The Queen of Tejano Inspires Niña Dioz in “Selena”

Niña Dioz released her album, Reyna (Queen), earlier this year to much love from outlets, radio, and DSPs such as NPR, The Fader, Spotify, Los Angeles Magazine, KUTX, and KEXP among others. She was even featured as one of
Billboard’s “Latin Artist on the Rise!”

Here’s what Niña Dioz has to say regarding her inspiration behind “Selena:”

I always wanted to honor Selena with my own art; she made a huge impact on me growing up in Monterrey before she blew up in the rest of the world. She was the first artist I ever saw performing live at “la feria de Monterrey” just a few blocks from my house when I was 8 years old. From being an amazing singer to a fashion icon with a beautiful soul, I feel that Selena’s impact on the world today is undeniable. My album Reyna is about queens and brave women, and Selena is the personification of that.

The video is an adventure between two women set in the 90s – paying homage to some of Selena’s most iconic music videos. We shot in Santa Monica at the exact spot that Selena shot her video for “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” and it was a great vibe. I felt her energy was really present while we were shooting some of these scenes. At the same time, I’m expressing myself by making what is probably the first openly lesbian hip-hop video featuring a Latina rapper. To me, “Selena” is a love manifesto for queer women of color and everyone else who wants to love freely.

“Tambalea,” the first track off of Reyna, marked a new beginning for Dioz as she is finally in a place where she feels fully comfortable to share her truth, completely and unapologetically. Ceci Bastida and Lido Pimienta joined Dioz on the empowering anthem dedicated to women and marginalized people everywhere in the era of
#MeToo and Donald Trump.

Niña Dioz has grown accustomed to breaking barriers. Born Carla Reyna in Monterrey, an old lady at a coffee shop dubbed her as “la niña dios” at random, saying that she looked like the baby Jesus. Soon after, she became one of the most exciting performers in a scene dominated by men thanks to her stage presence and lyrical flow, earning her the respect of her peers and collaborating with artists like Plastilina Mosh, MLKMN, Ximena Sariñana, and Li Saumet of Bomba Estereo.

Reyna features producers such as Shigeto, Scoop Deville,
Captain Planet and Futura, and Bruno OG.