EXCLUSIVE: Henao on Channeling Her Abuela’s Dream and Serving Badass Femme Fatale Vibes
When Henao discovered her talent for singing, she also uncovered a legacy she didn’t know she was carrying. Her grandmother, a lifelong lover of music, had always dreamed of becoming a singer.
Today, Henao blends her Colombian roots with a bold, modern artistry to bring that dream to life, connecting generations through the power of music.
A Grandmother’s Voice Inspires a Legacy
Henao’s grandmother often filled their home with the sounds of classic boleros, her favorite being Julio Jaramillo’s “El Aguacate.” For Henao, these memories are more than moments of nostalgia—they’re the foundation of her artistic journey.
“As a child, I always heard mi abuela sing so many classic boleros,” Henao shared. “The passion she has for music is so profound. If you want to make her day, just bring a serenata to her house, and you will see that woman’s world light up as she sings her heart out.”
Through her music, Henao pays tribute to this passion. “Bringing her dream to life is a way for me to honor her legacy and give a voice to her aspirations,” she said. “It feels like a beautiful way to connect generations, sharing not just my music but also the love and dreams of those who came before me.”
For Henao, every performance is a reminder of how music transcends time. “It’s the dreams that live on through us that will resonate and inspire others,” she explained.
Henao and a Sound Shaped by Colombia and Houston
Henao’s music reflects the fusion of her Colombian heritage and her upbringing in Houston, Texas. From the vibrant rhythms of Colombian music to the diverse sounds of Houston’s cultural melting pot, her unique blend of Latin pop, soulful rhythms, and Spanglish lyrics is a testament to her dual influences.
“Colombia and Houston both shape my sound and the stories I tell through my music,” Henao said. “Growing up, I vibed with all the rhythms and rich storytelling that come with Colombian music, all while being raised in a cultural melting pot like Houston that introduced me to so many musical styles—like Tejano, Hip-hop, R&B, and everything in between.”
This creative blend allows her to stay authentic while connecting deeply with her Latinx community. “Using Spanglish in my lyrics is just me keeping it real, as it reflects my bilingual experience,” she explained.
‘Tu Fatale’: A Journey of Heartbreak and Resilience
Henao’s recently released EP, Tu Fatale, is a deeply personal project that explores themes of heartbreak, resilience, and empowerment. Each track tells a piece of her story, offering listeners an intimate look at her emotional and artistic evolution.
“Tu Fatale is all about my personal journey, and you’ll definitely feel that energy in the music,” she said. “Each track takes you through moments in my life, the highs when love makes you feel invincible and the lows when you’re just trying to piece things back together.”
For Henao, writing about her experiences is both an act of expression and healing. “The songs capture all those raw emotions, and I want listeners to feel like they’re right there with me,” she shared. “Navigating through the feels is all about embracing your vulnerabilities and celebrating the growth that comes with it.”
How Henao is Embracing the Femme Fatale
As an artist, Henao has adopted a bold femme fatale persona that allows her to tap into parts of herself she might not reveal in her daily life. This duality between her artistic identity and her personal self has been empowering.
“My bold femme fatale persona is a way of me unlocking a secret power,” she explained. “It lets me explore sides of myself I might not show daily, like my edginess and sexuality. It’s my creative outlet where I embrace my narrative, play with my personality, and connect with others who vibe with that energy. It’s empowering, liberating, like a full Bad Ass Mami/Diosa.”
Lessons From Her Grandmother
Henao’s connection to her grandmother isn’t just about music—it’s also about the wisdom and strength her grandmother embodies.
“She’s 96 now and still being her silly self,” Henao said with admiration. “She just has this demeanor about her that always demands respect, and I always carry that with me.”
This strength has inspired Henao both as an artist and as a person. “No matter what I go through in life, remember your worth and truly embrace your confidence,” she said.
For Henao, honoring her grandmother’s life lessons means weaving them into her own story. “I honor her by keeping her wisdom close and weaving those lessons into my music, like paying homage while still being unapologetically me.”
Henao: A Legacy in the Making
Henao is more than an artist—she’s a bridge between generations, carrying her grandmother’s dream into the global stage while forging her own path. With Tu Fatale, she’s creating music that not only resonates with her fans but also honors the resilience and passion that runs through her family’s roots.
“It’s all about connecting, especially with my Latinx community,” Henao said. And through her music, she’s proving that dreams, like music, truly have the power to transcend time.
