Bad Gyal

Bad Gyal Biography

Bad Gyal, born Alba Farelo Solé on March 7, 1997, is a celebrated Spanish singer and songwriter widely recognized within the Spanish urban music scene. She gained fame with her unique blend of trap, reggaetón, and dancehall styles and first rose to prominence in 2016 with a viral Catalan-language cover of Rihanna’s song "Work." Since then, she has built a strong cult following, releasing multiple mixtapes and songs, including chart-topping hits such as "Santa María," "Zorra," and "Alocao." Her debut studio album, La joia, was released in 2024, solidifying her standing in contemporary music.

Childhood

Alba Farelo was born in Vilassar de Mar, a town near Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain. She is the eldest of five children in a family with artistic roots. Her father, Eduard Farelo, is a notable actor and voice actor, and her younger sister Irma is also a singer, performing under the name Mushkaa. Growing up, Alba was known for her rebellious spirit and distinctive style, which played an important role in shaping her musical identity.

Education

At the age of 18, Alba entered the University of Barcelona to study fashion design. During her university years, she balanced her studies with working at a call center. It was during this period that she began developing her musical persona, releasing her first viral track "Pai," a Catalan adaptation of Rihanna and Drake's "Work," which helped kickstart her career.

Career

Bad Gyal’s musical career began in earnest in 2016 following the success of “Pai.” She collaborated with producer Pablo Martínez to release her first project, the Slow Wine Mixtape, which garnered critical acclaim and drew attention from international music outlets. Her track "Jacaranda" was named the best single of 2017 by Fact magazine. She then released her second mixtape, Worldwide Angel, in 2018, which further established her presence internationally, leading to tours across Europe, North America, and Asia. In 2019, she signed with major labels Interscope Records and Aftercluv, releasing popular singles and acclaimed projects like Warm Up. Her sound is characterized by a fusion of dancehall, reggaetón, and trap, and she is known for her distinctive use of Auto-Tune. Alongside her solo career, Bad Gyal has performed at prominent festivals such as SXSW, Lollapalooza, and others worldwide.

Family Life

While Alba Farelo’s public focus remains largely on her music career, she comes from a creative family background with close ties to the entertainment industry. Her father’s career in acting and voice work, as well as her sister’s musical pursuits under the name Mushkaa, underline a family deeply engaged in artistic expression. Details about Alba’s romantic relationships and personal life are kept private, with no widely publicized information about children or partners.

Achievements

Bad Gyal’s achievements include critical acclaim for her mixtapes, widespread popularity of her singles, and a successful transition into the mainstream Spanish music industry. She has broken linguistic and cultural barriers by performing in Catalan and blending various global urban music influences. She gained the number-one song in Spain in 2019 with "Alocao." Moreover, she has garnered a loyal international fan base and performed at major international music festivals, marking her as one of the prominent voices in modern urban music in Spain.

Controversies

Bad Gyal has faced scrutiny and controversy within the urban music community regarding her background and authenticity. Some have questioned her “urban” credentials, suggesting she comes from a privileged background due to her father’s fame and her upbringing. Alba herself has commented on these criticisms, acknowledging her unique position as a "posh girl with street smarts," and rejecting the notion that one must come from hardship to be a legitimate voice in urban music. Despite this, she has maintained a strong identity and fanbase that supports her original approach.

Bad Gyal Summary

Bad Gyal, Alba Farelo Solé, is a trailblazing Spanish artist known for her innovative mix of reggaetón, trap, and dancehall. Rising from a suburb of Barcelona, she carved out her niche with a viral Catalan cover and has since evolved into an internationally recognized figure in urban music. Her journey reflects a blend of creativity, cultural fusion, and resilience in the face of criticism. With a solid discography and growing global presence, she continues to shape the future of Spanish urban music.