Admittedly, Yajaira La Beyaca is really scared for her upcoming tour. “But you know that one has to jump into the void and solve things,” the Venezuelan artist tells PAPER. We last sat down with the subversive performer early last year to discuss the video for “VNK3K,” which featured her signature anonymous quasi-drag look and magnetic presence taking center stage.
Since then, Beyaca has continued her quest to express her deepest, darkest inner thoughts through her shapeshifting practice. But beneath it all is a fierce DIY artist who aims to work tooth and nail to represent migrant, Black, queer people of all backgrounds and hopefully start her own movement in the process. “Outside of all these clothes, there exists someone with a life who works like a dog, always running because they don't have money, alone in this world.”
In terms of what Yajaira La Beyaca persona represents, the artist says, “What I want to represent is a monster, a shapeless being throwing itself into this earthly plane, being a materialization of what my mind hides.”
Below, we sit down with Beyaca to discuss these hidden thoughts, spirit animals and daily routines.
We last sat down with you at PAPER in 2023 when you released “VNK3K.” What have you been up to since?
Hermana, for me “VNK3K” marked a before and after. Since the release of SAFRISKA, my EP, many people have supported me because they identify with what I talk about and with this identity that's being built. “VNK3K” has become a representative anthem of the journey of migrant, black, queer people and others who are in vulnerable situations.
Right now, I’m working on my European tour that starts in September this year. So, Miami in a month, I’m really scared. But you know that one has to jump into the void and solve things. Also, my next EP is coming soon, which I know will leave more than one person shocked. I’ll really keep my essence but give everything a twist. You know I’m crazy.
For our readers who may not be familiar with your work, how would you describe the visual and sonic universe of Yajaira?
Yajaira La Beyaca is really within my being, and what I want to represent is a monster, a shapeless being throwing itself into this earthly plane, a materialization of what my mind hides. Yajaira is my thoughts and not my physical form, so I can adapt shapes and personalities, hiding the reality of my body and my surroundings as a born human, but Yajaira is a created, transformed being.
What’s inspiring you lately?
Ay madre, I don't even know. Outside of all these clothes, there exists someone with a life who works like a dog, always running because they don't have money, alone in this world. Honestly, I’m very dramatic, but, mami, I also exist on this planet, so I feel like my references and inspirations come from the past, where I come from, where I grew up, everything I lived. I constantly search those depths to know what I want to talk about in my songs, giving everything a twist, like in my new song “Guaratara,” I talk about the violence experienced in poor neighborhoods of Caracas, Venezuela. I could reference it from a position of power, making references to weapons but being myself [as] that weapon and being the one in control.
What is your day-to-day routine like as an artist?
Haha, you know I’m anonymous, but anonymous in the sense that no one knows this crazy girl (Yajaira). Literally not even family, friends, or co-workers. So I try to be the most natural person in this world. These days, someone at work saw a Reel of “Guaratara” and said, "Is that you, girl?” I was shocked, but one has survival instincts and I pretended to be clueless. I'm an actress, you know. The only answer to this question is Hannah Montana.
Do you have a spirit animal?
If I die and reincarnate as an animal, I think I would be a fly. I feel like they live their life relaxed and I identify with them because, like me, they love to be on top of a pile of crap (a man).
Why do you think the world should pay attention to Yajaira La Beyaca?
I am what I am wherever I stand. I'm being real, I'm delivering a powerful message. I’m not the typical pop idol placed by the industry. I’m doing my thing from scratch with my bare hands, putting everything I have to create without a budget. Not everyone does it and achieves it, but I’m achieving it. Giving recognition to artists like me or anyone with the same intentions is necessary to give visibility to what could be the start of a movement that could make history like Reggaeton did in its beginnings, like Dembow did and like I’m doing now.
Photography: Julian Camilo
Production: Juan Polo
Styling: Paula Carrasquero
Styling assist: Lupe Triana
Production & photo assistant: Manchado
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