NEZZA Builds a World in Sound, Style, and Self
Not just a pop artist stepping into a new era, NEZZA is building a world of her own, one where music, movement, language, and identity exist without translation. From viral cultural moments to festival stages like Outside Lands, she’s been quietly and intentionally expanding what it means to take up space as a Spanglish, genre-blurring artist in 2026.
Her story goes far beyond the stage. Rooted in years of dance training, YouTube beginnings, and a long process of unlearning, NEZZA has carved out a fully self-led vision, one that spans choreography, styling, and the emotional architecture of her music. In conversation, she moves with ease, sharing stories with laughter and reflection. This is NEZZA, fully in her world and letting us in.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
You move between English and Spanish so fluently. How does that duality show up in your identity beyond music?
I’m a Spanglish kid, a Spanglish girl, and I think there are a lot of us out here. I’m not a “No Sabo” kid; there are many of us in the States who were born here, and Spanglish is just how we exist. I wanted that to be represented in my music because it’s 2026, and there’s no Spanglish pop star? I’m really happy that I get to showcase that in my work.
Top: Baum Und Pferdgarten Bra: Agency Provocateur Bottoms: Brody Tights: Wolford Heels: Larroude Earrings: Saule
How has being Colombian and Dominican shaped your confidence as an artist in a mainstream space?
My mom is the most confident woman you will ever meet. Anyone who meets her understands that when she walks into a room, it’s electric; she just has this thing about her. I think having that around me really rubbed off on me. She also enrolled me in dance at a very young age. I’ve been on stage since I was five. I think that helped a lot because I was such a shy kid. I remember my mom took me to my first audition, which was actually the only audition I did until I became an adult.
It was for one of those Macy’s catalog auditions. I stepped foot in that room and just started sobbing. The casting director looked at my mom and said, “Maybe bring her back when she’s a little older, maybe not so shy.” I tell that story to people all the time, and they’re always shocked by who I am now. It is because of her, it’s because of that woman. I think, too, growing up Latina, we have this thing where we shout it from the rooftops. We’re proud to be Latina. It’s embedded in us; it’s a constant celebration of life. I think that really pours into the confidence.
Top: Karlito Melero Earrings: Tarina Tarantino Bottoms: Strawberry Western Socks: Falke Heels: Pleaser Shoes
Reflecting on the past year, and everything happening in our city, from ICE raids to the broader social and political climate, how did the Dodgers’ anthem moment shift your work? Did you realize at the time it would become something bigger, even political? Did you feel any fear or hesitation about the potential consequences?
It was the most terrifying moment of my entire life. Those two minutes shaped me forever. What I’ve learned now, being on the other side of it, is that bravery isn’t this superpower that suddenly takes over you. We all have it in us. Bravery isn’t the absence of fear. If you’ve ever felt even an ounce of that in your life, then you have the power to stand up.
Before that moment, even though I’ve always shown up, during BLM, I was out there in the streets, you see people speaking at podiums, leading movements, and you think, “I wish I had that in me.” Especially being such a shy girl and a Capricorn, because Capricorns are rule followers, I always thought, ” That’s just not me.” It took a really drastic situation for that to come out of me.
Now that I’m on the other side of it, I realize it was just fear. I hope people put themselves in that position at least once, just to understand that. If you’ve felt that fear, you can do it too. I never, in a million years, thought it would skyrocket the way it did, especially politically. I just wanted to fight for my people, for the Latin community.
I wanted them to know that I hear them and that I’m with them. I wasn’t thinking about anyone else except the people I was seeing in the news, the people in those videos. They looked like my family. They looked like people I know. Even if I didn’t know them personally, it felt like I did. At that moment, I told myself, “You don’t want to be 80 years old and look back at this and regret not doing anything.” I didn’t want to carry that.
I was willing to risk it all. I trust God’s timing, I trust His plan for me isn’t rock bottom. It was a crazy time, and I am grateful I did it. I’m also happy my boyfriend caught that moment on video. He was filming my rehearsal; he just has really good instincts. He’s always filming, and something in him told him not to stop recording.
When I watch it back, you can literally see the realization hit me in real time, like, “Oh… okay.” Even then, you can still see that bravery comes through. We actually have a documentary that’s been on a festival circuit, and I’m excited for people to see it because there’s a lot more from that day. It’s called La Tierra del Valor (The Home of the Brave), and you get to see the aftermath too. I only shared about 15 seconds online. In the documentary, you see what happens after. I’m just sobbing, trying to process everything and figure out what comes next.
