A Fernando Costa (Ibiza, 1995), the world came to a halt during a phone call, freezing the momentum of his latest album, *Amor de barrio*. En route to Sevilla to collaborate with Zatu and SFDK, he received distressing news: his mother had suffered a stroke and was in critical condition, transported by plane to a hospital in Palma de Mallorca. The urgency of family overshadowed his ambitious musical project, halting it without clarity on when or if it would resume.
In his words, “No hay nada más importante en mi vida que la salud de mi familia,” emphasizing the significance of familial bonds over artistic pursuits. Almost a year later, Costa walked through the doors of his agency, Taste The Floor, with his newborn baby in tow. His album had released, tour dates were set for 2026, and he was back after a necessary hiatus. “El parón era necesario,” he reflects, acknowledging that this pause allowed him time to innovate and explore creatively.
*Amor de barrio* showcases Costa’s roots in traditional Balearic rap while branching out into melodic tracks like “Guapa” and collaborations with rising artists like Lia Kali. “Lo comercial sería quedarme en la fórmula que funciona, but I’m proud to push boundaries,” he says, while the nerves build up as he prepares to share his new work with the world.
Facing Insecurities and Anxieties
Why these nerves? Costa admits, “I’ve always felt undeserving of my success; there are artists who do better but don’t achieve my level of exposure.” Questions of worth plague him, spurred by the improbable journey from a humble upbringing to sold-out shows. He articulates an absolute devotion to his craft along with an understanding of the responsibility he carries, particularly during moments when his mother was battling health issues.
His song “Hoy vuelvo a empezar” embodies his journey through doubt, paving a path from a dark place to a hopeful future. “Without music, I genuinely wouldn’t know where I’d be,” he admits, highlighting the dramatic shifts that shaped him through hardship. Costa reveals the deeper connection he feels toward his family and regrets from his past—elements that heavily influenced *Amor de barrio* and the song he dedicates to his mother.
The Importance of Family and Roots
To his mother, he expresses gratitude for her sacrifices and acknowledges the struggles they faced together. The album features his mother and grandmother, calling attention to women’s pivotal roles in his life. Costa recognizes a changing landscape in rap: “El rap ha sido un campo de nabos durante demasiado tiempo.” He champions female artists like Lia Kali and remains vigilant in highlighting their contributions to a genre that historically marginalized them.
How has fatherhood transformed you? Costa answers that being a parent has added new dimensions to his personal and professional life. “Before, I was carefree, focusing little on the consequences of my lifestyle. Now, I appreciate the process—every moment counts.” This shift in perspective allows him to savor both the highs of success and the highs of fatherhood.
Musical Integrity Amid Change
Refusing to dilute his artistry for a younger audience, Costa asserts, “I won’t tailor my music for my child’s age; my songs are an expression of me.” He believes it’s vital for parents to instill values rather than shield children from reality. He navigates fame and personal life carefully, keeping both authentic and engaged.
Highlighting the recent troubling allegations against his collaborator, Ayax, he states, “I stand firmly against any form of abuse.” This revelation casts a shadow over the vibrant community but fortifies his commitment to advocating for justice and safety within the industry.
A Tribute to the Neighborhood
Why this tribute to your roots? “I want to show that no matter how far I go, I’ll never forget the essence of where I began.” Costa emphasizes the importance of encouragement and hunger he felt during his early days in freestyle rap, rejecting the commercial pressures that often compromise creativity.
The young Fernando Costa was driven by spontaneity and dreams uncolored by fame’s nuances. As he reflects on his evolution, he emphasizes, “Lo bueno y lo malo me han llevado a quien soy.” His journey encompasses lessons learned and the need for growth while expressing a poignant hope for a joyful legacy for his son.