Reyna Tropical announces her debut album entitled Malegría, will drop on March 29th via Psychic Hotline, along with the news, the artist has shared lead single, “Cartagena.” The project is led by guitarist, singer/songwriter, and producer Fabi Reyna. Malegría marks Reyna Tropical’s transition from the duo of Reyna and Nectali “Sumohair” Diaz to Reyna’s solo project following Diaz’s passing. Founded on the feelings of duality between bad and good, bitter and sweet, grief and love, and death and rebirth, Malegría is a contemporary celebration and continuation of wide-reaching cultural traditions. From Congolese, Peruvian, and Colombian rhythms to revolutionary artists Chavela Vargas, these influences meld and are remixed through the distinctive lens of Fabi Reyna.

Malegría offers a home to diasporic beings de aquí y de allá, diasporic beings who are in the process of searching for and returning to ancestral roots. It documents the grief of letting go to who you were taught to be, the relief of finding who you are, and the power that results in belonging to yourself. On “Cartagena,” Reyna’s bright, multi-layered rhythms and vocals sing of feeling nurtured and energized by the elements, and, at the core, there is the sense of a mutual exchange of trust and care between her and the land.

Formed in 2016, Reyna Tropical began as an organic exchange between Reyna and Diaz who met during a workshop series for emerging musicians. At that time, Reyna had been immersed in full-time work founding and building She Shreds, the world’s first magazine dedicated to women and nonbinary guitarists, and was itching for a creative release and return to her musical roots. The band’s spellbinding and distinctive sound were documented and formed with the release of their self-titled EP (January 2018). Best known for their rhythmic, hip-swaying tropical feel, the first Reyna Tropical tracks featured Ableton-made beats produced by Diaz—using Afro Indigenous drum patterns and environmental samples mixed with dreamy guitar riffs and soft vocals by Reyna. The artist has supported Bomba Estéreo on a US tour and appeared at major festivals.

Pre-order Malegría by Reyna Tropical HERE