Nezza Releases Studio Version of ‘El Pendón Estrellado’ Benefitting Immigrant Rights Groups

Singer Nezza went viral when she sang the national anthem in Spanish at Dodgers Stadium despite being allegedly asked to sing it in English. Now she’s continuing to show her support for the Latinx community by releasing a studio version of “El Pendón Estrellado.” Half of the proceeds from Nezza’s cover will benefit A Place Called Home, a South Central L.A.-based nonprofit that provides programs surrounding art, education, academic support, and wellness for children. The other half will be shared among nonprofits supporting immigrant rights including the Esperanza Immigrant Rights Project. The 30-year old artist of Colombian and Dominican descent continues to voice her reasoning behind singing the anthem in Spanish and why it was so meaningful:

“‘El Pendón Estrellado’ is more than just a song; it’s a profound statement of unity and a tribute to the diverse voices that enrich America,” Nezza, born Vanessa Hernández, stated in a press release, according to the Los Angeles Times. “I sang the anthem in Spanish for my people. For my culture. For everyone who’s ever been made to feel like they don’t belong.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers have been featured in headlines over the past couple months in the wake of the ICE raids against undocumented immigrants across the county. Back in June, ICE reportedly tried to use the stadium to process detainees, though the agency claimed that they were never there. In July, after singing the song in Spanish despite the alleged request not to, she was allegedly told never to return, though the team later countered her statement. In the wake of the controversy, Nezza’s release of the studio version solidifies her continued support for the Latinx and immigrant communities.

The Spanish-language version of the national anthem has been around since 1945 when the U.S. State Department and President Franklin D. Roosevelt realized how important a role it could play in their effort to strengthen the U.S.’s relationship with Latin America. Alongside the Music Educators National Conference, the Division of Cultural Cooperation invited musicians and lyricists to submit their translations with lyrics that could be sung, rather than just an exact translation. Peruvian immigrant composer Clotilde Arias submitted her song “El Pendón Estrellado,” which was later accepted for its faithfulness to the original text. Today, it remains the only official translation of the national anthem.

“The lyrics and the story are the same. We’re still saying we’re proud to be American,” Nezza told the Los Angeles Times in June. “Latino people are a huge part of building this nation. I think [the song] shows how we are such an important piece to the story of America.”

Nezza will be performing at the Roxy in West Hollywood later this month in order to raise donations for nonprofits providing immigration defense support and resources pro bono. We’re excited to see Latinas like her standing up for our community and making fearless statements through her art.