Liliana Saumet, vocalist for Bomba Estéreo, recently highlighted the critical importance of health. She stated, “Health is that part of your life that is a priority. If you’re not well, the rest isn’t either.” This message comes as she unveils a new collaboration.
Saumet partnered with Avocados From Mexico and the American Diabetes Association (ADA). The initiative launched in November during National Diabetes Awareness Month.
For the campaign, Saumet, 46, re-recorded Juan Luis Guerra’s classic merengue track, “La Bilirrubina.” Her new version removes references to insulin, transforming the song into an anthem for wellness and vitality.
The campaign specifically aims to raise awareness about Type 2 diabetes among Hispanic communities in the United States. Data from the CDC indicates that US Hispanics are nearly 70% more likely to receive this diagnosis than non-Latino whites.
The campaign also encourages individuals to undergo a risk test for Type 2 diabetes from age 35. This recommendation coincides with the 35th anniversary of “La Bilirrubina.”
Saumet’s involvement stems from a deeply personal connection. She noted, “My parents have diabetes, and many family members do too. Food changes everything.”
She shared her personal experience with diet. Saumet adopted a plant-based, vegan diet emphasizing natural foods. “Avocado is super important in my life. It has worked a lot for me,” she added.
Avocados From Mexico supports the ADA with a donation initiative. The company will donate up to $35,000. This contribution is based on individuals completing the Type 2 diabetes risk test.
The risk test is available on the UnidosContraLaDiabetes.com website. The donation period runs from November 13 to December 12.
Remixing “La Bilirrubina” proved to be an emotional artistic journey for Saumet. She recalled growing up dancing to the song at teen parties. “It was part of my adolescence,” she said.
Saumet, originally from Santa Marta on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, explained the song’s cultural resonance. Merengue is deeply ingrained in her heritage. She expressed excitement about “recreating a beautiful part” of her personal history.
The creative process for the remix was carefully considered. The song’s 35th anniversary aligned with the recommended age for diabetes testing. This synchronicity informed the lyrical redesign.
Saumet emphasized the goal was for “everything to make sense.” This included integrating the original song’s essence with the new health message.
The music video, which features vibrant colors and her distinctive avocado earrings, was filmed in Miami. It premiered on Friday, November 14.
Saumet finds deep satisfaction in projects that align with her values. She feels collaborations like this no longer “even feel like work.”
She concluded with a powerful call to action. “This is not just a song,” she stated. “It’s a call to prevention. To treat the body better, to change habits. To live well.”