Becky G. Hector Vivas/Getty Images
Native Angeleno and Latina pop star Becky G (real name Rebecca Gomez) always has had love for her hometown, which means giving back to her community after the Wildfires devastated Los Angeles was a no-brainer. “ I’m working with This is About Humanity (an organization founded by Elsa Marie Collins, Zoe Winkler Reinis, Yolanda Selene Walther-Meade and supported by others like Eva Longoria),” she told Us Weekly. “Eva, a friend of mine, and Zoë Saldana. Whether we live here, spend a lot of time here, or, like me, were born in Los Angeles — [we] knew we had to use our platforms for something bigger. And it was so beautiful to feel that.”
Gomez has been working with local communities on the ground to help people impacted by the wildfires: “Specifically, yesterday’s work with Elsa and many others who took the time to help the community focused on our Hispanic community. Latinos are such a big part of the essence of Los Angeles. We’re very present, and often, we’re not the priority. We’re a community that cares for so many, but sometimes we don’t know how to care for ourselves or where to find that same support.”
In addition to her advocacy work, the “Arranca” singer spoke to Us about the very exciting news she received recently, becoming the most nominated female artist at the upcoming Premio Lo Nuestro awards, airing on February 20. “I’m very proud that it has reached a point where it feels like a reunion among friends and family,” she gushed. “I mean, even people behind the scenes — directors, producers, the whole production team — it feels like, “Oh, my God, we saw you at your quinceañera, and now you’re a woman, it’s so exciting”
Gomez also revealed why being nominated for her Spanish language music was so moving. “I’ve always said I’m Latina and very proudly Latina, but I wanted to show everyone that I know my roots, my blood, the history, my last name, and there’s something very powerful in that,” she said. And, obviously, as a girl born here in Los Angeles, being Chicana is sometimes a little — it’s very complex, you know? If you don’t live it, you can’t understand it. I mean, we’re very judged by our accents or for not being from here or there. And I’ve always seen my life like, OK, so where do I belong?’ Because if I’m neither from here nor there, where should I go?”
The “Sin Pijamas” singer continued: “I think I was around 15 years old (when she started working with Premio Lo Nuestro). And I didn’t feel so accepted in the world — the Latin world — and obviously, it’s because I was born here in the United States. My Spanish is very ‘pocha’ (broken), although it’s improved a lot over the years. I remember at first I felt very nervous, very anxious, and very excited, you know?”
She adds that staying connected to her cultural roots has profoundly shaped her as an artist and individual. “I feel like when you really step into spaces that allow you to be unapologetically yourself, that’s when the magic happens,” Gomez concluded while promoting her cause with the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation. “It’s not just about representing, but also about creating opportunities for others who share similar dreams.”
Tune into the Premio Lo Nuestro awards taking place in Miami on February 20th.