Exploring Bruno Mars’ Multicultural Roots: A Journey Through His Cultural Heritage
When it comes to discussing multiracial representation in the mainstream music industry, Bruno Mars is a name that can’t be ignored. The Grammy-winning artist blends genres that span across funk, R&B, soul, pop, and hip-hop in his chart-topping hits. With his energetic performances and upbeat rhythms, Mars has become a sensation all over the world. Yet, it’s not only his music that makes him a standout talent but also his multicultural roots that have influenced his artistry.
Bruno Mars is of Filipino, Puerto Rican, Ashkenazi Jewish, and Eastern European descent with his family coming from Hawaii. These different cultural backgrounds have had a significant impact on his art and his identity as a dual citizen of the US and the Philippines. Through his music, he has been able to embrace both his Filipino and Puerto Rican heritage, and in this article, we’ll take a closer look at the journey through Bruno Mars’ multicultural roots.
Filipino Heritage
Bruno Mars’ father, Pete Hernandez, was born and raised in the Philippines. He immigrated to Hawaii in the 1960s and later changed his surname to Mars to avoid discrimination. Bruno Mars has always been proud of his Filipino heritage, which is evident in his most recent album “24k Magic.” In the album’s title track, the lyrics “Put your pinky rings up to the moon” were inspired by the Filipino wedding tradition of raising a champagne glass with a pinky finger. Similarly, the line, “Bad girls ain’t no good, and good girls ain’t no fun” in the song “Gorilla” is a nod to the Filipino slang phrase “Walang Takas,” which translates to “no escape.”
Puerto Rican Heritage
Bruno Mars’ mother, Bernadette Hernandez, was of Puerto Rican descent. Her family moved to Hawaii when she was a child. Bruno Mars has always celebrated his Puerto Rican roots through his music. In his hit song “Just the Way You Are,” he sings, “Her hair, her hair falls perfectly without her trying.” This line is a reference to the natural curls of Puerto Rican women. Bruno Mars has even used Puerto Rican instrumentation in his music, such as the use of the cuatro in the song “Finesse.”
Incorporating African-American Culture
Apart from his multicultural heritage, Bruno Mars has also been vocal about his love for African-American culture. He has credited artists such as Michael Jackson, James Brown, and Prince as his biggest influences. Bruno Mars has also been an active supporter of Black Lives Matter and has called for an end to the racial inequality in America. He has acknowledged the impact African-American music and culture has had on his upbringing, paving the way for his success as an artist.
Conclusion
Bruno Mars is much more than just a talented musician. His multicultural roots and identity have helped shape his music and artistic vision. By embracing his diverse backgrounds, he has been successful in creating a fan base that transcends cultures, languages, and borders. His genre-blending style and cultural influences have made him one of the most prominent artists of our time.
In conclusion, we hope this article has provided you with insights into the multicultural roots of Bruno Mars and how he incorporates these influences into his music. It’s crucial to recognize and celebrate artists like Bruno Mars, who represent the diversity of the world we live in. Let’s hope that more artists continue to break down barriers and unite people from different cultural backgrounds through their music.
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