EXPLORING THE DEPTHS OF CÁMO (AKA LA REINA TAÍNA): DEBUT ALBUM "IM ON AUX NOW"
Exploring the Depths of CÁMO (aka LA REINA TAÍNA): Debut Album "IM ON AUX NOW"
“IM ON AUX NOW” is about discovering your authenticity, undergoing metamorphosis, and finally taking control over your life.”
As the world of music continually evolves, it occasionally witnesses the emergence of an artist who not only redefines the contours of musical expression but also intertwines their narrative with profound academic and sociocultural introspection. CÁMO, known artistically as LA REINA TAÍNA, is one such paradigm-shifter, whose debut and upcoming album "IM ON AUX NOW" encapsulates a rich tapestry of personal resilience, cultural heritage, and scholarly insight.
CÁMO’s journey is not just one of musical creativity but also remarkable survival and resilience. Her experiences as a survivor of domestic and sexual violence are not merely backstories but potent narratives that she bravely embeds within her music. These elements of her personal history are not only shared as part of her public narrative, perhaps most poignantly in her “NJ State House Speech” YouTube video, but they also serve to empower and provide solace to others facing similar adversities. Moreover, her academic journey, marked by her graduation from an Ivy League institution—a fact she subtly weaves into her song lyrics in “NEGRA Y TRANS”—further colors her artistic outputs with a depth of scholarly influence that is uncommon in the industry.
In "IM ON AUX NOW", CÁMO explores themes resonating with Jotería Studies. Jotería Studies, created in 2011, is an academic field that focuses on the experiences and identities of queer Latina/o, Chicana/o, and Indigenous people. This field critically examines themes like activism, cultural production, performance, identity, and scholarship through a queer Latina/o, Chicana/o lens. It emerged from Chicanx and Latinx activism, and it's closely related to Chicana feminisms, women of color feminists, Chicanx studies, ethnic studies, and activism for women’s, queer, and trans rights. The Association for Jotería Arts, Activism, and Scholarship (AJAAS) is a key organization in this field, offering resources, organizing conferences, and fostering educational efforts.
Drawing on Gloria Anzaldúa’s idea of “theories in the flesh,” CÁMO’s music is a living example of how personal experiences inform and create theory—essentially, how our bodies and lives shape our understanding of the world. These explorations are especially evident in tracks like "JOTA" and “NEGRA Y TRANS” where she delves into the nuances of queer identity, informed by the academic discourse of Jotería Studies and stands in solidarity with Black Trans femmes around the world with her verse “Mujeres negra y trans son suficientes. We ain’t going nowhere, la comunidad ‘ta fuerte”.
The term "Afro-Jotería Studies,” a term coined by CÁMO herself, is used to describe and inform her artistry and creativity. Afro-Jotería, according to CÁMO, examines the intersections of Queer and Trans identity within the Afro-Latinx and Afro-Indigenous cultures. She believes in the importance of highlighting the art and social justice efforts of Black Queer and Trans Latinx artists. Afro-Jotería Studies is claimed to be a branch stemming from Jotería Studies–further expanding the 13-year-old academic study. Afro-Joteria, in essence, is intended to fully encapsulate the “theories in the flesh” that come with being an artist with a myriad of heavily marginalized identities. QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Color) people are not considered human in this society. LA REINA TAÍNA makes a point to express that in “HARTA/MANÍCA EN ‘MERÍCA”. By sharing her adverse childhood experiences, she is speaking volumes about the negative harms of complex trauma among QTBIPOC people. LA REINA TAÍNA encourages everyone to acknowledge that this cistem does not deem QTBIPOC people as humans despite what the laws may or may not say. Positioning CÁMO’s style of arting as “Afro-Jota” is a fitting descriptor for CÁMO’s unique intersectional identity as a Neurospicy, Afro-Latina, Trans, Taína woman. This conceptual framing is crucial as it acknowledges the compounded legacies of genocide, colonization, and chattel slavery–casting CÁMO's personal and artistic narratives against a backdrop of diasporic history and resistance.
