Nezza Defends His Interpretation of the Anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium
The Latin singer Nezza expressed her “enormous pride” for performing the national anthem in Spanish at Dodger Stadium on Saturday night, stating that she does not regret her decision. Her unexpected 90-second interpretation of “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the game between the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Giants quickly went viral, generating mixed reactions among Dodgers fans. The controversy arose in a context of frustration over the team’s lack of vocal support for immigrant communities affected by deportation raids in the United States, including numerous neighborhoods near Los Angeles.Nezza, 30, recounted that she decided to sing in Spanish after seeing the stands filled with Latino families dressed in Dodger blue. A video shared on social media shows a Dodgers employee indicating that the song would be performed in English. The Spanish version she sang, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, is the official translation of the national anthem, commissioned in 1945 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the Peruvian-American composer Clotilde Arias. According to Nezza, her manager received a call from an unidentified Dodgers employee, indicating that her clients would not be welcome back at the stadium. However, the team denied this claim in a statement.This is my moment to show everyone that I am with them, that we have a voice and that, with everything that is happening, this is not okay. I am super proud to have done it. I have no regrets.
Nezza
Despite the Dodgers’ statement, Nezza expressed that she doesn’t believe she will return to the stadium, but hopes her performance inspires others to use their voice and express themselves.There were no consequences or resentments from the Dodgers regarding his performance. He was not asked to leave. We would be happy for him to return.
Dodgers Statement
The Dodgers have not officially commented on the raids carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in the areas near Dodger Stadium. However, player Enrique Hernández spoke out about it on his social media. In his post, Hernandez expressed his sadness and indignation at the situation, stating that he cannot bear to see his community being violated, profiled, abused, and destroyed. He emphasized that all people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity, and human rights.He has shown me the power within the Latin community. We have to be the voice at this moment.
Nezza