Top: Karlito Melero Corset: Windowsen Earrings: Saule Bottoms: Brody Heels: GCDS
Can you tell us more about La Tierra del Valor (The Home of the Brave)? How did the project come together? Who is the director behind it, and where can audiences expect to watch it as it continues its run on the festival circuit?
The documentary is called La Tierra del Valor (The Home of the Brave). I never intended to make a documentary; I didn’t even know where to start. There were many things happening around me that summer that I hadn’t even thought about. Then I did Kimmel, and this woman approached me in my dressing room. She was like, “Hi, I’m Christina, can I have a photo?” I said, “Of course,” and we started talking.
She told me that what I did really touched her, and thatshe couldn’t believe I was there that day. I asked what she did, and she said she was a filmmaker. I was like, “Oh, what have you worked on?” and she told me she directed the Karol G documentary. I was like, “What? I just watched that!” We had that quick moment, and then she left. A few weeks later, the story kept getting bigger, and we started getting calls from production companies wanting to tell it.
I immediately thought of Christina; she was the first person I called. I told her, “Before I give this to anyone else, I feel like we were meant to meet. I’d really want a Latina behind this.” We met for breakfast, and that’s when I learned she actually started as an immigration journalist. I was like, “Wait, what?” She thought that was why I reached out to her, and I was like, “No…” It just made everything feel even more meant to be. There really was no one more perfect for it.
We moved really fast because we felt a responsibility to get the story out quickly, and festival deadlines were coming up. We put a team together and made the film in about three weeks, then submitted it. Everything felt last-minute. When we got the call for Sundance, I sobbed for a week. I couldn’t believe it. I was like, “Okay, this is another calling, this film needs to be seen.”
We went to the Sundance Film Festival, the Mountain Film Festival, where we won an award, Palm Springs, where we also won an award, and LALIFF. We’ve just been taking it around and hoping it inspires people. Eventually, we want it to live on a free platform so anyone can watch it.
It’s been a really bittersweet process. I’ve never done film festivals before, and it’s intense, especially because the film is still relevant. We thought that by Sundance in January, it might feel less immediate, but it ended up being more relevant than ever. The week of our premiere, everything happening in Minneapolis broke in the news. We were in our hotel rooms texting each other like, “No way.” What’s really wild is that at the end of the film, I say, “They’re not going to stop at Latinos.” I filmed that in September… and then everything unfolded the way it did. It’s just insane how it all came together. Honestly, meeting Christina was serendipitous.
Top: Karlito Melero Earrings: Tarina Tarantino Bottoms: Strawberry Western Socks: Falke Heels: Pleaser Shoes
What kind of world would you say you’re building sonically right now?
I am definitely in my era of taking up space unapologetically. I feel like I make music for the girls who feel everything. I’m such an emotional person, and I think my music reflects that. It’s for girls who feel deeply and still choose themselves at the end of the day. I want little girls to look at me and feel like, “Oh, I can do that too,” because I didn’t really have that growing up.
I didn’t have a Spanglish pop star, especially not a Spanglish pop star of color. And I hope to be that. That’s also why I’ve really stuck to my guns when it comes to the Spanglish sound. What people don’t realize is that I’ve been in this industry for a long time. I’ve been in and out of girl groups since 2011, dancing on the side, going through label meetings. And in every single one, it’s always been, “Choose one.”
I’ve never had a label, just fully accepted the Spanglish thing, which is crazy, it’s 2026. I know I keep saying that, it’s like… how? Every label has told me, “Why don’t you just do a full Spanish album, market it on the Latin side, and then do a full English album?” And I’m like, why can’t I do both at once?
I get that they go with what’s worked before, and it’s often an older generation making those decisions; that’s exactly why I’ve stayed true to it. There are little girls whose reality is Spanglish, Afro-Latinas like me who don’t see themselves represented in the pop space, still dream of being pop stars.
That’s why I keep blending both languages and sounds. I didn’t choose this life; I really feel like it chose me. I’ve been dancing since I was in diapers. It’s always been clear this is where I’d end up. I’m grateful because I feel like I’m living parts of my vision board now. It’s taken a lot of hard work, but I think it’s also because I’ve stayed true to myself.
Dress: Naomi Tarazi Earrings: Saule Tights: Wolford Socks: Naomi Tarazi Heels: GCDS
Where do you feel the most freedom in your music right now? Whether it’s in your dancing, your vocals, or your styling, what does that freedom look like for you?
