Ángela Aguilar, a 20-year-old Mexican singer known for her dedication to traditional música Mexicana, is set to release her latest album, Bolero. Aguilar, the granddaughter of ranchera icon Antonio Aguilar and daughter of renowned singer Pepe Aguilar, has been a prominent figure in the music industry since a young age. Balancing her career and personal life, Ángela has often shared her experiences and aspirations, though she keeps details about her romantic relationships and family life private. Her estimated net worth is around $2 million, reflecting her success in the industry.
Honoring Roots
From a young age, Ángela Aguilar was inspired by her family’s musical legacy. Her new album, Bolero, features nine tracks that pay homage to romantic classics. Songs like “Piensa En Mi,” “Somos Novios,” and “Luna Lunera” showcase Aguilar’s dedication to preserving traditional Mexican music, blending castanets with soothing guitar melodies. This project is not just about revisiting old tunes; it’s a celebration of the genre’s timeless appeal and cultural significance.
Exploring Cuba
In conjunction with the album release, Aguilar also launched a visual project documenting her journey to Cuba, the birthplace of bolero. During her visit, she engaged with Cuban musicians, including Amadito Valdés, a founding member of the Buena Vista Social Club, and Omara Portuondo, a 93-year-old music legend. Through these interactions, Aguilar deepened her understanding of bolero’s roots and significance. “Music is a universal language,” she reflected, emphasizing the importance of connecting with people who have dedicated their lives to preserving this art form.
Bolero’s Challenge
Singing boleros presented vocal challenges for Aguilar, as the genre demands precision and emotion. “Vocally, these songs expect so much from you,” she explained, noting that mastering the harmonies and inflections required significant effort. For Aguilar, the process was an enriching experience, offering her a chance to explore and honor her heritage. She believes that understanding the past is crucial for shaping the future, especially in a genre that values tradition over trendiness.
Generational Perspectives
Aguilar acknowledges that her dedication to traditional Mexican music sets her apart from many of her peers in Gen Z. While contemporary Mexican musicians often explore urban-leaning genres like corrido tumbados, Aguilar prefers to focus on traditional sounds. She expressed a particular fondness for bolero, a genre that her grandmother, Flor Silvestre, sang to her as a child. Aguilar is passionate about keeping this music alive, believing that it embodies the essence of Mexican culture.
Critical Reflection
Aguilar is candid about her views on the current trends in Mexican music. She expressed concern over the lyrical content of some contemporary songs, which she feels glorify negative aspects like narcotics and violence. “I’m not going to play something that glorifies narco cartels,” she stated, emphasizing her desire to promote positive influences for younger audiences. Aguilar hopes that the new wave of Mexican music will focus more on its rich musical heritage and less on controversial themes.
Future Directions
Looking ahead, Aguilar plans to continue blending traditional and modern elements in her music. Her upcoming project, set to release shortly after Bolero, will feature mariachi songs with a contemporary twist, including collaborations like “Que Agonia” with Yuridia and “Por El Contrario” with Becky G. This project reflects Aguilar’s commitment to evolving the genre while staying true to its roots.
Personal Journey
Despite her rising fame, Ángela Aguilar remains grounded in her values and heritage. She continues to draw inspiration from her family’s legacy, while also carving out her own path in the music industry. As she prepares for the next phase of her career, Aguilar is focused on creating music that resonates with her audience on a deep, emotional level. Her upcoming album promises to be a dramatic exploration of love and tradition, showcasing her growth as an artist and her dedication to música Mexicana.
