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The 22nd Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards - Red Carpet© GettyImages

Natalia Lafourcade

Her voice, charisma, and songwriting deem her an important Latin music artist


SEPTEMBER 28, 2023 12:35 PM EDT

From an early age, Natalia Lafourcade was surrounded by art and music. Her father, Gastón Lafourcade Valdenegro, is a famed Chilean musician and professor at the Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México. Her mother, María del Carmen Silva, is a teacher and pianist known for developing the teaching method known as Macarsi. However, at age 6, she faced a life-altering accident when she suffered a head injury from falling off a horse. In response, her mother dedicated herself entirely to Natalia’s recovery, successfully addressing her speech and mobility challenges. This experience unveiled Natalia’s talent and set her on a path towards her musical destiny.

Natalia Lafourcade© GettyImages

Natalia grew up influenced by Latin music, and at 14, she became part of the pop group Twist. However, she was not a fan of the “live” performances that required her to lip-sync, prompting her to explore other alternatives to showcase her talent. In 2002, she released her first solo album, a self-titled project that became a hit among Mexican youth due to its vibrant rhythm and innovative lyrics. The album’s popularity quickly transcended borders, captivating audiences in Spanish-speaking nations.

Natalia’s voice soon began to be heard in various movie soundtracks from the early 2000s, such as “Amar te Duele” or “Temporada de Patos,” drawing the attention of other Latin artists with whom she not only had good chemistry but also collaborated at different stages of her artistic life.

So far in her career, the singer and songwriter, born in February 1984, has won 15 Latin Grammys and three Grammys, among other prestigious recognitions. As a solo artist, Natalia has released nine studio albums, not including one with Twist and another with the group La Forquetina.

Natalia Lafourcade© GettyImages

Natalia serves as an inspiration to fellow Latin artists. She has collaborated with notable figures, including Julieta Venegas, Juan Son, Emmanuel del Real, Nana Guadalupe, Lila Downs, José Guadalupe Esparza, Denise Gutiérrez  of Hello Seahorse! , Furland, and Carla Morrison.

Her talent, captivating voice, and unique storytelling approach through her songwriting have solidified her position as one of the most beloved contemporary performers on a global scale. Her concerts consistently captivate audiences, while her eagerly awaited albums deliver astonishing surprises. Within her music, she infuses profound emotion alongside her innate musical prowess.