Maria Becerra @JAVIFOTOMAN
Argentine star Maria Becerra has released her third studio album, Quimera, under Warner Music Latina. The 17-track set represents a “rollercoaster of emotions” following a major health crisis this year, where Becerra underwent emergency surgery for a second ectopic pregnancy that caused severe internal bleeding.
The creative process began during her recovery from a moment of “huge loss,” where she felt hopeless and sad. Becerra stated that music was the opposite of giving up, emphasizing the need to “let grief flow” and be patient during her recovery.
The Mythical Concept of Quimera
The album title, Quimera, is inspired by the mythical creature—a monster composed of a goat, dragon wings, and a lion’s head. This concept gave rise to four distinct alter egos that form a “beautiful monster” and act as Maria’s shield:
- Shanina: The dragon, representing fantasy, colors, and a previously “toxic, jealous” phase.
- Gladys: The goat, representing her grounded roots and connection to reality.
- Jojo: The lion, representing fiery personality, and connected to her peak recovery moment.
- Maite: The most present alter ego, representing an emotional and dramatic place.
The word quimera also means a “somewhat impossible dream to achieve,” which held personal significance for the artist.
Musical Evolution and Personal Narrative
While rooted in the urban scene, the 17 songs produced by Xross see Becerra experimenting heavily with tropical genres, including salsa, cumbia, and bachata—genres she grew up with and feels “very connected to.”
The album closes with five tracks that form a cohesive love story chronicling her relationship with her partner, J Rei:
- “Slow it Down”: The first passionate encounter.
- “Pierdo la Cabeza”: On the verge of falling in love.
- “Tatu” and “Romántica”: The development of a real relationship.
- “Mi Amor”: The final commitment, including the desire to start a family and their engagement.
Becerra explained that as her condition and mood evolved, the different alter egos emerged, allowing her to channel pain, madness, empowerment, and love into the project.
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