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Long before Rosalía became one of the biggest musical icons of the 21st century, before she wowed the world with LUX, redefined pop with Motomami, introduced herself with El Mal Querer, or dropped Los Ángeles, she was part of a band. That band, in many ways, helped shape her career: Kejaleo. This Barcelona-based project, launched in the early 2010s, was a unique blend of flamenco and jazz — one of Rosalía’s first serious ventures showcasing her talent for mixing styles.

While Rosalía was the lead vocalist, she was backed by seasoned musicians: Xavi Turull (formerly of Ojos de Brujo), guitarists Diego Cortés and Cristo Fontecilla, bassist Jordi Franco, and drummer Roger Blàvia.

Their mission was clear: break the traditional flamenco mold and open it up to new influences, with jazzy harmonies and rhythms inspired by Cuba, India, and Brazil. Into this innovative mix came Rosalía, a young artist eager to explore and perfectly suited to this creative fusion.

The Only Album They Released: Alaire

In 2013, Kejaleo released Alaire, an album featuring songs like “Mi Jardín,” “Chana,” and “Amalgama.” The music breathed freedom — percussion blended with virtuosic guitars, and a fresh female voice began to stand out. Rosalía contributed to several tracks, proving early on that her talent was real. Today, she’s credited on every song. She was just 20 years old at the time — likely one of her first studio experiences.

Kejaleo didn’t just record an album; they performed on major stages like the Barcelona Jazz Festival, showing flamenco and jazz improvisation could live together without losing their soul. They also made appearances on the Catalan Ràdio, promoting their innovative sound and reaching new audiences.

A Little-Known Chapter

While many know about Rosalía’s appearance on the Spanish talent show Tú Sí Que Vales back in 2008 when she was a teenager, her time with Kejaleo is less talked about in interviews. But the jazz influence she embraced as the band’s vocalist can be heard throughout her music. For example, the song Saoko has an unexpected jazz break right in the middle.

This chapter of Rosalía’s career remains a hidden gem — a fascinating discovery for fans eager to explore the roots of this international star.

Read the original  article in Spanish by Alberto Palao on LOS40.com