Irma Farelo i Solé stands out in music history for several reasons, including the rapid arc of a genuinely confident career built in just one year. She may be young—nineteen—but she has already made a bold impression. Mushkaa, the artist the writer met last year, has become a name worth noting in Catalan and Spanish urban music.
By January 20, 2023, she was no beginner. Performing at the Sidecar venue, she marked what many saw as a turning point in her journey and then, a few months later, chose to pause formal studies at Taller de Músics and pursue an artistic path that carried a certain fearless momentum. With already several successful urban tracks under her belt, she faced the industry’s questions about making a leap without looking back. She candidly explained to this newspaper that she did not want to remain a typical student with no clear direction.
It may have helped that she felt at home near Vilassar de Mar beach, surrounded by loved ones who carry a background in performance. For now, she continues to live with her family and spends time with friends outside the music world. “This is my comfort zone, where I can be myself, discuss everyday things, or simply be the center of attention. How are you? How was college for you?”
In the wake of the sensational second mixtape SexySensible, Mushkaa found herself in a whirlwind of a calendar that burned pages with a devilish speed. She learned to ride the pace rather than let it ride over her. “I enjoyed it, but not as much as I expected. Now I’m starting to do more. Things moved so fast that it’s hard to put them in perspective,” she noted in a later interview. The early 2023 period demanded quick decisions as anticipation and media attention swirled around her project.
For instance, a planned summer tour began to feel lengthy, but she embraced it. She reflects that some moments were motivated by pleasing audiences rather than pursuing her own impulses. “There came a point in the tour when I realized I wanted to compose more than perform. I realized I was responding to what people expected, not what I truly wanted—musically, not just in terms of media presence. The album gave me access to the studio, and that’s where the real work happened.” SexySensible, produced by Roots and developed with close collaboration from Greta and Akilon, blends Catalan and Spanish. It reveals two facets: vibrant, electric energy and a quieter, introspective grace. The album cover even features two candy horses that symbolize these dual personas.
Two faces
The opening track, Xarnega, captures the bold, “sexy” side of Mushkaa, a Catalan voice unafraid to express desire openly. “If it helps other girls, that’s great. I don’t want to claim a medal for doing it on purpose. I’m lucky to have my environment, and I think saying it naturally is the coolest way for society to evolve. I don’t see myself as a role model, though,” she shared. If helping someone matters, that’s perfect. A mysterious track called SexeSexy sits among the album’s unreleased material. Mushkaa hints at its presence with a playful smile, saying, “The sexiest song on the album is saved for later, because good things take time.”
Fans can also listen to The Disguise, a powerful entry from the sensitive side of the project. It speaks to a personal episode explored more deeply through this work. “As an artist, I felt I had to prove something, and maybe people too crave change. We all love to party, but there’s value in coming home and being alone in the room. I wanted to express that as well.”
Apollo square
July brought another explosive moment: ticket sales for a Barcelona Apolo concert went live, and every seat sold out within an hour and a half. The next-day on-sale for a second show underscored the momentum. “I don’t want to fear it; I’m thrilled, and I know when I go wild, things can go wrong. The Apollo moment feels cinematic to me, not quite real,” she explained. The energy around this milestone was palpable.
She adds: “There’s a rush in hearing how many people appreciate my work, and I’m determined to keep my feet on the ground because everything is temporary and fragile.” The full concert experience at Apolo was envisioned as a larger, more ambitious show with dancers and live musicians, crafted with purists in mind. Mushkaa remains focused on balancing spectacle with authenticity, keeping the core of her artistry intact as the journey continues.