Love Keeps Showing Up

Adassa—Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe recipient, platinum-selling artist, and the voice of Dolores Madrigal in Encanto—invites us into her personal story of achieving her musical dreams, battling a paralyzing illness, and having faith in divine timing.

Born to immigrant Colombian parents with big dreams in their hearts but little in their pockets, Adassa learned early that making it as an artist wasn’t just about talent—it was about grit, faith, and a whole lot of improvising. Together with Gabriel Candiani, who is both her husband and her music director, Adassa paid her dues on stages in Texas and Mexico, before landing her first solo record deal. That deal catapulted her into performing alongside and collaborating with musical legends, including Lin-Manuel Miranda, Daddy Yankee, Juanes, Enrique Iglesias, Carlos Vives, Pitbull, Snoop Dogg, Flo Rida, Ciara, Missy Elliott, Luis Fonsi, Don Omar, Megan Thee Stallion, and Becky G.

From the electrifying energy of the Rose Bowl to the legendary Madison Square Garden, she was living the dream. Until life took a detour.

When COVID left her paralyzed from the neck down, Adassa faced her greatest challenge. Unable to care for herself—let alone sing—she felt like everything was slipping away. But in those darkest moments, Gabriel and their seven children became her strength. Their family clung to faith, laughter, and the unshakable belief that God was still directing their lives.

What followed was proof that God’s timing is always perfect. From relearning patience and resilience to performing live with the Encanto cast at the Oscars and sharing her voice on stages across the United States, Mexico, and Taiwan, Adassa’s journey has been anything but predictable.

Full of inspirational music—including QR codes that link to twelve original songs—unexpected messes, and undeniable miracles, Love Keeps Showing Up is a heartfelt reminder that even when life feels out of tune, faith and family keep us singing.

Author Biography

Adassa plays Dolores in Disney’s blockbuster hit Encanto and is featured on Billboard’s chart-topping song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” As a bilingual Afro-Latino voice actress, singer, and songwriter, Adassa’s work spans from animation to arena performances at Madison Square Garden. Adassa first emerged as a talent in McDonald’s national “Me Encanta” campaign and later landed commercial roles with other national brands, including Toyota and Proctor and Gamble’s Secret.

Adassa’s dynamic four-octave vocal range and artistry have resulted in features and performances on songs with Pitbull, Flo Rida, Snoop Dogg, Daddy Yankee, Ciara, Missy Elliott, and Luis Fonsi, among others. In addition to Adassa’s vocal prowess, she is a sought-after lyricist having written for the catalogs of Warner, Universal, and SONY.