Nezza, a talented Latin pop singer with roots in Colombian and Dominican cultures, who was raised in the vibrant Bay Area of California, received an invitation to perform the U.S. national anthem during the highly anticipated Dodgers vs. Giants game at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Rather than adhering to the expected English version, Nezza chose to honor her heritage by delivering a captivating Spanish-language version of the anthem, declaring it was done “para mi gente” on Sunday, June 15.
The multi-talented vocalist, dynamic dancer, and innovative content creator, known by her birth name Vanessa Hernández, shared a heartfelt video on social media platforms, providing her followers with a unique glimpse of her experience at the significant L.A. event. This moment not only showcased her artistry but also highlighted the importance of cultural representation in mainstream platforms.
In a striking moment captured on camera, an off-screen voice informed Nezza, “We are gonna do the song in English today. I’m not sure if that wasn’t relayed.” The disheartened expression on Nezza’s face and her body language communicated her disappointment. The footage transitioned to Nezza on the baseball field, visibly emotional as she passionately sang the last line of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” which she translated as “El Pendón Estrellado” in Spanish, embracing her cultural identity in front of the crowd.
In her social media caption, Nezza expressed, “Para mi gente, I stand with you. Yesterday was easily one of the scariest days of my life. I sang ‘El Pendon Estrellado,’ the OFFICIAL Spanish star spangled banner (commissioned by President Roosevelt) at the Dodgers game after being told I couldn’t. And I’m so proud that I did.” Her words resonated with many, emphasizing the courage it took to stand by her convictions in a challenging situation.
“Stay safe. Stay strong. I love you,” Nezza concluded, as she prepares to unveil her highly anticipated debut full-length album later this year. Her journey reflects the growing influence of diversity in music and the importance of representation in the industry.
Following the performance, she shared a reflective video on TikTok, where she candidly spoke to her audience, her eyes glistening with tears. “Bear with me, ’cause I’m still very shaken up and emotional.” She elaborated on the significance of the Spanish translation of the national anthem, noting, “El Pendón Estrellado” was officially commissioned in 1945 by the U.S. State Department as part of President Franklin Roosevelt’s good neighbor policy aimed at strengthening relations with Latin America.
“I didn’t expect to encounter any sort of ‘no’ response, especially considering we’re in L.A. and the current climate… I just couldn’t believe when she walked in and told me ‘no.’ I felt a strong compulsion to perform,” Nezza reflected, highlighting the challenges faced by artists from diverse backgrounds and the importance of artistic expression.
Nezza also took the opportunity to address the ongoing and widely protested raids conducted by ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) under the previous administration, stating, “Everything I do is out of love and good energy. I’m proud of my decision today because my parents are immigrants. They have been documented citizens for most of my life.” Her words reflect the struggles faced by immigrant families and the fight for their rights in America.
“I can’t fathom the thought of them being forcibly separated from me. Even as an adult, I can’t imagine how it would have felt as a child,” Nezza shared, articulating the emotional weight of her family’s experiences and the broader implications of immigration policies in the United States.
