Over the past decade, urban Canarian music has seen a remarkable surge, propelling many artists beyond national borders. From Puerto Rico to the USA and Colombia, the Canary Islands have made their mark on the international music scene. A rich tapestry of multiculturalism, diversity, and a unique talent have enabled artists like Cruz Cafuné, Maikel de la Calle, and Bejo to achieve global success.
Yet, the musical journey continues with the emergence of two new talents, Juan Yeray González Cano and Alejandro Rodríguez Palomeque, who aim to carve their path to success by celebrating their roots in the neighborhood of Guargacho, nestled between Arona and San Miguel.
This growing movement has fostered a deep sense of pride and attachment to the archipelago among its residents. The young artists behind this wave exalt their towns, their hidden corners, their people… The trend known as 922-928, conceived by Tacoronte artist Cruz Cafuné, referencing the telephone codes of the provinces, has surged in popularity, creating a bond among locals who share a love for their islands. This movement has sparked a newfound sense of belonging to their respective communities.
Unpolished Gems
Juan Yeray, also known as Gcano, hails from Guargacho and kick-started his music career in 2020. His versatility spans across trap, reggaeton, and drill rhythms. With millions of views on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, his songs, particularly “Desde Pivito” featuring MDmoney, have resonated with audiences, garnering over 4 million views. His debut album made waves not only locally but also on a larger scale, with “Gcho,” a tribute to Guargacho, his neighborhood, standing out. “If I represent Gcho, the support is immense, there’s no doubt about that,” he emphasises.
Gcano’s music paints vivid pictures of his hometown, referencing local landmarks like Antonia’s shop, the soccer field, the 24H… Without knowing it, he was putting Guargacho on the map. “I’ve been approached several times about Guargacho during my musical endeavours. That kind of recognition is priceless,” he shares.
Joining him on this musical journey is Alejandro Rodríguez Palomeque, or Yung Lea. Starting his career in 2020, Alejandro has showcased steady growth day by day. Known as the neighbourhood’s rising star, his lyrics are filled with love for his community, as well as ambition and social commentary. In his track “Realidades,” he delves into topics rarely touched upon in urban music, shedding light on societal issues. This divergence from traditional trap themes reveals the artist’s depth.
The duo has formed a powerful partnership, establishing themselves as key talents in the southern part of the island. Their collaboration fuels their individual success, with Lea giving a nod to Gcano in her track “Voceo,” incorporating a segment from Yeray’s “Tego Bandolero” while emphasizing the importance of prioritising their neighbourhoods.
“No Greater Feeling Than Local Love”
Both artists express their desire to represent Guargacho wherever they go. “There’s no greater feeling than being loved in your neighbourhood,” Alejandro declares. “Our goal is to become legends. We are driven by ambition. Achieving this from our place of birth is invaluable,” they affirm.
Despite the abundance of talent on the island, they highlight the lack of investment in the south and the scarcity of recording studios, pointing out that most are privately owned and not available for hire. Yeray, with first-hand experience in the industry, asserts that Canarian talent rivals that of any other region, evident from the numbers. However, he notes that the local industry lags behind, a sentiment echoed by Gcano, who believes this issue extends to various sectors.
