Oscar De La Rosa Releases First-Ever Solo Single from Upcoming Album ‘Si Fueran Mías’

After nearly five decades as the unmistakable voice of La Mafia, Oscar De La Rosa is officially embarking on a historic new journey — as a solo artist.

The legendary frontman has premiered the first song from his upcoming solo album, Si Fueran Mías, marking the first time in his career that he has recorded a full-length project outside of the iconic band he co-founded in Houston in 1980.

De La Rosa shared his excitement with fans on social media, writing:

“¡MI PRIMERA CANCIÓN COMO SOLISTA! Un sueño hecho realidad que al fin ve la luz, disfrútenla mucho.”

Translated to English, the singer declared:

“My first song as a solo artist! A dream come true that has finally come to light. Enjoy it very much.”

The debut single, “Me Gusta Estar Contigo,” is a treasured composition written by acclaimed Mexican singer-songwriter Juan Gabriel, born Alberto Aguilera Valadez. The song was originally recorded in 1962 by beloved Mexican singer and actress Angélica María, famously known as La Novia de México, according to Latin Groove News.

Now, De La Rosa breathes new life into the classic with a lush, live arrangement produced by longtime collaborator Armando Lichtenberger Jr.

“Oscar De La Rosa loves the song, and you can tell by his approach and the wonderful arrangement and production by Armando Lichtenberger,” noted Latin Groove News.

The project represents a major milestone for De La Rosa. During a recent interview with Bo Corona on Fierro HD, he revealed the significance of stepping outside the La Mafia banner for the very first time.

“I had never done an album without La Mafia,” he said. “This is going to be my first album without La Mafia.”

While the album bears his name, De La Rosa emphasized that the creative process was deeply collaborative.

“It was my ideas with his ideas,” he explained. “We did real live strings — no keyboard strings. It’s all real live musicians.”

Reflecting on nearly 46 years of partnership with Lichtenberger, De La Rosa described how their recording style has evolved.

“Back in the day, we would bring everybody in and we would all do it together,” he recalled. “But now Mando starts off with the drums, then brings in the bass player, then the guitar player. No one is there at the same time, and he’s arranging this in his head.”

The upcoming album, Si Fueran Mías, features songs originally made famous by other artists — selections De La Rosa personally loves — now reimagined in his own signature style. The title, which translates to “If They Were Mine,” perfectly captures the spirit of the project: timeless classics interpreted through one of Tejano music’s most recognizable voices.

Still going strong after forming in Houston in 1980, La Mafia remains a dominant force in Latin music. The group recently launched their Epic Tour 46, celebrating 46 years of music while performing to sold-out crowds across the United States and Mexico. In 2024, the band also expanded its brand with the launch of its own premium tequila line.

Together, De La Rosa and Lichtenberger have led La Mafia to dozens of chart-topping hits, earning Grammy Awards, Latin Grammy recognition, and securing their place as pioneers in Tejano history.

Now, with Si Fueran Mías, Oscar De La Rosa is proving that even after decades at the top, there are still new dreams to realize — and new chapters to write.

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