Interview by John Liang
Story by Tammy Rae Matthews and John Liang

Musician and Adult Cross-Cultural Kid (CCK) Pablo Alejandro, better known as “El Caballero de la Bachata,” resides in the vibrant heart of Miami where cultures collide and rhythms intertwine.

Born in Uruguay and raised in the United States, Alejandro’s musical journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and the universal language of music.

A rich musical heritage enriched Alejandro’s life from an early age as the grandson of the late renowned tango singer Marina Rey.

“It’s a big challenge to fill her shoes,” he says. “I know she’s looking from above; she’s always going to be proud of me and pushing for me to achieve whatever I want.”

His upbringing in a cross-cultural environment set the foundation for his eclectic style, blending the soulful melodies of bachata with the passion of tango.

Over the years, Alejandro’s talent has garnered attention far and wide, with features on prestigious platforms such as BBC, Univision and Telemundo. Sharing the stage with musical luminaries such as Tonio Rosario and Grupo Aventura, he has carved a niche for himself in the music industry.

BACHATA

What exactly is bachata to Alejandro?

“Bachata is something that tells your story,” he says. “It’s a combination of emotions, from romance to heartbreak, reflecting the highs and lows of life.”

Alejandro’s multicultural upbringing and blending influences from Uruguay, the United States and the globe shaped his musical journey.

Coming to the United States at an early age “was a tough change,” he says, “but it also opened doors to a world of diverse experiences and perspectives.”

Bachata is something that tells your story. It’s a combination of emotions, from romance to heartbreak, reflecting the highs and lows of life.

Nowadays, even though he returns to Uruguay to visit family and friends, Miami is still “home” for him.

“Of course, I’m never going to forget Uruguay, but I’ve been here [in Miami] most of my life, so here is where home is,” he says.

MIMICKING ACCENTS

That home includes his wife — who is Bolivian — and their three children, who were born in Miami. When asked whether he thinks his Uruguayan accent has changed after being in the U.S. for so long, he notes that without realizing it, he tends to mimic the accents of those around him.

Alejandro jokes that his wife would say he’s “not from Uruguay.”

“‘What do you mean?’” Alejandro would ask his wife.

She would respond that when she called him while he was with his producer, Alejandro would “sound Dominican” to her. If he were with Venezuelans, he would sound Venezuelan, and on and on.

“I try not to lose my accent because I think it’s what really [shows] who I am, but sometimes it’s tough,” he says with a smile.

Despite facing obstacles in the music industry, Alejandro remained steadfast in pursuing his artistic independence.

“Music is like a real business,” he says. “You have to learn from your mistakes and stay true to yourself.”

Alejandro’s most significant obstacle was transitioning from a major label — Universal Music — to his independent label and finding the right people to have his back.

Being independent allows him to make his own decisions, he says.

You have to learn from your mistakes and stay true to yourself.

THE MAGIC OF THE STAGE

For Alejandro, the stage is where the magic happens.

“It’s the connection with the audience that drives me,” he says. “Seeing people sing along to my songs is the greatest reward.”

Looking ahead, Alejandro sees himself continuing to make music for years.

“As long as there’s a stage and an audience, I’ll be there,” he says.

As the sun sets over the Miami skyline, the music of “El Caballero de la Bachata” fills the air, a testament to the enduring power of artistry and the universal language of music.

Stay tuned for the podcast interview with Pablo Alejandro on the CULTURS YouTube channel, coming soon!

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