The 27th annual Latin Grammy Awards may feature a Tijuana representative this year, as singer Estíbaliz Badiola’s latest album, “Afrodita”, is currently under consideration for nomination.
The record, along with its lead single “Ahora Te Llamas Ex”, a collaboration with singer Ana Bárbara, has caught the attention of the Latin Recording Academy.
The Story Behind “Afrodita”
Released in February 2026, Afrodita was described by Badiola as a celebration of life, memory, and creativity, a deeply personal project dedicated to her brother, Miguel Ángel Badiola Contreras, who passed away in 2023 after a prolonged illness.
In the weeks before his death, Miguel Ángel shared a profound revelation with his family: his final wish was to transition and live as a woman, having chosen the name Afrodita.
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“When my brother left, I felt a part of my heart go silent,” Badiola shared. “My home never sounded the same. The laughter grew shorter, and the silence became heavier. But in the midst of that grief, I found her voice still guiding me, still accompanying me, still whispering that I must never stop singing.”
Inspired by her sibling’s courage, Badiola named the album in her honor. The title track even incorporates real WhatsApp voice messages that Miki, as she affectionately called her, sent while alive.
A Sonic Evolution
Spanning 13 tracks, Afrodita weaves together cumbia, pop, and Latin rhythms, forging a fresh and vibrant sonic identity while remaining firmly rooted in Estibaliz’s heritage.
Produced by Oscar Mont, Miky Mendoza, and Emir Pabón, the album also features collaborations with Miranda León, Ms. Ambar, NXNNI, and RENEE. More than a conventional record, “Afrodita” functions as the artist’s emotional journey.
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Themes of love, nostalgia, resilience, liberation, and the courage to begin again are channeled through the infectious energy of cumbia, a genre that Badiola reinvents with her distinctive style, infusing each track with a celebratory spirit that invites deep connection.
The Latin Grammy consideration comes as validation of Badiola’s artistic evolution and her willingness to take creative risks. By blending innovation with authenticity, she has crafted a project that reaffirms music as a sanctuary for healing and self-discovery.
