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Sofía Valdés on the bold decision to bring two worlds together on one album

Sophia Liv Mcguire

As the great-granddaughter of Cuban vocalist Miguelito Valdés and Panamanian singer Silvia De Grasse, Sofía Valdés’ connection to music has always been personal. She made the bold decision to weave that influence throughout her debut album, in which she fuses traditional Latin elements with fresh, modern production.

Each song on the record serves as a bridge between past and present, allowing her to honor her roots while forging her own path. Among the standout moments is the emotional centerpiece of the project, "Silvia" — a heartfelt tribute to her great-grandmother that elebrates both her artistic spirit and the sacrifices she made as an immigrant.

It’s no mystery why Valdés made it the album's first track. Through rich instrumentation featuring a wide spectrum of traditional sounds, "Silvia" captures the push and pull of identity, resilience and self-discovery. It’s a song that speaks to anyone who has ever felt caught between two worlds.

But that's just one piece of the story, which Valdés graciously filled in as we talked during this interview. She opened up about the collaborations that shaped the album, her creative process and the deeply personal experiences that influenced her. Hit the "Listen" button at the top of the page to step inside the world of an artist fresh on the scene who's already making timeless music.

88Nine Asst. Program Director / On-Air Talent | Radio Milwaukee