Cantora de Yala

Esperanza Spalding's song "Cantora de Yala" is a heartfelt tribute to Santa Leoncia de Farfán, a venerable figure from the Quebrada de Reyes. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of Santa Leoncia, who, despite her seventy years, descends to the tents of Yala with a youthful spirit. The song captures the essence of her life, marked by the traditions of the Carnaval and the wisdom that comes with age. The imagery of the "harina del Carnaval" (Carnival flour) adorning her temples suggests a blend of festivity and the passage of time, symbolizing how the celebrations of the past continue to shape her present.

The chorus highlights Santa Leoncia's unique joy and resilience. Described as "alegre como pocas" (happier than most), she embodies a rare form of happiness that defies her years. Her songs, likened to a spring, flow through old paths, dispelling her solitude. This metaphor of a spring suggests that her music is a source of life and renewal, not just for herself but for her community. Her voice, carrying the weight of love's sorrows and the lament of traditional baguala songs, becomes a powerful medium through which emotions are expressed and shared.

The final verses emphasize the transformative power of music in Santa Leoncia's life. The image of chicha (a traditional fermented drink) lulling her to sleep until the beat of a drum revives her, underscores the cyclical nature of life and the rejuvenating power of music. Through "Cantora de Yala," Spalding celebrates the enduring spirit of Santa Leoncia, her connection to cultural traditions, and the timeless impact of her songs on the community.