In the landscape of contemporary Canarian music, Cruz Cafuné has established himself as one of the most authentic voices of the archipelago, not only for his talent but also for integrating elements deeply rooted in local culture into his lyrics.
One of these linguistic gems is the word “magua”, which appears in his song Cuenta conmigo in the phrase: “Esta magua, cielo”.
But what does “magua” really mean?
“Magua” is a Canarian term, meaning it’s an expression unique to the Spanish spoken in the Canary Islands. Its most widespread meaning is “sorrow or regret”, a melancholic feeling of nostalgia for something that is gone or missed. This word does not appear in standard Spanish, but it is common in colloquial Canarian speech.
It is often used to convey deep emotions with a brief, sonorous word. Its emotional impact is such that it has found resonance not only in popular speech but also in local artistic creation. Its etymological origin dates back to the Guanche languages, the aboriginal language of the islands. The Guanche term “amawad” can refer to ritual practices, although its semantic evolution has shifted towards the emotional expression of nostalgia or regret.
This process clearly illustrates how indigenous languages have influenced the current linguistic culture of the archipelago: everyday words like “magua” persist today with their affective and expressive weight.
Cruz Cafuné and “magua”
In his music, Cruz Cafuné, born in Tacoronte (Tenerife) in June 1993, has positioned himself as a key figure in the musical scene of the Islands.
His identity as an artist is inseparable from his origins, as his lyrics are a permanent homage to his land.
The use of the word “magua” in songs like Cuenta conmigo and Moonlight has made the term resonate beyond the islands.
But why does “Esta magua, cielo” work so well?
Analysing the construction of the phrase, “Esta magua” directly addresses a loved one, using an intimate vocative like “cielo”. The combination has intense sonorous and emotional force.
One of the keys to its success lies in its brevity: just two words, yet loaded with meaning, and their sonority, with consonances and internal rhythm.
Furthermore, the expression also conveys a contained emotion, as the word “magua” condenses both sadness and affection at the same time.
To this, one must add that it resonates with the Canarian listener and connects with anyone who has experienced distance or remembrance.
The relevance of Canarianisms in his art
The use of expressions unique to Canarian speech like “magua” is not arbitrary.
It reinforces his message of identity and belonging. In a globalised world where urban music tends to be uniform, the Canarian rapper stands out for his elegance in integrating these cultural nuances.
The term “magua”, with its echo of nostalgia, allows the artist to touch on universal themes like heartbreak, memory, and rootedness, but with a very personal local stamp.
The listener, even without knowing the origin of the word, grasps the evoked emotion; for those who know the Canary Islands, however, that “magua” is pure identity recognition.
The cultural impact of “magua” in Canarian music
Cruz Cafuné is not the first artist to use Canarian terms in his songs, but he is one of the most influential of the new generation.
His audience extends beyond the Canary Islands, which implies that “magua” and other Canarian expressions are gaining diffusion and understanding in global Spanish-speaking contexts.
Moreover, his music serves as a platform to show that the local can have universal resonance.
The nostalgia conveyed by “magua” is a feeling that transcends geography, as we have all felt longing at some point, even if we express it with different words.
