Yendry, a singer and songwriter of Dominican and Italian heritage, has emerged as a distinctive voice blending Latin American roots with European influences. Born in Santo Domingo to a single mother, Yendry’s early life was marked by separation when her mother emigrated to Italy, leaving her with relatives before reuniting years later. This personal history informs much of her music, which explores themes of identity, family, and cultural belonging.
Her artistic journey began in Turin, Italy, where her mother settled and later married an Italian man. Yendry’s early exposure to a wide range of musical styles—from jazz and pop to electronic and Latin genres—shaped her eclectic sound. Although inspired by diverse artists including Ella Fitzgerald, Beyoncé, Bjork, and Aphex Twin, she initially hesitated to pursue a career in music professionally, feeling her softer, more intimate vocal style contrasted with the operatic delivery common among Italian pop singers.
Yendry first gained public attention through the Italian edition of “X Factor” in 2012 after a friend encouraged her to audition. Although she did not win, her participation led to a brief contract with Sony Music Italy. However, she ultimately rejected the label’s direction, choosing not to promote her single and ending the contract. She then enrolled in philosophy studies at the University of Turin while performing with two eclectic bands—one focusing on trip-hop and the other on gypsy jazz—before deciding to focus fully on her solo career.
Returning to her native Spanish for songwriting proved a turning point. Early singles like “Barrio” and “Nena” draw from her immigrant background and family experiences, touching on themes of resilience and maternal love across distance. “Nena,” inspired by her mother’s separation from her as a child, resonated with Latin audiences and gained wider attention after a viral video performance for the “Colors” series boosted Yendry’s international profile. The indie musician Chan Marshall, also known as Cat Power, praised Yendry’s authentic and heartfelt delivery, noting her strength and dedication to her artistic vision.
From 2021 onwards, Yendry worked on her debut album while navigating the challenges of the music industry and personal health. After spending time in Miami, where she felt disconnected from her roots, she ultimately relocated to Los Angeles. In mid-2023, vocal cord nodules forced her into a month-long hiatus, during which she reassessed her priorities and creative direction. She decided to slow her output and focus on creating work that felt meaningful rather than chasing constant visibility.
Her debut album, titled “Como Agua,” reflects her life story and cultural journey. Tracks blend Afro-Dominican rhythms with Latin pop, flamenco, and Italian influences. Songs like “La Bendición” pay homage to her Afro-Dominican heritage, while “No me vuelvo a enamorar” celebrates the Dominican Republic through merengue-infused sounds. Italian-language tracks such as “Un dolore raro” and “Amapolas” look back on her time in Italy, and “Espejo” recounts the emotional experience of meeting her biological father for the first time.
The album closes with hopeful songs about renewal and homecoming, including “Primavera,” which features English lyrics, and “Paloma,” a waltz inspired by a childhood nickname. Yendry describes “Como Agua” as a personal statement first and foremost, one she hopes will resonate with others navigating complex identities amid global migration and cultural flux.