interview by JANA LETONJA

With over 1.3 million followers across platforms, NEZZA has become one of the most exciting voices in the new wave of Latina pop artists — bold, bilingual, and unapologetically authentic. A former professional dancer for stars like Zendaya and Selena Gomez, she brings movement, emotion, and narrative into everything she creates. Her recent performance of ‘El Pendón Estrellado’, the Spanish rendition of the US National Anthem, solidified her as an artist unafraid to use her platform for something bigger. With the official release of ‘El Pendón Estrellado’, a benefit concert at The Roxy, and her growing influence as a cultural voice, NEZZA continues to blur the lines between pop, purpose, and pride — proving that her music isn’t just about sound, but about belonging.

dress ATELIER BISER
gloves PAUME vintage
rings ALEXIS BITTAR
earrings LILIAN SHALOM

You often blend English and Spanish seamlessly in your music. How does that bilingual identity shape your sound and creative process?

I naturally speak in Spanglish, especially with my parents, so it always made sense to blend both languages into my music. Also, there are so many of us, especially here in the States where Spanglish is our reality. And I wanted my music to reflect that.

Your performance of ‘El Pendón Estrellado’, the Spanish rendition of the US National Anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium made national headlines. How did that moment come about?

I actually got booked for the anthem about a month ahead of time. But it wasn’t until a couple days before that I realized the weight of what it could mean, especially during a time when so many immigrant families were being torn apart by ICE raids. I remember thinking if I’m going to stand on that field and represent my country, I need to represent all of it. So, I decided to sing in Spanish, the language of so many people who love this country, contribute to it, and deserve to feel seen.

You said, “I sang in Spanish because America’s story includes all of us.” What was going through your mind as you performed?

It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. But the idea of staying quiet, of not taking that moment, on no Kings Day of all days, to play my part in this fight, would’ve haunted me for the rest of my life. I knew I had to do it. I couldn’t let fear win.

dress PATBO

The project also benefits A Place Called Home and immigration defense nonprofits. What inspired you to connect your music to these causes?

It’s more important now than ever to give back. A lot of these organizations have lost federal funding, and they’re the ones doing the real work on the ground. Helping families, protecting kids, keeping people safe, so I wanted to support them the way I know best, through my music.

How do you see your role as an artist in shaping cultural and social conversations?

I think artists have this unique power to make people feel something. And once you feel, you start thinking differently. It’s important to tell stories that reflect who we really are. Being Latina, being bold, being emotional, all of that belongs in the mainstream conversation.

As a professional dancer turned artist, how does movement influence your approach to music and visuals?

Very much. I started as a dancer, so movement is like my first language. It’s how I first learned to express myself. When I’m writing or recording, I’m already seeing the visual. How it moves, what it feels like in the body. And if I can picture the music video before the song is even done, then I know we’ve made something good.

top ANAMIKA KHANNA
earrings DRIES VAN NOTEN

You’ve performed for icons like Zendaya, Selena Gomez, and Lady Gaga. What did you learn from working with those powerhouse women?

Oh my god, so much. Every one of them works differently, but what they all have in common is intention. They know exactly who they are. Watching that up close taught me that authenticity isn’t optional, it's everything. You can be polished and professional and still be you.

How do you balance being a role model with staying authentic and vulnerable online?

Honestly, I just try to keep it real. I never want to come off as perfect. That's not who I am. I share the good and the bad, the confident moments and the self-doubt. I think people connect with that more anyway. We’re all figuring it out.

top RIMZIM DADU
gloves HANDSOME STOCKHOLM

You’ve headlined a benefit show at The Roxy. How exciting was that for you?

That night was magic. The energy was insane. People were dancing, crying, singing every word. It felt like a big family gathering. I think everyone there felt the purpose behind it. It wasn’t just about the music, it was about community and pride.

Between your activism, new music, and performance work, what’s next for you? What’s lighting you up creatively right now?

I’m so inspired right now to create more than ever. Especially by all the pop girlies who are killing it. Currently working on my debut album. This next project is all about being the alpha, for once in my life, and being the one who calls the shots, especially in love.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent NEZZA
photography SAMUEL RAMIREZ
styling ZOE COSTELLO at A-Frame Agency
makeup MICHAEL SHEPHERD at The Only Agency
hair MEL DOMINGUEZ at The Only Agency
photography assistant PIERCE AMADEUS
styling assistant NATASSIA CASAS
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA

IN CONVERSATION WITH NEZZA

IN CONVERSATION WITH GALE