On a warm, cloudy day in picturesque Curaçao, with its stunning ocean vistas and colorful colonial architecture adorning the streets, Colombian artist Ryan Castro reflects on the profound influences that have shaped his latest album, ‘Sendé.’ It’s not just about music; it’s a heartfelt narrative of his connection to this vibrant Caribbean island.
As we cruise through the narrow lanes of Jan Thiel in a Jeep Wrangler, Castro takes us back to his teenage years spent here—a time when he balanced odd jobs with songwriting aspirations. Billboard Español joins him on this intimate exploration of the island that holds a special place in his heart.
“It was while I was living on the island that I rose to fame in Colombia,”
shares Castro.
“I felt it was the right moment to share my experiences here and showcase how much this place has influenced me, especially my love for dancehall. Curaçao is deeply ingrained in many aspects of what I do.”
His formative years on the island, where he lived for some time due to his mother’s presence there, became pivotal in shaping his musical identity and laying the groundwork for his artistic evolution. Visiting the nursing home where his mother still works triggers reflections on their shared journey—a journey that resonates through every track on ‘Sendé.’
With each stride across sun-kissed landscapes, laughter-filled reunions with old friends, and cheers from fans along the way, Castro unveils a more vulnerable and romantic side in his sophomore album. It’s not just an ode to Curaçao but an unveiling of a deeply personal facet of himself that remained hidden until now.
“‘Sendé’ encapsulates everything I’ve experienced and absorbed in Curaçao,”
reveals Castro.
“It brims with emotion, Caribbean flavors, and that infectious dancehall vibe that defines my style.”
The fusion of genres like dancehall, kizomba, afrobeat, and reggae showcases his versatility while collaborating with global icons like Shaggy (‘Exclusiva’) brings diverse musical hues into play.
The title itself holds significance—“Sendé” signifies feeling good or positive vibes in Papiamento language spoken across these islands. As Castro explains: “I aim to spread positivity through my music and evoke those feel-good sensations.”
During an exclusive chat with Billboard Español , Ryan Castro delves deeper into how Curaçao has intertwined with every note of ‘Sendé.’ His roots run deep here as seen from snippets where he engages intimately with local phrases like “awoo” which have become part of his signature style.
He reminisces about arriving at Curaçao at a young age to reconnect with family amidst rich musical cultures encompassing dancehall rhythms blended harmoniously into ‘Sendé.’ Collaborating with renowned artists like Manuel Turizo (‘Menos el Cora’) further enriches this melodic tapestry echoing tales of love and life against a backdrop steeped in cultural diversity.
Castro discloses insights into how selecting collaborators involves more than just fame—it’s about shared energy and respect. For him, crafting music is an intimate dialogue requiring mutual dedication—an ethos that shines through every note played on ‘Sendé.’
With hopes high for listeners to immerse themselves not only in melodious tunes but also experience glimpses of Curaçao’s allure woven intricately within each track—like featuring local talent Dongo on ‘Sanka,’ paying homage to the island’s unsung heroes who fuel creativity.
‘Sendé’ isn’t merely an album; it’s a gateway inviting audiences to explore both Castro’s narrative roots interwoven within Curaçao’s enchanting fabric. Each track pulsates with authenticity as if drawing you into a rhythmic embrace under Curaçao’s starlit skies.
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