From the warm streets of Asunción to the golden shores of a Greek island. Paraguayan singer-songwriter Bárbara Cáceres’s journey is one of fearless creativity. In just 30 years, she has already lived several artistic sides, each of which has shown her devotion to music. To her, every song is a manifestation of lived life and deep inner truth.
“I have always hoped that my art would be a prolongation of myself,” she explains. “I do not separate the artist from the person. My songs are my life in sounds, bringing my feelings to whoever will listen.”
Early roots and first stages
Born on 5 August 1995, Bárbara grew up in a family where art was part of everyday life. Her classical pianist grandmother, Tuca, was the first to introduce her to the magic of music on Sunday afternoons, surrounded by the aroma of apple tart. Bárbara would improvise songs on the grand piano as a child, years before she appreciated the profound role music would play in her life. Later, she won first prize in a school talent show in first grade by singing a cappella when her accompanist failed to show up. This early success was the first of many creative milestones.
Her professional career began right after secondary education, singing in bars and small events in Asunción before the debut of her first album, Salió el Sol (The Sun Came Out) in 2018. The album’s love and protest songs earned her performances in tours over Colombia and Chile. Also, she shared the stage with Kchiporros, Los Auténticos Decadentes, and Cardellino. She then released a second album, De Vuelta a Mí (Back to Me), an acoustic work reflecting themes of chaos, healing, and self-acceptance, in 2024.
Expanding horizons abroad
“My first album was very youthful and romantic,” she says. “The second is about returning to my essence, embracing both light and shadow.”
Earlier this year, a contract as a hotel singer took her abroad, first to Tunisia and then to the Greek island of Kos. She describes the move as essential for personal and creative growth.
“Kos is a paradise, rich in history, beauty, and inspiration. It is the perfect location to keep creating and evolving.” On August 10, Bárbara Cáceres released a remastered version of Suelto el Dolor (I let go of the pain), as part of a collection of remastered tracks. Although she gigs regularly in Greece, she will return to Asunción in November for live shows.
Wherever she goes, Bárbara takes Paraguay with her, in language, memory, and spirit. She boasts about the country’s warmth, hospitality, and mystery, sharing Guaraní sayings to new ears. One day, she hopes to marry her pop skills with traditional Paraguayan styles like Guarania and Polka.
Bárbara Cáceres voice enters the world
For Bárbara, being a Paraguayan musician means pride and responsibility. “Our female elders rebuilt a country from the ruins,” she states. “I would like to contribute to raising our music sector and waving our flag throughout the world.” She had few women to look up to when she began, but now happily notices that the number of Paraguayan women charting the music territory is growing.
Her advice to aspiring artists is simple: “It is not easy, but nothing worth doing ever is. Study, rehearse, learn everything you can, and remain true to yourself. Inspiration is important, but authenticity is your greatest strength.”
Music as a form of therapy
Bárbara Cáceres perceives music as something beyond entertainment, for her, it is therapy. Music can influence the mood, energy, and even the subconscious. What she desires from her music is to make people dance, laugh, think, forgive, and love themselves.
“The most valuable thing an artist has to offer is their authentic self,” she states. “If you are genuine, your music will resonate.”
Bárbara’s own connection, to her heritage, her craft, and her folk continues to push her voice from Asunción onto the world stage. Guided by talent, she is building a career in which authenticity is the most transcendent chord.
Find more information about Bárbara Cáceres on Instagram.
Want to read more about Paraguayan artists who are using their art as a means to mend, connect, and inspire? Read about Ana Blosset, From Paraguay To Berklee: Healing Through Music And Harmony.
