Carlos Santana and Natalia Lafourcade combine their talents on “Hermano,” a ballad produced by Edgar Barrera and intended as a call to brotherhood, in a particularly dark time for Latinos in the United States. In an interview with WECB, the Mexican singer recounts how the song came to her in a dream. The guitarist, who grew up in Tijuana, says he has never lowered his head or felt the need to apologize for being Mexican in the United States.
It was in a dream that Natalia Lafourcade found the inspiration for “Hermano”, a sincere ode to the immigrant community. “I turned to my husband and said, ‘Please take the baby, I have a melody in mind, I need to get up,’ and I started singing.”she tells WECB. “It’s rare that an idea arrives in such a successful form. »
On this track, the singer-songwriter joins forces with Carlos Santana, emblematic figure of Latin rock, and producer Edgar Barrera, the originator of numerous hits. The track follows Santana’s high-profile duet with Becky G, “Mi Gran Amor,” released last May, as well as her 2025 collaborations with Carín León and Grupo Frontera.
A ballad with organic sounds, tinged with its traditional jarocho, “Hermano” launches a call for unity in a particularly dark time for the Latino community in the United States. Far from any moralizing discourse, the song relies on the serene voice of Lafourcade and the inhabited guitar playing of Santana to invite reconciliation.
“Carlos wanted to make a song that speaks to our Latin American brothers and the migrant community”explains Lafourcade. “It’s really sad that the world still faces discrimination, violence and racism. Ultimately, these conflicts arise from a lack of empathy and justice. »
Natalia Lafourcade and Carlos Santana spoke with WECB by videoconference to discuss their creative process and the message of this song, in direct contact with current events.
How was “Hermano” born?
Carlos Santana: Everything that has happened since I was born has a lot to do with grace. Grace is the feminine side of God, and it is very important to me. When I go see a band, I need a balance of testosterone and the sweetness of a flower in a woman. I need all the colors of the rainbow. I feel like this song was predestined, just like these incredible artists who come to me to share their hearts and vision. When I arrive, all I have to do is close my eyes and play the guitar.
Natalia Lafourcade: When I was asked to work with Carlos, I sent the model to Edgar wondering if it would be suitable. He loved it and suggested we meet in Miami to work on the structure and lyrics. His contribution was wonderful. We both felt that the song should have an atmosphere of hope, love and light. There are moments when the song becomes an offering. Take my hand, let’s think together and remember our brotherhood.
At first listen, the song seems very simple. Is it its folk dimension that gives it a certain sophistication?
Natalia Lafourcade: Initially, it was a ballad. It had an almost country color, with strong Veracruz influences. It’s not 100% folk, but you can hear the huapango influence and the 6/8 rhythm. We also used a cuatro, an instrument that I love deeply and which often accompanies me when I write songs. The cuatro is heard in Venezuela, Colombia, and in much traditional Latin American music.
When we started recording with Edgar, I wanted the piece to have a Mexican color, while maintaining a universal dimension. We mixed traditional roots with a contemporary touch and Santana’s musical signature. Having the opportunity to work with Edgar was incredible. He’s able to tackle so many different genres, and I was also able to experience his versatility as a producer.
Carlos, is “Hermano” also a nod to your own Latin American roots?
Carlos Santana: When I first started, I identified with Ritchie Valens and José Feliciano. I admired Dolores Huerta. But the one who was like a mentor to me was Harry Belafonte. He said, I believe: “What matters is not how much money you have or how famous you are, but how you behave. » I liked it.
One day I was asked: “Carlos, how do you see yourself? » And I answered: “Well, I try not to define myself. But if I have to, I’ll say I’m a fucking multidimensional Mexican. » They’re not necessarily bad words, you know. When you come from Tijuana, you have to have tenacity.
Carlos’ guitar playing on this track is particularly delicate and restrained. Is this a perfect example of the principle that less is more?
Natalia Lafourcade: Absolutely. This man has immense experience. I see him as an old sea dog. He reminds me of the people who work the land back home: they know exactly how to cut bamboo with a machete. No matter where Carlos plays, you immediately know it’s him. He has the Santana sound, and it’s really nice to work with musicians who have nothing left to prove.
When you put your humility and generosity at the service of a musical arrangement, you allow the other elements to shine, and you end up shining more yourself. This is where all his experience makes sense.
The lyrics are very poignant. They reminded me how much a great song can really change things.
Carlos Santana: I never recognized myself as having a victim mentality. I don’t walk around with my tail between my legs apologizing for being Mexican in the United States. I think at some point, somewhere, we have to affirm that we have a right to be on this planet. It doesn’t matter where you live, San Rafael, Kauai or Las Vegas. They are just different rooms of the same house.
Natalia Lafourcade: More than ever, I feel a deep desire to create songs capable of transforming us all. That’s what I’m asking the muse most of all right now: to find the inspiration that will allow me to create more music like this.
When you give a song to the world, you have no control over how many hearts it will touch, or how much influence it will have. The only thing we control is our own intention. My hope is that this piece can raise some awareness. Perhaps it will touch the hearts of those who mistreat their own brothers. It can also lead us to think about how we cultivate our inner light to have a collective impact.
The idea that life is an individual quest is outdated. It is high time that we begin to experience reality as a united whole.
By Ernesto Lechner
