Vilassar de Mar: The Maresme Roots of Bad Gyal's Global Success

International urban star Alba Farelo highlights her hometown in the documentary La Joia.

Generic image of a street with traditional architecture in a coastal town in Maresme.
IA

Generic image of a street with traditional architecture in a coastal town in Maresme.

The world-renowned artist Alba Farelo, known as Bad Gyal, showcases her upbringing in Vilassar de Mar in her new documentary, emphasizing her strong connection to the Maresme region.

In her documentary La Joia, Bad Gyal provides context to her musical journey, which began in the coastal town of Vilassar de Mar. Born into a creative family, she is the daughter of actor Eduard Farelo. Her sisters, Irma Farelo (known as Mushkaa) and Greta Farelo, are also making their mark in the music industry.
Vilassar de Mar is a town of 21,000 residents located just 30 minutes from Barcelona. Known for its maritime heritage and flower industry, the town features modernist architecture and landmarks such as the Enric Monjo Museum. This local environment has shaped the identity of an artist who now performs on global stages.
By naturally incorporating her Catalan identity and language into her brand, Bad Gyal has turned her local roots into a stylistic element. This connection to her home in Maresme remains a core part of her international image, proving that local authenticity can resonate with a worldwide audience.