Acclaimed classical guitarist Berta Rojas released a striking new rendition of The Last of Us, in collaboration with Gustavo Santaolalla, the Argentine composer behind the original theme. The piece is widely recognised as one of the most emotionally powerful soundtracks in video game history. Being the soul of hit HBO series The Last of Us now, the piece takes on new life through this meeting of two extraordinary artists.
Last of Us reinterpretation
This reinterpretation combines the haunting simplicity of Santaolalla’s iconic theme from 2013, with Rojas’s lyrical and expressive style. Her signature guitar, La Rojita, a custom-made instrument with a rich, warm tone reflects her deep roots and identity as a Latin American artist. The track is accompanied by an official music video and is available on streaming platforms.
Rojas is not the only artist who reinterpreted foreign music, or paid tribute to others. Recently, The Amy Winehouse Band was in Asunción. This band is touring the world to pay homage to the late singer.
Icons of Latin American music
Berta Rojas, from Paraguay, is considered one of the world’s leading classical guitarists. A Latin Grammy winner and Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, she is known for her lyrical style, technical mastery, and dedication to promoting Latin American music. She has performed at prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Centre, and London’s Southbank Centre. Rojas’ 2022 album Legado won Best Classical Album at the Latin Grammys.
Beyond her performances, Rojas is an advocate for music education in Paraguay. A leader of initiatives to support young musicians and preserve regional traditions. Her guitar, La Rojita, is more than an instrument; it’s a symbol of her musical journey and Latin American identity.
Gustavo Santaolalla is an internationally renowned composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Argentina. Known for his minimalist and emotionally resonant music, he has scored numerous films, including Brokeback Mountain and Babel. Both earned him Academy Awards. In the gaming world, he is best known for composing the music for The Last of Us. This 2013 video game’s soundtrack has become iconic for its depth and simplicity.
With a career spanning decades, Santaolalla has worked with leading Latin American artists and created genre-blending projects like Bajofondo, which fuses tango with electronic music.
A cultural dialogue through strings
For Rojas, collaborating with Santaolalla was both moving and inspiring: “It felt like stepping into a magical, mystical universe. Gustavo seems to exist on another plane. It was musically and personally enriching.”
Santaolalla, too, praised Rojas’s artistry: “The blend of ronroco and classical guitar is marvellous. Meeting someone with her level of expression and virtuosity who connects with my music, that’s rare.”
Their version of The Last of Us is more than a cover, it’s a celebration of shared heritage, where traditional instruments speak across borders.
A Latin American voice for a global story
“Music magically synthesises who we are,” Rojas says. “Our geography, traditions, and lives all travel through these strings.”
With support from Banco Itaú and Fundación Itaú, this collaboration invites a global audience to rediscover a beloved theme, reimagined through the soul of Latin America.
To watch the official video, see Bertas Rojas’ YouTube channel.
