Natalia Lafourcade says “Hermano,” her new collaboration with Carlos Santana and producer Edgar Barrera, began with a melody that came to her in a dream. The song is an ode to migrants and the immigrant community, and its creators describe it as a call for unity and understanding.
Lafourcade told Rolling Stone that she woke her husband to sing the tune before it slipped away. She later sent a demo to Barrera, who invited her to Miami to work on the song’s structure and lyrics. They aimed to give it a hopeful tone centered on love and light.
An earthy ballad with touches of son jarocho, “Hermano” blends folk influences with a contemporary arrangement. Lafourcade said the song began with a country-like feel and a strong Veracruz character, drawing on huapango and a 6/8 rhythm. It also features the cuatro, an instrument she often plays while writing, alongside Santana’s guitar.
Lafourcade said Santana wanted to make a song addressing Latin Americans and migrants. She described discrimination, violence and racism as problems rooted in a lack of empathy and justice. For Santana, the song also connects with his Mexican identity. He told Rolling Stone that he does not apologize for being Mexican in the United States and said people should reclaim their sense of worth.
Lafourcade hopes the track can encourage reflection and awaken awareness, including among people who mistreat others. She said she wants to create music that can help transform people and sees collective life as interconnected rather than an individual pursuit.
Sources: Rolling Stone.