MARIPOSA BELIEVES MUSIC CAN BE A POWERFUL EXPRESSION OF IDENTITY & CREATIVITY
Colombian-Italian artist Mariposa has taken her love for music and fashion and created a lane of her own in the Latin hip-hop genre. Her newest project shows a peak into her world, inspired by her Colombian ancestry. We caught up with Mariposa to learn all about her journey in the music industry and what to expect from her newest EP.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What initially drew you to hip-hop?
I grew up around hip-hop because many of my family members were into it. My cousin used to
rap, and I’d often watch his sessions, even though it wasn’t really my style. I found the process
fascinating and enjoyed just chilling there, soaking it all in. Over time, I started to appreciate
how artists use their lyrics to tell powerful stories, which inspired me and deepened my
connection to the music.
How does your Italian and Colombian cultures influence your music?
My Italian heritage doesn’t play a big role in my music because I didn’t grow up with my dad and
wasn’t as connected to that side of my culture. However, my Colombian background has had a
much stronger influence on my musical journey.
Growing up, I was surrounded by the sounds and rhythms of Latin music, which naturally drew me towards creating music in Spanish rather than in English or Dutch. The vibrant and diverse styles of Latin artists who fearlessly experimented with their tones and genres were a huge inspiration to me. They showed me that music can be a powerful expression of identity and creativity, and that has definitely shaped my approach to making music. While I might not have a deep connection with my Italian roots, my Colombian culture has been a guiding force in the music I create and the stories I want to tell through it.
What do you love most about living in Amsterdam? Did you grow up there?
Yes, I grew up in Amsterdam! What I love most about living here is the incredible diversity of cultures. My group of friends is very diverse, representing various backgrounds, and I get to
learn a lot about their different traditions and perspectives.
This mix of cultures has allowed us to form a creative community where people from all sorts of ethnicities come together. Despite our different norms and values, we’ve found common ground and built strong friendships. It’s amazing to see how our differences actually bring us closer, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere that I cherish deeply.
If you had to play any song for someone who’s never heard your music before, what song would it be and why?
“I’d play ‘MURAKAMI’ because it’s a high-energy track that really gets you moving. It’s got a
vibe that’s perfect for when you need a little boost or want to keep the energy up. The rhythm
and intensity make it great for those moments when you’re gearing up for something or just
want to feel that extra bit of drive.
On the other hand, if the setting is more calm, I’d recommend ‘Nunca’. It has a more laid-back, reflective feel that’s perfect for when you want to unwind. It’s a track that lets you settle into the moment, offering a nice balance between energy and relaxation.
You recently released your newest project “Inframundo”. Talk to us about what listeners can expect from this project and the process of creating it.
You can expect a lot of high-energy tracks on “Inframundo”, where I pushed myself to explore
intense emotions and raw expression. There are moments of high intensity with powerful,
emotional vocal performances that bring a deep, impactful energy to the project.
This album is all about capturing those strong, unfiltered feelings that we often keep to ourselves and channeling them into something that makes a significant impact. The process of creating ‘Inframundo’ was surprisingly smooth. I had a clear vision from the very beginning, which meant there was no hesitation or second-guessing along the way.
I knew exactly what I wanted to achieve, and that clarity guided the entire creative process. It felt like
the project developed naturally as I worked on it, with each track coming together with purpose.
The album truly reflects the ideas and emotions I wanted to express, and I’m excited to share it
with everyone and see how it resonates.
If you could work with any Latin artist, who would it be? What kind of song would you make?
If I could work with any Latin artist, I’d choose ARCA because I appreciate her innovative and
boundary-pushing approach to music. I’d also be excited to collaborate with Chino Pacas, as his
unique musical style would complement my own. Working with both artists would offer a chance
to create something fresh and distinctive.
A lot of your music talks about overcoming struggles in life and not letting negativity
keep you down. As you grow in popularity, how do you take care of your mental health?
I make sure to prioritize my mental health just as I always have, because it’s crucial for my
overall well-being and performance. As my popularity grows, I’ve become even more mindful of maintaining this balance.
I recognize that neglecting my mental health could impact not only how I feel but also how I perform and connect with my audience. To take care of myself, I regularly check in with my mind, soul, and body through practices that keep me grounded, such as meditation, therapy, and physical exercise.
I also make a point to surround myself with supportive people who understand the demands of this lifestyle. Finding time for self-reflection and personal growth helps me stay resilient and navigate the pressures that come with increased visibility. By keeping a strong focus on my mental health, I can manage stress more effectively and continue to create and perform authentically.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to think of myself as a trendsetter, although it sometimes feels like people catch on to my style a bit later. I’m often ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion and music, so it’s amusing when others accuse me of copying trends.
In reality, I’m usually just exploring ideas and styles before they become mainstream. My personal style is all about blending influences and creating something unique that feels authentic to me. I take pride in pushing boundaries and experimenting with new looks and sounds, which often sets me apart from the crowd. While it can be challenging to be ahead of the trends, it’s also rewarding to see my vision gradually become recognized and embraced by others.
When you’re not working on music, what are some things you do for fun?
When I’m not working on music, I love spending quality time with my partner, friends, and family. We often engage in creative brainstorming sessions, where we bounce ideas off each other and work on various projects together. These moments of collaboration and productivity are really fulfilling and inspiring.
I’m also passionate about fashion, always on the lookout for unique pieces and standout items.
For me, fashion isn’t just about looking good; it’s a way to express my personality and creativity.
Whether I’m preparing for interviews, shows, or just going for a walk, I enjoy curating outfits that make me feel confident and stylish. Exploring new trends and finding special items that resonate with me is a fun and essential part of my downtime.
Give us 3 words of advice for any aspiring Latin rappers.
Don’t sleep on yourself.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa (@princechenoastudio)
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Sandra Blow (@sandrablow.photo)
Wardrobe Stylist: Luisiana Luisiana (@luisianaluisiana)
Makeup Artist: Nabyle (@nabyle_makeupartist)
