Set sail with El Balajú / Serenata Huasteca and you will voyage through Mexican folklore, romance, and playful word-smithing. The first half of the medley follows the mythical sailor Balajú, a figure from the son jarocho tradition of Veracruz. He refuses to take his sweetheart to war, invites her to race across the sea, and peppers the journey with tongue-twisting ariles refrains and mischievous images (bee stings, thirsty horses). These verses celebrate freedom of thought and the unpredictable tide of adventure, all while paying tribute to Natalia Lafourcade’s coastal roots and her friends Los Cojolites.
When the guitar falsetas shift, the Huastecan serenade arrives: a heartfelt confession sung below a beloved’s window. Here, pride bows to passion. The singer admits he cannot lasso the moon or stars, yet swears his steady devotion will win her “poquito a poco.” Together, both songs weave a tapestry of Veracruz and Huasteca soundscapes, where rhythmic zapateado meets soaring violin and falsetto. The message is clear – love and music are the truest fortunes, strong enough to cross oceans and brighten even “tiempos de oscuridad.”
Natalia Lafourcade is a celebrated Mexican singer-songwriter and musician born in Mexico City in 1984. Known for her lyrical soprano voice, she masterfully blends genres such as pop rock, Latin folk, bossa nova, and jazz. Since her 2002 debut, Natalia has become one of Latin America's most influential artists, earning 18 Latin Grammy Awards and four Grammy Awards among other honors.
Raised in the artistic town of Coatepec, Veracruz, Natalia was surrounded by music from an early age, inspired by both Mexican legends and international icons like Fiona Apple and Björk. Her rich discography showcases heartfelt songwriting and innovative production, with notable albums including Mujer Divina, a tribute to Agustín Lara, and Hasta la Raíz, which garnered critical acclaim for its emotional depth and musical sophistication.