Latin-R&B artist Nezza stirred up emotions at Saturday’s Los Angeles Dodgers game when she performed “The Star Spangled Banner” in Spanish, despite being encouraged to stick to English. In a TikTok video, she highlighted her encounter with a team rep who mentioned the anthem must be sung in English, causing her initial excitement to fade. Yet, she chose to sing in Spanish anyway, and the crowd seemed to love it.
Her TikTok gained over 4 million views by Sunday, where she remarked about the history behind singing the anthem in Spanish, noting it was originally commissioned by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1945 to strengthen ties with Latin America. Nezza expressed her pride in her heritage, urging people to understand the significance of her choice and how it resonated with her personal story as the daughter of immigrants.
After her performance, she shared her feelings in a heartfelt TikTok, admitting she felt emotional and surprised by the pushback. “I never thought I would face this, especially in L.A.,” she shared. Her candidness about her background and the struggles faced by families like hers resonated with many.
Despite initial tension, the Dodgers clarified that Nezza had not faced any consequences and expressed hopes for her return.
In light of recent events, including ICE raids affecting local communities, the Dodgers have faced criticism for lacking a strong stance on social issues. Sports columnist Dylan Hernández pointed out the disconnect between the team’s demographics and their silence on issues affecting Latino fans. Although the team has generally avoided political statements, players like Kiké Hernández have voiced their concerns on social media, emphasizing the need for respect and dignity for all people.
This incident highlights a growing movement among artists and athletes to use their platforms for advocacy. In a world where marginalized voices seek representation, Nezza’s performance stands as a poignant reminder of cultural connections and the power of music to unite communities.
For more insights into cultural representation in sports and music, check out the report by NPR on the importance of diverse voices in entertainment here.
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