Rauw Alejandro returns with a bold new single, “GUABANSE – XXX,” blending the richness of Puerto Rican folklore with the pulse of today’s music scene. Following the cultural wave sparked by Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency, it’s no surprise to see other artists embracing their roots and fusing them with modern sounds. Rauw, in particular, thrives on this balance—offering us both a sonic and visual interpretation of Puerto Rico’s heritage.

A Cultural Tapestry in Music & Visuals

The very name of the song pays tribute to Guabancex, the Taíno deity of storms, chaos, and disorder. Known as the Lady of the Winds, Guabancex embodies the raw power of hurricanes (juracán, the Taíno word that gave us “hurricane”). Supported by fellow semíes—Guataubá (winds) and Coatrisquie (floods)—her myth is woven into Puerto Rico’s ancestral identity. By choosing this name, Rauw connects today’s listeners with the ancient spirituality of the island.

In the music video, these cultural layers unfold visually, complementing the track’s lyrics. It’s not just a song—it’s a living interpretation of Puerto Rico’s history and mythology, filtered through a modern artistic lens.

Folklore Meets Rhythm

The chorus features lyrics rooted in the traditional plena song “Santa María”:

“Santa María líbranos de todo mal,
Ampáranos señora de este terrible animal.
Santa María líbranos de todo mal,
Ampáranos señora…”

This folkloric verse originates from Aguadilla, where townspeople sang of a “terrible animal” invading the plaza until the Virgin Mary descended to protect them. By reviving this cultural hymn, Rauw not only honors Puerto Rican folklore but also reminds a new generation of the spiritual and communal power embedded in music.

Why It Matters

“GUABANSE – XXX” is more than a single—it’s part of a growing movement of Puerto Rican artists bringing tradition forward into modernity. In an era where genres constantly evolve, Rauw Alejandro demonstrates that innovation doesn’t mean forgetting your roots. Instead, it can mean amplifying them.

And this is only the beginning: his new album, set to release on September 26, features 14 tracks in total, promising even more exploration of heritage, sound, and identity.

Don’t miss this one—the music video is a vivid experience, and the track itself is a cultural statement.