Paloma Mami Breaks the Dollhouse: Inside the Raw & Fearless World of CÓDiGOS DE MUÑEKA
With “CÓDiGOS DE MUÑEKA”, Paloma Mami returns after four years with an album that feels less like a comeback and more like a rebirth. The Chilean star cracks open the glass case of expectations, offering 11 tracks that reflect every side of her—raw, playful, powerful, vulnerable, and unapologetically authentic. Blending anime-inspired visuals, genre-bending collaborations, and lyrics that read like diary entries, Paloma invites us into a world where femininity is as dynamic as it is fearless. In this conversation, she opens up about the personal experiences that shaped the project, the symbolism behind her lucky number 11, and what it means to be a Muñeka on her own terms.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
“CÓDiGOS DE MUÑEKA” feels like a whole new chapter for you. What’s the main message you want your fans to take away from this album?
This album is about embracing the many facets of who we are. Each track represents a different version of myself, and my hope is that listeners will connect with those 11 versions—the vulnerable, the strong, the sensual, the empowered and more… I hope those who listen can experience these multifaceted sides within themselves and feel unapologetically proud of every one of them.
How did your personal experiences shape the theme of “ASTROS” ?
Astros captures the feeling of loving someone despite what your intuition tells you, It’s influenced by my own journey—pursuing creative paths in spite of doubts, obstacles, or outside voices, and the realization that mistakes are often necessary steps toward discovering your true direction.
What’s your toxic Muñeka trait?
My toxic trait is probably being too independent. I struggle to ask for help, and my trust issues don’t exactly make it easier…I often feel like no one can do it the way I would. I guess that makes me a little controlling too, but I’m working on it 🙂
“iMAGiNA” has been embraced by many fans as an anthem celebrating bisexuality. Was that interpretation intentional, and what does the song’s message mean to you personally?
This song has a special journey to it because at first, I was working with a writer who shaped it from a male perspective, where I’d be singing to a man asking him to leave his girlfriend for me. That never felt authentic to who I am but what did feel real was the many times I’ve known a girl whose boyfriend just wasn’t right her not deserving of her. So when I rewrote it, I kept those girls in mind..especially one in particular who became the muse for the song.
Top/Skirt: Amiri @amiri @jet Rings: Otro Ángel @otro4ngel
Which song on the album was the hardest to write, and why?
Honestly, none of the songs on the album felt hard to write. For me making music is like therapy it’s the one space where I can fully express my feelings. I’d just pour out whatever was on my mind without overthinking or editing too much. I wanted the songs to feel raw and real, and not so polished as if your reading the pages from my diary.
This album contains 11 tracks — the same number as your birth month (11/11) — and your debut album ‘Sueños de Dalí’ also had 11 songs. Can you walk us through the symbolism behind that number?
The number 11 my lucky, magical number. Having 11 songs again for this album felt like a circle coming full turn—each track an extension of a part of me. It feels kind of like my signature.
First word that comes to mind when you hear “Mi KAMA”?
Crush! A crush you keep platonic forever because sometimes protecting what you already have feels more important than risking it for something more.
After a four-year gap since “Sueños de Dalí”, what personal or artistic transformations took place during that time that influenced “CÓDiGOS DE MUÑEKA”?
These 4 years were very transformational for me, I took time to rebuild myself, took time for my mental health, and I was able to recharge and reconnect with myself. That space allowed me to feel more free creatively and in life, which is what influenced this album the feeling of being a doll boxed in by expectations, limited in expression, but I wanted to give this new doll more life to her and break past the glass case and let her exist with freedom emotion and authenticity.
Jacket/Skirt: Francheskxa @francheskxa Top: Jean Paul Gaultier @jeanpaulgaultier Shoes: Martine Rose @martine_rose Purse: Simone Rocha @simonerocha_
“LA FREAK” features Rauw Alejandro in a very sensual duet. How did that creative spark come together so quickly between you two?
It was really instinctual, when I was finished making this song and even during the creation I would imagine his voice there, and when we got in touch and our schedules aligned it felt like it all aligned how it was meant to.
If “LA FREAK” had a perfume scent, what would it smell like?
Mmmm, I think some sweet caramel scent with some oud musky smell to have a little masculine energy in there!
Top/Skirt: Amiri @amiri @jet Rings: Otro Ángel @otro4ngel
The album also includes collaborations with DannyLux, Pablo Chill‑E, Pailita, and El Jordan 23. How did you decide on each artist?
With Pailita and Jordan23, a big part of the inspiration came from my fans I kept seeing them ask for those collaborations, and it felt right to make it happen. The same goes for the other Chilean artists on the album. Pablo Chill-E, for example, was one of the very first artists from Chile’s urban scene that I listened to, so working with him was something I’d wanted for a long time. And with Danny, it all came together in such an organic, natural way it just flowed.
Which song would you play to introduce yourself to someone who’s never heard you?
I probably would play “Hakia“, I feel like it describes my personality well because it’s the most confident song on the album I feel like, and it’s got a lot of attitude for sure.
Jacket/Skirt: Francheskxa @francheskxa Top: Jean Paul Gaultier @jeanpaulgaultier Shoes: Martine Rose @martine_rose Purse: Simone Rocha @simonerocha_
What’s your favorite anime?
My favorite anime is Berserk always!
How did your love for anime inform your visual direction and storytelling in this project?
Anime is my visual language. I love its color, fantasy, and emotion. That’s why I partnered with Crunchyroll for custom anime illustrations for each song. The album visuals and music videos are steeped in that aesthetic minimalist yet colorful and bold, fantasy meets reality.
How did creating this project help you redefine what femininity means to you?
It made me remember how dynamic feminine energy is, it’s not just one feeling or dimension it’s soft, powerful, playful, it can be everything at once.
What’s the most Chilean thing about you?
Probably my heart and values it always has been rooted to my family in Chile. No matter where I am in the world that connection grounds me and reminds me of who I am and where I come from.
Top/Skirt: Amiri @amiri @jet Rings: Otro Ángel @otro4ngel
What’s one beauty trend you’ll never try?
I don’t like to say “never” when it comes to beauty. My vision is always evolving—there are looks I once disliked that I ended up falling in love with, and others I thought I loved but moved on from. For me, it’s all about experimenting and staying open to trying it all.
Who was your biggest fashion inspo growing up?
Aaliyah, Jennifer Lopez, Missy Elliot, Rihanna and Kanye just to name a few.
What’s the ultimate Muñeka cocktail?
Well I don’t drink so I wouldn’t know one that exists, but if I could make one it would be something with lychee probably, and coconut so it’s fruity and creamy!
Dress: Courreges @courreges Coat: Acne Studios @acnestudios Boots: Balenciaga @balenciaga Necklace: Varon @varon_official Rings: Chinta @___chinta___ Glasses: Marc Jacobs @marcjacobs @safilogroup
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor in Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Adrian Alvarez
Photographer: Sandra Blow (@sandrablow.photo)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Makeup Artist: Sofia Castillo (@sofiacastillo_)
Hair Stylist: Luis Velveet (@velveetmuah)
Wardrobe Stylist: Daniela Altamirano (@daniealtamira)
Assistant Wardrobe Stylist: Youri Noyola (@_____youuuuri)
