Cuban-Irish singer-songwriter Qbanaa has shared a striking video for her new single Fruta Prohibida which leans into the sweeping, cinematic Spanish ballad’s voyage of self-discovery.

Written in 2022 and brought to life in 2024 in Havana, Fruta Prohibida fuses flamenco guitar, lush strings, and aching vocal ornamentation to tell the story of two women navigating unexpected desire within the confines of their heterosexual relationships.

“This is a song about shedding skin, breaking free from the version of yourself others expect you to be. It’s for the girls, the gays, the theys and every ally in between. I want everyone to listen to this song and feel like they can tackle the world….” offers Qbanaa 

Fruta Prohibida was produced by Rafino Miguel Murphy and recorded and mixed by Adam Shanahan and features Cuban-Trinidadian guitarist Carlos Menos Paz. The video mirrors the track’s intimate and transformative journey with visual direction by Tara Devi and choreography by Laura Garcia. It was premiered at a special event in Dublin’s Devlin Hotel on Aug 22nd.

Qbanaa will appear at Electric Picnic this weekend. Details below.

LIVE

30th August – Croí Stage, Electric Picnic

17th September – Roe & Co, Dublin Fringe Festival