Sara Arana, known as “La abogada del rap,” is a 25-year-old rapper, poet, and activist hailing from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Despite facing numerous challenges, including addiction and the tragic loss of her mother, she found solace and strength in the arts. Through her powerful and heartfelt music, poetry, and culinary talents, she has become a voice for empowerment and social change. Arana’s debut poetry book, “HipHop es vida” (2021), serves as a testament to her resilience and a celebration of the genre that has shaped her life. Arana’s experiences and personal journey showcase the transformative power of art and serve as an inspiration to others.
Introduction
Sara Arana, a 25-year-old rapper and poet from Guayaquil, Ecuador, has emerged as a prominent figure in the artistic and activist community. Despite facing challenging circumstances in her upbringing, including addiction and the loss of her mother, she found solace and strength in the arts. Known as “La abogada del rap” (The Advocate of Rap), Arana uses her creative expressions to empower others and challenge stereotypes associated with hip-hop. Her debut poetry book, titled “HipHop es vida” (Hip-Hop is Life), pays tribute to the genre that has played a significant role in her life.
A Life Shaped by Challenges
Arana’s life story is deeply intertwined with her upbringing in the Guasmo neighborhood, one of the most densely populated areas of Guayaquil. Despite facing economic hardships, she found refuge in music, particularly rap, which she refers to as “the literature of the street.” Music became her lifeline during difficult times, including her battle with addiction and the tragic loss of her mother.
The Healing Power of Art and Activism
Arana discovered her passion for writing and music as a means of healing and self-expression. She began writing verses and recording songs as a way to cope with her emotions and provide an outlet for her pain. The street poetry she created resonated with her experiences and connected her with others who faced similar challenges. Recognizing the power of art and activism, she became an “artivist” and founded the Música en Casa foundation. Through this organization, Arana conducts writing workshops that incorporate hip-hop, using it as a tool for personal healing within marginalized communities.
The Culinary Journey
While music played a pivotal role in Arana’s life, she also discovered her culinary talent. Cooking became another form of creative expression for her. Despite initially lacking technical skills, she won recognition for her distinctive flavors and unconventional recipes, such as her signature dish, “seco de pollo cannábico” (cannabis-infused chicken stew). Her culinary expertise led her to participate in the MasterChef Ecuador competition, where she showcased her passion and improvisational skills in the kitchen.
From Adversity to Advocacy
Arana’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. Overcoming her personal struggles, she graduated from high school and pursued her artistic and activist endeavors. With the support of her aunt and mentors from organizations like Cepam, she began to understand the systemic issues surrounding her mother’s tragedy, recognizing it as an indirect feminicide. Her experiences inspired her to become a vocal advocate for feminism, human rights, and social justice.
Conclusion
Sara Arana, known as “La abogada del rap,” has emerged as a powerful voice in the artistic and activist communities. Through her music, poetry, and culinary talents, she has found healing and empowerment. Arana’s debut poetry book, “HipHop es vida,” serves as a testament to her resilience and a celebration of the genre that has shaped her life. Her story exemplifies the transformative power of art and the potential for personal growth and social change that can arise from creative expression.
Works
- HipHop es vida (Cadáver Exquisito, 2021)