Award-winning recording artist Zanillya returns with hot new single “Baddie”
Zanillya - Baddie (Visualizer)
Award-winning rapper, singer/songwriter, and producer Zanillya returns to the ether with renewed purpose on her brand-new single “Baddie” – out 14th of February. With the launch of “Baddie” Zanillya joins the latest roster of talent featured in BACARDÍ Rum’s Music Liberates Music campaign, an ongoing program by the brand designed to champion emerging voices in the music industry.
Encapsulating the fearless energy of self-empowerment and resilience “Baddie” quickly emerges with high-octane Afro-Caribbean and global-pop sounds. Bursting with personality as Zanillya’s distinctive vocals take centre stage ‘Mi ta gusta con mi bida’ translated to ‘I love how I’m living’; a phrase which serves as a bold declaration of living life to the fullest, unapologetically. Over an effortless blend of syncopated percussion and breezy synths, Zanillya’s lyricism is inspired by her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt, grief, and health challenges as she takes on a playful persona to introduce us to her story.
Delving into the sentiment behind the track Zanillya tells us: “Baddie is my declaration of self-belief and resilience. I’ve been through so much the past few years—grief, health struggles, moments of doubt—but I kept getting back up. This song is a testament to that, but at the same time, it’s also an affirmation. I don’t always love myself or my life, but Baddie is a way of manifesting that love, a reminder to keep healing, growing, and learning. Together with my producer and life partner, Humphrey Dennis, we fused our Caribbean roots with hip-hop, pop, and dembow to create a sound that’s both powerful and celebratory. Including Papiamento in the hook was important to me, as through it, I share my love for Aruba with the world. “Mi ta gusta con mi bida” isn’t just a lyric—it’s a mindset. I hope this song inspires people to love themselves, embrace their inner baddie, and claim their space unapologetically”
The daughter of late Disco legend Bobby Farrell (Boney M), Zanillya grew up immersed in the music industry, witnessing both its beauty and its darker sides. Already championed by tastemakers such as Sway Calloway, Toddla T, Jack Saunders, and Jamz Supernova, alongside i-D, WONDERLAND, and DUMMY, the fresh talent has also received strong radio support from BBC 1Xtra, Radio 1, and BBC 6 Music and has worked with major brands including FIFA, Nike, Adidas, Google, Ray-Ban, and Facebook.
Now gearing up for the release of her sophomore EP, Zanillya’s uncompromising sound bridges genres, while her heritage and multilingual artistry add a distinctive cultural depth.
With “Baddie” at our fingertips, Zanillya continues to push boundaries and craft music that’s as empowering as it is unforgettable, marking her a significant one to watch for 2025.
