Reyna Tropical presents her new single, “Conocerla,” off her forthcoming debut album, Malegría, out March 29th on Psychic Hotline (Tim Bernades, Sam Gendel). Led by guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer Fabi Reyna, Reyna Tropical melds and remixes Congolese, Peruvian, and Colombian rhythms with the influential sounds of revolutionary artists like lesbian guitarist-singer Chavela Vargas. Blending the Spanish “mal,” which means “bad,” and “alegría” which means “happiness,” Malegría is akin to bittersweet, offering a home to diasporic beings who are in the process of searching for and returning to ancestral roots. While traversing themes including queer love, feminine sensuality, and the transformative power of intentional relations to the earth, Malegría 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.

Founded on the feelings of duality between bad and good, bitter and sweet, grief and love, and death and rebirth, Malegría marks Reyna Tropical’s transition from the duo of Reyna and Nectali “Sumohair” Diaz to Reyna’s solo project following Diaz’s passing. From the found sounds to the interludes–which weave between each musical track, unfolding a narrative all their own–Malegría is a contemporary celebration and continuation of wide-reaching cultural traditions.

Formed in 2016, Reyna Tropical began as an organic, unhurried exchange between Reyna and Diaz who met during a workshop series for emerging musicians. The band’s spellbinding and distinctive sound were documented and formed with the release of their self-titled EP (January 2018). Featuring Afro Indigenous drum patterns and environmental samples produced by Diaz, expertly mixed with dreamy guitar riffs and soft vocals by Reyna, the EP lead to regular sold out shows, a support tour with Bomba Estéreo, and gigs at major festivals, including Cumbiatón and Colombia’s Baile Sagrado.

In 2020, Reyna withdrew to nature for a community retreat. It was during this moment of stillness that the purpose of her life’s work crystallized. For the next two years, Diaz and Reyna immersed themselves in a tropical journey guided by the music, finding themselves in a harmonious relationship with local land, culture, and music wisdom stewards. Malegría is the culmination of self exploration fortified through an attunement to land—alongside Diaz and through his passing.

SPANISH LYRICS

Si tu quieres conocerla tienes que saber lo que
Le da igual amor, dolor
Bailamos despacito pa’ que nos quite el calor

Si tu quieres conocerla tienes que saber lo que
Le da igual amor, dolor
Bailamos despacito pa’ que nos quite el calo

Ayy, Agradecimiento cuando caminas para acà

Si tu quieres conocerla tienes que saber lo que
Le da igual amor, dolor
Bailamos despacito pa’ que nos quite el calo

Ayy, Agradecimiento cuando caminas para acà

ENGLISH TRANSLATION

If you want to get to know her, you have to get to know
What gives her love, gives her pain
Dancing slowly to release the heat

If you want to get to know her, you have to get to know
What gives her love, gives her pain
Dancing slowly to release the heat

Gratitude when you walk towards me

If you want to get to know her, you have to get to know
What gives her love, gives her pain
Dancing slowly to release the heat

Gratitude when you walk towards me

Reyna Tropical 2024 Tour Dates:

Wed. March 13 – Austin, TX @ KUTX Morning Show Broadcast
Thu. March 14 – Austin, TX – TBA Showcase @ Hotel Vegas
Fri. March 15 – Austin, TX – SXSW Public Radio Day Stage @ Convention Center
Thu. April 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Sat. April 6 – Brooklyn, NY @ Public Records
Wed. May 1 – Wilmington, NC @ Greenfield Lake Amphitheater *
Thu. May 2 – Asheville, NC @ Rabbit Rabbit *
Fri. May 3 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium *
Mon. May 6 – St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant *
Tur. May 7 – Kansas City, MO @ The Truman *
Thu. May 9 – Des Moines, IA @ Val Air BAllroom *
Fri. May 10 – Indianapolis, IA @ Egyptian Room at Old National Centre *
Sat. May 11 – Chicago, IL @ The Salt Shed *
Tue. May 14 – Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside Theater *
Wed. May 15 – Madison, WI @ The Sylvee *
Fri. May 17 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
Sat. May 18 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue *
Mon. May 20 – Fargo, ND @ Fargo Brewing Company Outdoors *
Wed. May 22 – Bozeman, MT @ The ELM *
Thu. May 23 – Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory *
Fri. May 24 – Carnation, WA @ Remlinger Farms *

* = w/ Portugal. The Man

Pre-order Malegría by Reyna Tropical HERE