Daniela Aponte, the Pereira-born artist known professionally as La Guru, is poised to release her highly anticipated new studio album, Ag\u00edtese Antes de Usar (Shake Before Use), at the end of May. This upcoming project marks a definitive milestone in Aponte\u2019s fifteen-year career, transitioning her from a respected behind-the-scenes songwriter to a prominent figure in the global Latin music landscape. The album arrives on the heels of high-profile collaborations with some of the industry\u2019s most influential figures, including Karol G, Shakira, and Anitta, signaling a new era for the independent artist who has spent over a decade navigating the complexities of the music business.<\/p>\n
The trajectory of La Guru\u2019s recent success is inextricably linked to a pivotal moment two years ago when Karol G, the global superstar often referred to as "La Bichota," publicly championed Aponte\u2019s work. The endorsement centered on "Perra Melanc\u00f3lica," an early hit that resonated with Karol G and subsequently propelled La Guru into the mainstream spotlight. This exposure led to a viral interview with the satirical character Juanpis Gonz\u00e1lez, which further solidified Aponte\u2019s presence in the Colombian cultural consciousness. However, the relationship between the two artists evolved beyond mere social media support into a deep, professional partnership rooted in mutual respect and creative synergy.<\/p>\n
The professional bond between La Guru and Karol G reached a new level when the latter invited Aponte to a songwriting camp in Los Angeles. During this period, Karol G was developing the material that would eventually form her Tropicoqueta project. Aponte recalls the experience as a significant turning point, noting that the invitation was not just for general collaboration but for one-on-one sessions in the studio. It was from these intimate sessions that "LATINA FOREVER" was born, serving as the lead single for the album and a testament to their shared vision.<\/p>\n
Aponte describes her relationship with Karol G as one built on professional boundaries and a shared commitment to the craft. While they are not "best friends" in a traditional social sense, there is a profound level of artistic respect. According to Aponte, Karol G has been careful not to interfere with her independent journey, choosing instead to empower her by providing a platform and a space to create. The two artists have reportedly written numerous songs together, though "LATINA FOREVER" remains the only joint effort released to the public thus far.<\/p>\n
The thematic core of their collaboration often centers on the empowerment of the Latin community and the importance of female unity within the music industry. During their sessions, they discussed the global trend of "wanting to be Latino" and the increasing international desire to connect with Colombian culture. This shared perspective informed the lyrical content of their work, emphasizing a sense of pride and solidarity that transcends borders.<\/p>\n
While her recent collaborations might suggest a rapid ascent, Daniela Aponte\u2019s career is defined by long-term perseverance. For fifteen years, she has worked as a songwriter, singer, and recording artist, often facing significant barriers within an industry that was slow to recognize her talent. Her journey has been characterized by "kicking down doors" that were previously closed to her, a narrative of resilience that is common among independent artists in the Latin market.<\/p>\n
The evolution of her discography reflects this growth. Her 2022 album, Gurundanga, was the project that initially caught the attention of Karol G. It was followed in early 2023 by the EP NUMEN, a collaborative effort with the renowned Colombian production duo The Rudeboyz. Known for their work with global icons like Maluma, Prince Royce, and Shakira, The Rudeboyz provided a sophisticated sonic framework that allowed La Guru to experiment with new sounds and reach a wider audience. This period of intense productivity laid the groundwork for her current status as a sought-after collaborator for major international hits.<\/p>\n
La Guru\u2019s influence extended further into the global pop market through her contribution to "Choka Choka," the collaborative single by Brazilian superstar Anitta and Colombian legend Shakira. Her involvement in the project was facilitated by her friend and producer Daramola, whose credits include work with artists such as Boza, Be\u00e9le, and Farruko. Daramola invited Aponte to contribute to the track, leading to a close working relationship with Anitta.<\/p>\n
Aponte reveals that during the songwriting and recording process, she worked directly with Anitta, who was immediately impressed by the song\u2019s direction. Remarkably, Aponte was unaware that Shakira would be joining the track until just days before its official release. The revelation that her work would be performed by two of the world\u2019s biggest female artists was a moment of profound gratification for Aponte, validating her years of labor in the studio. "It wasn\u2019t part of my plans, and it was even more gratifying when I heard the final master," she stated in a recent interview, highlighting the unpredictable nature of high-level industry collaborations.<\/p>\n
The upcoming album, Ag\u00edtese Antes de Usar, represents a significant thematic shift for La Guru. While her previous work, particularly Gurundanga, dealt heavily with the tropes of romantic heartbreak, the new project explores more complex and personal territory. Aponte describes the album as an exploration of her present and future, moving away from the pain of failed relationships and toward a critique of the environment surrounding her.<\/p>\n
The title itself, which translates to "Shake Before Use," serves as a metaphor for the internal and external turbulence she has experienced. Aponte admits that the emotional weight of the album stems from disillusionment with people in her professional and personal circles, including industry figures and close colleagues. "It\u2019s loaded with a different kind of emotion," she explains. "No longer about \u2018my heart was broken in a relationship,\u2019 but rather, \u2018my heart was broken by the people around me.\u2019"<\/p>\n
This shift in focus suggests a more mature, introspective approach to songwriting. By channeling her grievances and observations about the music industry into her art, Aponte is using the album as a form of "grieving" and catharsis. The lead single, "Pereke," offers a glimpse into this new direction. A trap track infused with Latin percussion, the song was developed during a recording trip to Europe where Aponte worked with producers and musicians outside the Latin music sphere. This international influence has contributed to a sound that is both authentic to her roots and globally accessible.<\/p>\n
The rise of La Guru is emblematic of the broader "Colombian Boom" that has dominated the global music charts for the past decade. Artists from cities like Medell\u00edn and Pereira have become the architects of modern reggaeton and Latin pop, creating a cultural export that rivals any other industry in the country. Aponte\u2019s success as a songwriter for stars like Shakira and Anitta highlights the critical role that Colombian creatives play behind the scenes, shaping the melodies and lyrics that define the current era of pop music.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, her story emphasizes the importance of mentorship and solidarity among female artists. In an industry traditionally dominated by male producers and executives, the support of figures like Karol G is instrumental in creating a more equitable landscape. La Guru\u2019s transition from a "writer for hire" to a featured artist\u2014evidenced by her upcoming participation in Greeicy\u2019s new track "No Era M\u00edo"\u2014demonstrates a successful path for independent creators to reclaim their agency and brand.<\/p>\n
As the end of May approaches, the industry will be watching the release of Ag\u00edtese Antes de Usar to see how Aponte\u2019s new thematic direction resonates with audiences. With a foundation built on fifteen years of experience and the backing of some of the most powerful names in music, La Guru is no longer just a "guru" for other artists; she is a formidable force in her own right. Her journey from Pereira to the global stage serves as a blueprint for persistence, artistic integrity, and the power of strategic collaboration in the modern music era.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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