Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniela Barroso.
Hi Daniela, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started singing at the age of 11 in my local church. From a young age I knew I was called to write and make music; I had the strong desire to share a message of hope, faith, and love through one of the most powerful languages of all…music. At the age of 12 I recorded my first Spanish album, Solo Por Ti (Only For You), it was a great start and an album that begin to open many doors locally in Atlanta, Georgia. At the age of 15 I did a re-edition of that same album called Exit, which helped push the music to more places and states within the United States. At the age of 17 I released my 3rd album El Ultimo Tren (The Last Train Out) which gave my music international notoriety. It won Premios Arpa, an important award in the Spanish Christian Music industry that takes place in Mexico. One of the songs from that album, Saca Mi Alma made it to the top charts in many prominent Christian radio stations in Latin America, and it made it to number 16 in the 50 most played songs in radio stations in the United States in 2010. This began to open more doors of opportunity. I was able to record with well known Christian rappers Alex Zurdo, Los Que Esperan (Those Who Wait) in 2013 that was included in my 4th album Secreto Lugar (Secret Place); and with Redimi2, Nunca Me Avergonzare (I’ll never be ashamed) in 2014. In my EP Gran Expectativa (Great Expectation) released in 2019, I got the opportunity to record with Latin Grammy nominee worship team Miel San Marcos and with the lead vocalist MacPowell from the Grammy winner Christian rock band Third Day. The following years I released many different singles highlighting the sound of different nations including, Israel, the Caribbean, and my native country Bolivia in which I share my personal journey as an immigrant. Three years ago, I moved to Bowie, Maryland where I’m currently Creative Arts Pastor at Cornerstone Church. It’s been an incredible journey, but one not without difficulties. A month later that I had moved, the lead pastor from the church, Mark Lehmann, was diagnosed with cancer, this news was really hard to receive especially as I had just moved to this area. It hit me hard, but God gave me a song for him a week later from finding out about his diagnosis called You Hold My Days, when I was writing this song I knew that this was going to be his song, his anthem of faith to fight this cancer. I gave this song to him just a few weeks later and he would listen to that song every time he had a chemo therapy treatment or surgeries, it became his song for the next couple of years. Little did we know, God was writing a much bigger story that later we realized this was not just a song of faith for him but one God wanted to use for many more people. Throughout this journey I wrote a couple more songs, that it’s now become an album of 6 songs. We did a Live Recording last year in September, and on September 25 of this year we’re about to release our album Jesus Reigns under Cornerstone House Music, just a year later from our live recording. I’m in so much expectation of what the future holds, it’s been a long journey in the music industry and in ministry, with many ups and downs, but one I see that it’s been worth it and at times it feels like I’m just starting.
I also have a bachelor’s in Psychology, BS graduated from Liberty University, and I have a 3 year degree in Theology from Southeastern Seminary of Theology from the Assemblies of God.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not a smooth road at all, from a young age I’ve experienced hardships that I believe it’s what God has used to build resilience in me to endure all these years doing what I do. My family and I moved to the United States in 2000, I was 9 years old. We had many immigration complications in our journey, and because of this many doors were shut down with opportunities in the music industry. As my music began to go to other nations and many invitations began to come up I wasn’t able to travel due to my immigration situation. All the record label opportunities that I had were turned down because of it as well. Not only did I face the grief of the loss of leaving my country and my family back in Bolivia, but throughout my journey I faced the loss of many career opportunities, what felt like the loss of many dreams and plans. As a female, immigrant, 4’11” in stature, I’ve often had to overcome assumptions and obstacles that others didn’t see. Those experiences taught me resilience, perseverance, and complete dependence on God. Looking back, I can see that what felt like delays were actually seasons of preparation. God was developing my character before expanding my platform.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
What I do is create music that helps people encounter hope, faith, and the presence of God. I’m a singer-songwriter, worship leader, Creative Arts Pastor, and recording artist who has spent years using music to encourage people through life’s deepest joys and hardest seasons.
While I’m grateful for every award and opportunity so far, what I’m most proud of isn’t the recognition, it’s the stories of lives that have been touched and impacted by the songs.
Today, I continue to write, record, and lead with the same calling I discovered as a child. Whether I’m serving my local church, writing songs, leading worship, or sharing my story, my greatest desire is to create music that reminds people that they are deeply loved, that hope is never lost, and that God is faithful through every season.
I believe what sets me apart from others is this: creating songs that are born from real life, rooted in Scripture, and able to give people faith to keep going. My journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has become part of the message God has entrusted me to share.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I love to clean, it relaxes me and helps me think. And I’m a fan of hallmark movies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/danielabarroso
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielabarrosomusic
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danielabarrosomusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/danielabarroso
- Other: https://linktr.ee/cornerstonehousemusic
