Almeria, Spain – The vibrant music scene of Almeria is celebrating a significant achievement as singer-songwriter Vera GRV and director Willy Rodríguez have secured a nomination for the prestigious Latin Grammy Awards. Their collaborative work, the music video “Cura pa mi alma” (Cure for my Soul), has been recognized in the highly competitive Best Short Form Music Video category for the 26th annual ceremony.
This nomination marks a pivotal moment for the emerging artist Vera GRV and the acclaimed director Willy Rodríguez, highlighting the growing influence of Andalusian talent on the global music stage. The news of their recognition is a source of pride for their hometown and the broader Spanish audiovisual industry.
A Visual Masterpiece Filmed in Tabernas
The nominated music video, “Cura pa mi alma,” is lauded for its striking visual narrative and emotional depth. Shot against the iconic, arid landscapes of the Tabernas Desert in Almeria, the production involved a substantial crew of 120 people and featured over 70 women. The video has garnered acclaim for its powerful depiction of the mother-daughter bond, a personal theme central to the song’s message. Produced by Toni Anzis, known for his work with various established artists, and directed by Rodríguez, the project is noted for its potent imagery and heartfelt storytelling.
“Cura pa mi alma” is a key track from Vera GRV’s debut album, ‘Se me pasó llamarte, mamá’. The song itself delves into themes of healing and support, with the music video visually translating these personal emotions into a compelling cinematic experience.
Vera GRV: A Rising Star in Spanish Urban Music
Vera GRV, born Vera Gil Rodríguez in Almeria in 2000, is rapidly establishing herself as a prominent voice in Spanish urban music. Her distinctive style is characterized by a unique fusion of traditional Andalusian music influences with contemporary genres like Latin reggaeton, flamenco, electronic, and indie music. This ability to blend diverse sounds has carved out a niche for her in the increasingly global Latin music market.
Her career has seen a steady ascent, marked by chart success with singles like “Pobre Niña,” which has garnered over a million streams on Spotify, and the EP “Amoríos del Albayzín” with Antony Z, exceeding 2.5 million streams. Vera GRV’s growing popularity was further evidenced by sold-out solo concerts in Almeria and Madrid this year. She is currently embarking on her first national tour, bringing her unique sound and energetic performances to audiences across Spain.
Her artistic inspirations draw from a wide spectrum, citing personal influences such as Amy Winehouse and Vicente Amigo. Vera GRV has also demonstrated her versatility through collaborations with a range of Spanish artists, including Juancho Marqués, Pepe y Vizio, Saiko, Curro, Quevedo, and Cruz Cafuné, underscoring her integral role in the current music landscape.
Willy Rodríguez: A Visionary Director in Demand
Director Willy Rodríguez, born in Madrid in 1988, has become one of the most sought-after visual storytellers in the Spanish music industry. Renowned for his innovative and visually arresting music videos, Rodríguez has helmed projects for a constellation of international latin and Spanish artists. His impressive personal portfolio includes collaborations with titans such as David Bisbal, Alejandro Sanz, Lola Índigo, Kase O, Nicky Jam, and Will Smith, among many others.
This nomination for “Cura pa mi alma” is not his first encounter with the Latin Grammys; Rodríguez has previously been nominated multiple times, cementing his reputation as a leading figure in music video direction. His career trajectory includes a stint as Creative Director and A&R at Sony Music Entertainment, before dedicating his focus to commercials and music videos. Collectively, his music video work has garnered over three billion views on YouTube, a testament to his widespread impact and appeal.
A Milestone for Andalusian Talent
The Latin Grammy nomination for “Cura pa mi alma” is more than just an individual honor; it represents a significant milestone for the music and audiovisual sectors in Andalusia. The ceremony, set to take place on November 13th in Las Vegas as part of the 26th Latin Grammys, is organized by the Latin Recording Academy and is widely considered the most important awards event for Spanish-language music.
Vera GRV expressed her excitement, stating that seeing their work reach a stage like the Latin Grammys is a dream come true and a way to “put a value on the talent that is born in our land.” The competition in the Best Short Form Music Video category is fierce, with other nominees including works featuring major artists like Bad Bunny and Guitarricadelafuente. The nominated video will compete against entries such as ‘Diamantes, lágrimas e rostos para esquecer (Dlre)’, ‘EL CLúB’, ‘#Tetas’, and ‘Full time papi’.
This recognition for Vera GRV and Willy Rodríguez from Almeria underscores the rich artistic output emerging from Spain and solidifies their positions as rising forces in the global latin music and visual arts scene. The news serves as inspiration for aspiring creators and highlights the creative dynamism of the region.