Every May 10, Mexico celebrates Mother’s Day, a holiday that is characterized by its expressions of affection and gratitude towards mother. Among the gifts and celebrations, a special melody resonates: “Lady, Lady” by Denisse de Kalafe.
This song, adopted as an anthem since 1981, is an essential piece in any commemoration of this day. Although many know the melody, few know the story behind its creation and the life of its author.
Who is Denisse de Kalafe, the composer of “Señora, Señora”
Denisse de Kalafe, born in Brazil in 1949, moved to Mexico in 1972 where she became naturalized and quickly became a recognized figure in the music scene. With a warm voice and a unique sensitivity, she conquered the public with songs like “Love… such a strange thing”, “When there is love… there is no sin” and, of course, “Señora, Señora”.
His talent and dedication have earned him numerous recognitions, including the OTI award in 1978. Throughout his career, he has released more than 20 albums and has shared the stage with great figures of international music.
The singer-songwriter, who already had recognition in Latin America, achieved resounding success with “Señora, Señora,” a song that led her to break the barriers of distance and time. Supported by figures such as Marco Antonio Muñiz and Roberto Carlos, De Kalafe reached a new peak in her career thanks to this song.
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“Madam, madam”, the inspiration behind the song
Behind this emotional melody hides a personal and emotional story. In 1980, Denisse de Kalafe was at her house preparing a dinner for some friends with the guide of the recipe book that had belonged to her mother. At one point, her nostalgia for her mother, who was in Brazil invaded it.
A mistake in a recipe, where she accidentally used cake frosting instead of another ingredient for the filling, kept that nostalgia present, so after dinner, in a moment of reflection and longing for her mother, Denisse took a piece of brown paper, the only one he had on hand, and began to write. As she sat down at the piano, the words flowed naturally, giving life to a song that captured the essence of love and gratitude towards a mother.
The song becomes a May 10 anthem
Initially, “Señora, Señora” was a very personal piece that De Kalafe kept for years. It was not until 1986 that, at the suggestion of her manager Maru Mandujano and producer Eduardo Magallanes, she was convinced to include it in her album “Amar es”.
The song, in addition to being a success, managed to bring tears to the eyes of those who heard it for the first time, which quickly turned it into an anthem during Mother’s Day celebrations.
Where is Denisse de Kalafe currently?
Denisse de Kalafe currently resides in Holbox, Quintana Roo. With the fruits of a career of more than 30 years, the artist is now dedicated to the construction of an apartment complex. Her deep love for Mexico keeps her active in the country, although away from the mass stages. At 75 years old, she is still active in music and continues to offer concerts and special performances.
Her musical legacy, especially with the song “Señora, Señora,” has made her an emblematic figure for mothers in Mexico and the world. An example of art’s ability to unite hearts and express the deepest feelings.
“Madam, Madam” is more than a song; It is a tribute to all mothers and the sacrifices they make throughout their lives. The story of how Denisse de Kalafe transformed a moment of longing into a musical work that transcends generations highlights the power of art to connect emotions and people, regardless of time and distance.
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