The eclectic nature of Rosalía’s music in the context of cultural appropriation

Abstract

The aim of this article is to analyze Rosalía’s musical work, with particular emphasis to its eclectic character. The Catalan artist uses a lot of musical styles in her songs, combining them in unexpected and experimental ways. The biggest subject of dispute in the public debate, however, is her second album, El mal querer, which is the main subject of the paper. It aroused controversy primarily due to the use of elements of flamenco, considered in certain cases as a traditional music of the Spanish Romani. For this reason, the article will raise the issue of cultural appropriation, of which the artist is accused by part of the Andalusian community.