Spanish singer Rosalía officially announced the release of her new collaboration titled “La Perla”, together with the American group Yahritza y Su Esencia, a decision that has caused a stir on social networks due to the controversial context that still surrounds the young group. The song will be part of their upcoming album “LUX”, which is scheduled for release on November 6, 2025 on all digital platforms.
The announcement represents an unexpected meeting point between two generations and styles within Spanish-language music: the Catalan artist, known for her constant sonic innovation, and the Mexican-born band, which is still trying to rebuild its reputation after the so-called “cancellation” they faced in 2023.
“La Perla” was confirmed by Rosalía through her social networks, accompanied by a brief visual preview where fragments of acoustic guitars and vocal harmonies characteristic of both artists can be heard. Although the singer did not comment directly on the group’s controversy, her choice to include them in the album has been interpreted as a gesture of cultural reconciliation and a call for unity within the Latin music industry.
The announcement, however, has divided opinions. While some fans applaud Rosalía’s decision to give Yahritza y Su Esencia an artistic opportunity, others question her for associating with a group that still faces rejection in Mexico for statements its members made two years ago.
Yahritza y Su Esencia, formed by brothers Yahritza, Armando and Jairo Martínez, achieved international fame in 2022 thanks to their song “Soy el único”. However, their relationship with the Mexican public deteriorated rapidly in August 2023, following a viral interview in which they made comments that many interpreted as disrespectful to Mexican culture.
During that conversation, Yahritza Martínez expressed her discomfort with some aspects of life in Mexico City: “I don’t like waking up to the sound of sirens, the police and all that”.
For his part, his brother Armando added: “I like the food from the United States better. There they give it a seasoning that does sting and tastes good”.
The phrases unleashed a wave of indignation on social networks. Many users considered that the young people, despite having Michoacan roots, disregarded Mexican customs and cuisine, which led to a generalized boycott against their presentations and music.
Rosalia ‘helps’ Yahritza and her Essence
Faced with the magnitude of the reaction, the group published a statement through their social networks in August 2023, where they acknowledged their mistake and expressed regret: “What we said was a mistake. We never meant to offend anyone, much less Mexico, a country we admire and where we come from,” they stated.
Despite the apology, the discontent did not disappear. In September 2023, during their presentation at the Arre HSBC festival in Mexico City, the audience booed them in the middle of their performance. On social networks, the phrase “puro chicken nuggets” -a mockery of their preference for American food- became a trend and a symbol of the rejection they faced.
In 2024, Yahritza again addressed her followers through a video on TikTok, insisting on her desire to repair the relationship with the Latin American public: “I have learned a lot from what happened. I love my roots, I love Mexico. What we said was a mistake, but I want you to know that I respect you from the bottom of my heart”.
Despite these attempts at reconciliation, public perception has not fully recovered, and the group continues to be the subject of debate within the music community.
The album “LUX” marks a new stage in Rosalía’s career, characterized by her interest in exploring spirituality, identity and the different sonorities of the Hispanic world. The collaboration with Yahritza y Su Esencia seems to respond to an inclusive and conciliatory vision, which seeks to unite voices beyond controversy.
According to sources close to the production, “La Perla” combines elements of regional Mexican with Rosalía’s experimental stamp, fusing acoustic guitars and electronic percussion with introspective lyrics.
Although the artists have not yet offered joint statements, the track is already one of the most anticipated releases from the album. For many critics, this collaboration could represent a symbolic step towards cultural reconciliation between Spain, Mexico and the Latino diaspora in the United States.
With this announcement, Rosalía reaffirms her position as one of the most influential artists of her generation, capable of building bridges in the midst of controversy, while Yahritza and Su Esencia seek to take a new step towards artistic redemption and reunion with their audience.
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