As an independent artist, it’s kind of everything. Even if I had a label right now, I feel like I’d still be wearing all those hats because I genuinely love it. I don’t know if it’s the Capricorn in me, but I love multitasking; it’s kind of my superpower. I edit my music videos, I direct them, and I really love every part of the creative process.
If I’m in the studio working on a song and I can already envision the music video before the song is even done, then I know we’re moving forward with it. That’s when I know it’s right. I also style my music videos. I’m ordering things last-minute all the time, and Amazon definitely comes in handy.
I have always loved fashion. At one point, I thought I was going to be a stylist. I also thought I was going to be a graphic designer, and I even considered going to college for it. Music always pulled me back.
Visually and emotionally, this era feels like it’s for the girls who get it. Everyone is being introduced to this character, Gigi. She represents standing on business, being confident, knowing who you are, and not backing down. I hope people resonate with her, grow to love her, and feel inspired by her. I want her to hold space for girls who are learning how to stand their ground in this next chapter.
Top: Baum Und Pferdgarten Bra: Agency Provocateur Bottoms: Brody Tights: Wolford Heels: Larroude Earrings: Saule
How would you describe your relationship with femininity right now? Is it soft, chaotic, controlled, or evolving?
It’s evolving. I think this whole album really takes people on that journey of me evolving and finding myself. It’s been a long process. I’m definitely not in my soft girl era, that’s for sure. I think femininity doesn’t have to mean being soft or small. You can be fully expressive, intuitive, and still take up space. I’ve definitely gotten more comfortable with that, just owning my presence. Being Latina, I grew up around incredibly strong women, like my mom. My femininity is really rooted in confidence and resilience because of her.
How do you separate NEZZA, the person, from NEZZA the brand today?
I’m such a goofy girl, and I think that shows up in both sides of me. I kind of live this Hannah Montana life where you see the goofy girl on YouTube, then you see the pop star on stage and think, “What the heck?” It’s the same person. I didn’t really know how sharing my life onlinewould go in the beginning.
Music has always been my number one love. When I became a YouTuber, I was like, “I don’t know how this is going to work.” It ended up working out because I think I shared so much of myself that my fandom feels really close, we feel like family. And because of that, they show up for me in such a big way. I’ve even had people in the industry come to my shows and say, “You’re outselling some artists signed to our labels.” And I always say it’s because I’ve been vulnerable with them, they feel like they know me.
My videos feel like FaceTime, like we’re just hanging out. When I meet people in person, it doesn’t feel strange at all. It just feels like I’m meeting someone I kind of already know. I’ve never really had a fan interaction that felt overwhelming or uncomfortable. I’m really grateful for that.
I do miss YouTube a lot, though. I’ve been hinting at coming back because the amount of messages I get every week is like, “Please come back.” And I’ve always known I would, it’s just that music has been taking up much of my time, and I edit everything myself. Now that I have a team and things are flowing a little easier, I think it might be time for a return. I really, really miss it.
Top: Karlito Melero Corset: Windowsen Earrings: Saule Bottoms: Brody Heels: GCDS
What’s something you had to unlearn to step fully into who you are now? And what does healing look like for you in this chapter of your life?
I had to unlearn being such a goody two-shoes. That’s always been me. It’s really embedded in who I am. I was president of my high school, I never broke a rule in my life, and I was the teacher’s pet. This past summer, I had to unlearn that. Because there’s no way that same version of me would’ve been able to step onto that field in the stadium.
I had to let that go. Healing for me has really been about community. I’m grateful for the people around me who showed up for me with open arms after everything. Without them, this healing journey would’ve looked very different. I’ve also always been big on therapy; I love my therapist and highly recommend it. I have been really blessed with a very close friend group, too.
We’re like family, and I have had many different support systems around me throughout this process. I definitely had to unlearn being the teacher’s pet. That version of me couldn’t evolve into who I am now if I hadn’t let her go.
Top: Baum Und Pferdgarten Bra: Agency Provocateur Bottoms: Brody Tights: Wolford Heels: Larroude Earrings: Saule
How does movement still influence the way you perform and create music? Do you feel like your body tells a story before your voice does sometimes?
There’s this language that dancers understand that not everyone does, and being able to step into the spotlight now with that knowledge has been everything for me. It’s actually my favorite part of the music process. If I can already picture the choreography before the song is even finished, then I know we have a banger. Growing up as a dancer, you also have your dream dancers and dream choreographers you’d love to work with if you had the budget.
