In a world saturated with fleeting music, Latin artists Yami Safdie and Camilo have joined forces to offer an introspective and powerful ode that invites reflection on life's most vulnerable moments. Their new song, 'Querida Yo' (Dear Me), was released today on all digital platforms and is an open letter to their past selves. The single is a dialogue filled with gratitude, hope, and self-compassion.
A song with deep roots
For Yami, the seed of 'Querida Yo' was planted during a period of personal transition. "I wrote it in an Uber, and then continued it at home. I was living through an exciting time, achieving dreams I had worked so hard to reach," she shared. At the time, her version of 'En Otra Vida' with the Venezuelan artist, Lasso, was topping charts across Latin America.
"I also felt the need to connect with that version of myself who fought tirelessly," the Argentine singer-songwriter added. This exercise in introspection resonated with Camilo, who joined the project after hearing a snippet Yami shared on social media.
"She posted a piece of the song, and I immediately wrote to her. I said, 'Wow, this is beautiful.' Yami invited me to finish it, and here we are, celebrating this creation together," Camilo recalls. It was during an impromptu workshop, with guitars in hand, that both artists infused the song with the simplicity and soul that define this collaboration.
A minimalist approach
In an era where productions are often overloaded with musical elements, 'Querida Yo' takes the opposite approach: simplicity. This minimalist focus is no coincidence but a deliberate choice reflecting Yami's artistic moment. "I'm in a phase where I want to hear myself without judgment. With this song, I felt that less was more. I didn't need layers or embellishments—just honesty," the artist affirms.
Camilo, known for his ability to tell stories that connect with the soul, highlights how this return to the essentials aligns with a broader sentiment of rediscovery in Latin music. "It's like rediscovering the keys that were always in your pocket. Latin rhythms have an immense richness that connects us to our roots. Returning to son, cumbia, vallenato, or guaguancó is not a trend; it's a return to our origin," he reflects.
Healing through social media
Social media facilitated the meeting between Yami and Camilo, a tool both consider crucial in their careers. For Yami, platforms like TikTok have been a direct bridge to her audience: "My social media is an extension of myself. From my first covers to my songs, everything comes from connecting with those who follow me. I always want to maintain that authenticity," she says.
Camilo shares this perspective and adds, "What's special about TikTok isn't the platform itself but the community we create. Even if platforms change, stories and music will always find their way to people."
Camilo continues to reign as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of his generation. A multiple Latin GRAMMY winner, his artistic sensitivity and emotional connection make him the perfect complement for this project.
Both artists have exciting plans for this year. Yami promises to announce new dates for her Latin American tour soon. At the same time, Camilo is set to tour Central America, Mexico, South America, and Spain on an extensive journey starting in February. "I hope we can sing it together at some point. It's a dream that fills me with pride," confesses the Colombian artist.
The Legacy of 'Querida Yo'
More than just a collaboration between two talented artists, 'Querida Yo' is a testament to the power of music to heal, connect, and transcend. It's an invitation to look back with gratitude, to celebrate the journey, and to remember that even in the darkest moments, there is hope.
"This song is a ray of light for those who need to believe in themselves. Camilo and I wanted to create something intimate yet universal," Yami concludes. With its honesty, simplicity, and depth, 'Querida Yo' is not just a song; it's a reminder that we've always had the keys to find our way back home.
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