CÁMO’s journey, underscored by her resilience against systemic injustices faced by QTBIPOC communities, profoundly echoes the sentiment famously expressed by American poet and activist, Maya Angelou: “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This reflection is not just a comment on interpersonal interactions but a profound critique of societal structures. Through her music and public engagement, CÁMO challenges us to consider how deeply the actions and policies of a “cis-ciety” can affect the emotional and psychological well-being of oppressed individuals. Her tracks not only give voice to her personal adversities but also create a space for all who feel marginalized and forgotten by mainstream narratives. By doing so, CÁMO not only shares her narrative but also reshapes how we perceive and interact with the world, emphasizing that true change begins with empathy and understanding.
CÁMO's track "FLOR DE ORO (Anacaona)" epitomizes her connection to indigenous Taíno leadership, particularly through the figure of Anacaona, an indigenous chief who symbolizes resistance and resilience. This historical figure’s story is not just retold but is reimagined through CÁMO’s musical lenses, bridging past and present struggles and triumphs.
"IM ON AUX NOW" is not just an album; it is an eclectic, multilingual mosaic that showcases CÁMO’s versatility spanning various musical genres. Each track, from "LLÓRAME MAMÁ" to "MY RICHNESS IS LIFE, PASIEMPRE" to “COMO UN TORO” encapsulates unique facets of her identity, weaving a complex narrative that challenges listeners to rethink identity, resilience, and legacy.
The album also serves as a revolutionary statement, particularly poignant in today’s socio-political climate marked by heightened racial and gender-based violence. CÁMO, through her existence and her music, stands as a beacon of defiance and hope, illustrating the power of art as both a refuge and a platform for change.
In closing, the fervent calls for freedom resonate beyond the melodies of "IM ON AUX NOW." This album is not just a collection of songs; it is a rallying cry for justice and liberation across the globe—from Palestine to Haiti, from the Congo to Puerto Rico, and beyond. Each track on the album weaves a narrative of defiance and hope, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who strive against oppression. "IM ON AUX NOW" compels us to recognize and act upon the injustices faced by oppressed communities worldwide “via art” as she puts it in her motto. It challenges us to listen, understand, and advocate for a world where everyone, regardless of their background or identity, can live freely and authentically. In echoing CÁMO's powerful message, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to support liberation movements and to ensure that the voices of the marginalized are not only heard but also uplifted. Together, let's strive for a future where freedom is not just a privilege but a right that belongs to all. Let this album be a beacon of hope and a guide towards that liberating horizon. Let us remember, as we move forward, that our actions and support can indeed make a significant difference in the global fight for equity and justice.
ASÉ.
PALESTINE WILL BE FREE! 🇵🇸
HAITI WILL BE FREE! 🇭🇹
CONGO WILL BE FREE! 🇨🇩
SUDAN WILL BE FREE! 🇸🇩
PUERTO RICO WILL BE FREE! 🇵🇷
THE DIASPORA WILL BE FREE! 🌍
TRANS CHILDREN WILL BE FREE 🏳️⚧️⚧️
TURTLE ISLAND WILL BE FREE! 🌎
ALL OPPRESSED PEOPLES WILL BE FREE! 🫂
As above, So below. As within, So without. Palestine* will be free because it is so.
REINA’s/CÁMO’s life motto: “to re-imagine and challenge the ‘self’ via art.”
Authored by CÁMO Cemi’no (aka LA REINA TAÍNA)
*Haiti, Congo, Sudan, Puerto Rico, the Diaspora, Turtle Island, ALL OPPRESSED PEOPLES
Cashapp: $camoisnotdead
Venmo: ctsmooth
Paypal: CÁMOCemi’no
P.S. If you or a loved one needs help/support/guidance, please visit my website’s emergency hotline page at www.lareinataina.com/sos.
