Afro/Latina country duo HuneyFire, made up of mother and daughter Cheaza Figueroa and Marri Nevarez-Barlow, have just released their heartfelt new single “My Country.” This moving anthem speaks directly to their journey as Black women carving out space in country music. The song is available now on all major digital platforms [at this link].
A Spanish version of the track will be released on September 19.
“‘My Country’ is a vulnerable and honest reflection of our journey,” says HuneyFire. “Being Black women in country music hasn’t always been easy, but we’ve stayed the course with purpose, passion, and pride. This song is born from our real-life experiences and challenges. We may not fit the traditional mold, but that’s exactly why we’re here. We have stories to tell, and ‘My Country’ is just the beginning. We’re singing our truth, loud, proud, and unapologetically.”
The lyrics of “My Country” echo that determination and pride:
“If country’s all about the stories
don’t tell me how to tell mine
from victory to faded glory
it speaks in its own time
if country’s from the heart
then let me sing my part
I don’t have to pass your test
be best dressed
be in the cool club
no offense
don’t have to know your friends
cause I don’t bend
when it comes to the skin I’m in
I’m just gonna run free
In my country”
Written by Cheaza Figueroa, Marriana Nevarez, and Caitlin Evanson, the song was produced by Figueroa and features her and Marri on powerful lead vocals and harmonies. The track also includes Denny Mishler on guitar and bass, and Eddie Dunlap on steel guitar. It was engineered by Hugo Castillo at Mir Records USA, and programmed, mixed, and mastered by Jason Pennock.
HuneyFire is no stranger to attention. Their past releases have caught the eyes and ears of major outlets including CMT, MusicRow, Taste of Country, TCN, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, Voice of America, Spinex Music, Change the Conversation, and many more.
With “My Country,” HuneyFire isn’t just making music. They’re making a statement. And they’re just getting started.
ABOUT HUNEYFIRE:
The legacy of HuneyFire’s family musical history courses through their bloodlines. Cheaza Figueroa grew up following in the footsteps of a big-time show business entertainer. Her mother, Stonye Figueroa aka Barbara Cook, was an integral part of the legendary Ikette’s, the electrifying backing vocalists and dancers for The Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Among other dizzying career accolades, she was a part of the group’s powerhouse historic performance of “Proud Mary” captured in their debut appearance on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show.’
Daughter, Marri Nevarez-Barlow, also claims musical royalty in her bloodline; her father, Alfred Nevarez, is a founding member of the pop vocal group, All-4-One, best known for their mega-hits, “I Swear,” “So Much in Love” and “I Can Love You Like That.”
The duo began singing together in 2011 and founded HuneyFire in March of 2021. They recently completed writing and recording their debut English album, with a bonus Spanish track.
