Mai Meneses, born in Madrid in 1978, rose to fame as the vocalist of the group Nena Daconte in the early 2000s with songs that defined a generation, such as Tenía tanto que darte and Which star will it be. After a five-year hiatus to focus on personal well-being and growth, the artist returned to the stage in 2019 with a refreshed voice and a renewed sense of purpose, introducing the new album Casi Perfecto. The Sabatik Festival, hosted outside Malaga on Sunday, September 17, featured a lineup that also included Damn Nerea and La La Loves You on the poster.
Nena Daconte’s new album Casi Perfecto seems to carry a hopeful tone. What was the intention behind this creation?
The album, like most of Mai Meneses’s compositions, centers on love and heartbreak. It explores loneliness and the passage of time, yet the lyrics carry an optimistic thread. The track Me iré emphasizes taking a risk and embracing independence, encouraging listeners to look inward and not fear loneliness because light often appears when one stops clinging to harmful situations. The overarching message invites listeners to trust their inner compass and find a brighter path, even in the face of difficulty.
Does this new phase echo the early magic and ambition that sparked the initial musical journey?
In spirit, yes. The artist wanted to rekindle the same sense of wonder that drew her to music in the first place, with the hope of continuing to grow through future albums while staying true to the spark that started it all.
After five years away from performances, did the relationship with music require renegotiation?
Music has always accompanied the artist, and recovery became a personal journey of rebuilding self-esteem and addressing fears. She discovered that concerts are a chance to share joy, and that the audience attends to have a good time. The goal is to create that shared experience and celebrate the music together.
Is balancing success with personal well-being a difficult path?
The road is challenging. Success arrived early and with less polish, so it can be a delicate balance. Ultimately, it hinges on surrounding oneself with people who give honest, loving guidance and on accepting advice when it serves the bigger picture. The idea is to recognize that most things are not as insurmountable as they seem and to keep the bigger picture in view.
What can Sabatik Festival audiences expect from Nena Daconte’s return to the stage?
There is genuine happiness in performing again and sharing the music with fans. Stage fright has given way to a freer presence on stage, and the artist is grateful to perform for audiences who have supported her. The concerts will traverse the entire catalog, featuring classic Nena Daconte songs alongside new material from Casi Perfecto. The set typically culminates with the beloved song I had so much to give you, transforming the night into a celebratory finale for everyone present, a true party moment for the crowd.