Bad Gyal

Alba Farelo Solé, known professionally as Bad Gyal, is a Spanish singer, songwriter, DJ, and model who has emerged as a significant figure in the urban music scene since her debut in 2016. Born on March 7, 1997, in Vilassar de Mar, near Barcelona, she is the eldest of five children in a family deeply rooted in the arts; her father, Eduard Farelo, is a respected actor and voice actor. Bad Gyal’s journey into music began unexpectedly when she uploaded a cover of Rihanna’s “Work,” sung in Catalan, to YouTube. This interpretation quickly garnered attention, leading to her rise as a prominent independent artist in Spain.

Throughout her early career, Bad Gyal developed a unique sound characterized by her distinctive use of Auto-Tune and a blend of dancehall, reggaeton, and hip-hop styles. In 2016, she released her first mixtape, Slow Wine Mixtape, which included hits like “Fiebre.” The mixtape’s success established her as an emerging artist in the Spanish urban scene, allowing her to perform at various festivals across Europe and gaining a cult following in her home country. Her sophomore mixtape, Worldwide Angel, released in 2018, further solidified her status, featuring critically acclaimed tracks like “Blink,” “Candela,” and “Internationally,” the latter being included in the Netflix series Élite. This period marked a significant turning point in her career, as she toured internationally and garnered attention from music publications like Pitchfork and Fact.

In 2019, Bad Gyal signed with Interscope Records and Aftercluv Dance Lab, marking her transition to mainstream music. Her first release as a signed artist was “Santa María,” featuring Busy Signal, which became her first charting single in Spain and was later certified gold. The following single, “Alocao,” collaborated with Omar Montes, became a massive hit, reaching number one in Spain and earning five-times platinum certification. These successes propelled Bad Gyal into the mainstream, where she continued to break barriers with her unique style and sound. Her popularity soared as she headlined major festivals and concerts, showcasing her energetic performances and engaging stage presence.

In 2021, she released her first project as a signed artist, Warm Up, featuring tracks that continued to highlight her artistic evolution. This project was followed by Sound System: The Final Releases, which included songs she had performed live for years but had never officially released. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bad Gyal maintained her visibility by collaborating on tracks like “Blin blin” with Juanka, which became a viral sensation in Spain, particularly on TikTok. Her innovative approach to engaging with fans through social media platforms helped solidify her presence in the music industry.

Beyond her musical endeavors, Bad Gyal has ventured into fashion and modeling, making her runway debut at Andrés Sardá’s Spring/Summer 2022 show during Madrid Fashion Week. Her influence extends to social activism, where she advocates for gender equality, LGBT rights, and social justice. Bad Gyal’s multifaceted career continues to evolve, with her debut album, La Joia, released in 2024, further establishing her as a trailblazer in the contemporary music scene. As a pop star with over a billion views on YouTube and 2.5 million followers on Instagram, Bad Gyal’s impact on music and culture remains significant, as she inspires a new generation of artists while staying true to her roots.