So it adds this whole extra layer that makes everything more special and fun. If I weren’t a dancer, I don’t think I’d enjoy the audition process as much. Now, I get to cast my own dancers, and I love that part of it. It’s really full circle for me to go back into the dance community because that’s where I started,that’s home base. It shaped who I am. And I’ve had dancers tell me, “Thank you for the way we’re treated on set,” because a lot of dancers are not treated well in this industry.
I know that firsthand, I was in those rooms for 10 years. I’m very protective of my dancers. I make sure they’re taken care of, that they’re in good condition, because I know what it feels like on the other side of that. That’s something really important to me. I miss auditioning, I miss running into friends at auditions, and I miss touring with artists.
I think I still get to live that life now, just through my own music. I still get to dance, and I still get to feel that same energy on stage, just in my own way. Dancers run the music industry; without dancers, there is no industry. Especially now with TikTok, that’s how songs move. Music videos, performances, and dancers are at the center of it all. I really want to continue advocating for that community and honoring it.
Dress: Naomi Tarazi Earrings: Saule Tights: Wolford Socks: Naomi Tarazi Heels: GCDS
How would you describe your current style era? What kind of influences are you incorporating?
She’s a ginger. She’s otherworldly, she’s unapologetic, she’s fierce. Styling and hair are some of my favorite things in the world, so it’s been really fun experimenting and playing with that. It’s been really fun leaning into something more futuristic, which is very Gigi. Influences I am incorporating are Xenon from Disney Channel, meets country meets dance.
Top: Karlito Melero Corset: Windowsen Earrings: Saule Bottoms: Brody Heels: GCDS
Are there any dream collaborations, whether in music, fashion, or film, that feel aligned with where you’re headed?
When it comes to music, there are so many artists I’d love to work with. Obviously, Karol G is our queen as a Colombian artist. On the Dominican side, too. Doja Cat is also everything to me, and Ariana Grande. I literally just went to her concert and cried my eyes out. There are so many. I always keep a list.
I think Tinashe and I could make something insane together. We both started as dancers, and I just feel like it would translate in such an iconic way. I’ve never met her; we’re actually playing the same stage at Outside Lands, so maybe that’s where it finally happens. When it comes to fashion, Willy Chavarria is my dream. I would love to walk for him one day.
Willy, hit me up if you need any models next year. He’s at the top of my list. I really admire how he’s breaking barriers and also blending activism into his work in such an intentional way. That’s something I really look up to and appreciate.
Top: Baum Und Pferdgarten Bra: Agency Provocateur Bottoms: Brody Tights: Wolford Heels: Larroude Earrings: Saule
You’re set to perform at Outside Lands alongside artists like Charli XCX and Tinashe. How does it feel to be part of that lineup?
Oh my gosh, everyone knows this has been one of my number one dreams. It still feels surreal; it won’t fully hit me until I step foot on that stage. It’s my hometown, so beyond it being my first festival, it’s home. That makes it even more special.
I just know it’s going to be an incredibly emotional moment. I probably won’t be able to get through the show without crying the wholetime. A lot of the people who will be there watching have seen me since I was five years old, when this dream first started. So to be able to look up and see it all coming to life is going to be really beautiful. I still can’t believe it’s happening at all.
Dress: Naomi Tarazi Earrings: Saule Tights: Wolford Socks: Naomi Tarazi Heels: GCDS
When you’re preparing for a show like Outside Lands, what does your creative process look like from the setlist and staging to your outfits and overall visual direction?
I definitely have some surprises. It’ll be the first time I’m sharing a stage with this many dancers, so that’s already a big first for me. I’m very involved in everything, including the arrangements. We sit down and map out the entire set, from the first song to the last, and everything in between.
I also have the greatest music director in the world, Edwin Caranza. He works with all the greats, and I feel really lucky to have him. We actually met on the Zendaya tour; he was her bass player, so he’s known me since my dancer days. Being able to collaborate with him now as a pop artist has been really special. It’s going to be such a fun show, and I’m honestly so excited for people to see it. It’s also the first time I’ll be performing my album from top to bottom.
Top: Baum Und Pferdgarten Bra: Agency Provocateur Bottoms: Brody Tights: Wolford Heels: Larroude Earrings: Saule
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Salma Ocelotlxochitl (@ssalmitaa)
Photographer: Savanna Ruedy (@savannarruedy)
Wardrobe Stylist: Branden Ruiz (@branden.ruiz)
Hair Stylist: Luca Ala (@delucaloco)
Makeup Artist: Michael Byron Shepherd (@makeupartistmichael)
