary sounds on subsequent albums like Almadura and Nacarile.