Aguacates de México/Courtesy
There are few voices in Latin alternative music as unmistakable as Li Saumet, the lead singer and face of Bomba Estéreo. Her coastal Caribbean energy, her spiritual aesthetic and her unmistakable vocals have made her a global figure. Now she is using that voice for something deeply personal: a new version of the iconic Juan Luis Guerra hit La Billirrubina.
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The initiative is part of a campaign by Avocados From Mexico and the American Diabetes Association that puts awareness, joy and Latino food culture in the spotlight. The objective is to encourage early testing for Type 2 diabetes in Latino communities. According to the ADA, Latino adults in the United States are significantly more likely to develop diabetes compared to non Hispanic white adults. The campaign invites people to take a one minute screening test online and Avocados From Mexico pledged a donation for every completed test during the launch period.
Li Saumet smiles when the topic comes during an interview. In our conversation she laughs remembering the first time she heard the song as a teenager. I tell her, "I'm old enough to have danced to that song when it first came out." She nods and says, "Me too. That song was playing everywhere in parties. It's a real classic."
For Li, this collaboration was not random. She explains that both of her parents have diabetes and the subject has been part of her life for years. "When the proposal arrived, it made total sense because I'm the daughter of two diabetic parents. I know many people who live with it. I've been connected to health and spirituality for many years and these things matter to me."
The song had to be rewritten carefully. In the new version, references to romantic heart racing become messages about prevention and healthy choices. The tone remains playful so it teaches without preaching. Li admits it was intimidating touching a classic. She also says something shifted in her confidence years ago. "For years now, I've been very at peace with what I do. Very sure that anything I create, if I feel good about it and I like it, it will connect with people."
Her certainty was strengthened when Bomba Estéreo collaborated with Bad Bunny on Ojitos Lindos, which became one of the most streamed songs worldwide from his album Un Verano Sin Ti. The massive success showed her that authenticity, not formulas, creates cultural impact. She says, "You can do anything, big or small, and if you do it in a way that truly connects with you, it will work."
Bomba Estéreo has been building that authenticity for nearly two decades. What began in Bogotá as an electronic cumbia experiment evolved into a global sound that includes champeta, reggae, vallenato and pop without losing its roots. Their breakthrough moment came with Soy Yo, a viral anthem used in films, campaigns and classrooms to celebrate Latin pride. Their live shows sold out across continents and their mix made them one of the most influential Latin fusion projects of the century.
This past year added another milestone. Li and the band partnered with Venezuelan group Rawayana for the ASTROPICAL project, now a 2026 Grammy nominee. The album is inspired by zodiac energy with each track reflecting symbolic emotional landscapes.
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Her activism through food hits a personal note. Li follows a vegan lifestyle and during tours her backstage requests are simple. "I eat at least one or two avocados a day. In my dressing room there's always avocado, olive oil, salt and lemon."
She remembers the moment her green room tradition started. "I remember meeting Café Tacuba. I'm very close to Rubén. He had avocados in his dressing room and I said wow, incredible. From now on, I'm asking for avocado."
The fruit became part of her creative ritual. "Before going on stage it's perfect because it doesn't make you feel too full but gives you energy. After the show, since you burn so many calories, I eat guacamole again."
This connection between culture and nourishment is what she hopes resonates. The campaign centers Latinos not as a demographic problem but as a community rooted in tradition, joy and resilience.
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Li says, "Anything that improves life for the Latino community is important. As artists, we are channels of Latin music and culture. We are all one."
Before ending the conversation, I ask a playful question. If Bad Bunny performs at the next Super Bowl, would she be there to sing Ojitos Lindos?
She laughs. "Well... a good idea." I answer: "Benito." She laughs again.
Health. Music. Identity. Flavor. For Li Saumet, these are not separate subjects. They are parts of the same drumbeat. A beat that begins with roots and grows into rhythm. A rhythm that teaches while it makes you dance.
Because in her world, prevention can feel like a party and culture can save a life.
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