VIP No.46 Interview with Delfina DIB

We spoke with Delfina about her career, musical perspectives within the rap scene, and her latest release: "Mirarte" (Look at You).

1. In some interviews, you describe your music as "somewhat Osho-like," referring to the therapeutic intention of your songs. How do you approach that aspect of music within a genre as active as rap?

I don't remember exactly when I said that, but I think that comment stems from the fact that I feel the lyrics of my songs and the music I make are somewhat spiritual, not only because I feel that way when I create them, but also because of the result and how it resonates with other people's lives and what they give back to me when they listen to it. I feel like it helps people perhaps open certain doors, or get unstuck, or make certain decisions they might have been hesitating about.

2. "Mirarte" was released in 2020. How has the song evolved this year? Have you discovered new ways to connect with it, or how has the public connected with it?

"Mirarte" came out in 2020, and I feel like the song has evolved really well. I always get messages from people who not only like it but have also recently discovered it, and that's what I love about releasing music. Even after it's released, the song keeps moving on its own, as if it has a life of its own. Yes, I've discovered new ways to connect with that song. In fact, many times I let a month or two go by without listening to it, and then I listen to it again and enjoy it a lot. I'm always finding details that maybe I overlooked when I was making it, and every time I listen to it, I discover, from the production to even the lyrics, how to reinterpret what the song is about, like such a beautiful and pure love.

"...I think a new era is coming. I think we have to reprogram ourselves and start working on what's next. The situation we're experiencing with COVID is directly affecting artists and these spaces where we can perform and show what we can do."

3. You've almost been in Colombia for 7 years. Which artists have you built friendships and a community with over these years, and what's your personal relationship with them like?

It's almost been 7 years here in Colombia, and honestly, I'm very happy living here. I've built friendships with several artists, especially in the rap and hip-hop scene, the urban music scene. One of my friends who introduced me to music is Liana. She's an incredible person and an artist I deeply admire and respect. Another person I've had many encounters with—maybe not as many because we live in different cities—but with whom I feel a really beautiful energy is Mabiland. I respect her a lot and admire her journey and her courage, and I also learn a great deal from her. With the guys from Rap Bang, who are like brothers to me, they've opened so many doors for me and have really mentored me throughout this whole stage of my solo career, which started just two years ago. This journey of releasing songs, opening my YouTube channel, and uploading music to my platforms has been incredibly important to me. They're the ones who gave me the gift of music, and more than friends, they're my family.

4. In 2019, you performed at the Hermoso Ruido Festival. What memories and lessons did that show in Bogotá leave you with?

In 2019, I performed at Hermoso Ruido. It was a very important gig for me because it was with the whole band. That year was a wonderful year in which I was able to rework all my songs in a band format, and Hermoso Ruido was the day we could showcase and bring out those sounds. I feel it was a very rewarding experience, not only for us who were playing, but also for the people who were there. Several musician friends were at that show, and they all gave me great feedback about the concert, so I'll always cherish it as a beautiful memory.

5. 2020 was a year with very few concerts. What do you think should change for the return of live music to be a truly safe space for everyone?

2020 was a year with very few concerts. I think a new era is coming. I think we need to reschedule and start working on what's next. The situation we're experiencing with COVID-19 directly affects artists and these spaces where we can perform and show what we can do. This exchange of energy with the audience is very difficult right now, but I think we have to start thinking about a different future and understand that things won't go back to what they were, at least not for a while. But we do have to explore the possibility of continuing to connect and not lose that space where we meet, because streaming and pre-recorded performances are obviously a way to survive for now, but I believe that concerts offer something magical: that encounter, that ritual. And well, maybe we need to be a little patient, but keep making music and working on what we need to work on so that when concerts return, we're all ready with lots of music.

6. Which Latin American artist did you discover during this last quarantine?

During this last quarantine, a Latin American artist I discovered that I love is named Yendri. She's from Puerto Rico. I discovered her through Colors, and I think she's wonderful, truly wonderful. I feel she has a very bright future, and her lyrics and sound are spectacular. She is a great discovery.