By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Singer Nezza (Vanessa Hernández) defied a Dodgers staff member’s request to sing the English national anthem, instead performing the Spanish version, “El Pendón Estrellado,” at Dodger Stadium. Her protest, publicized on TikTok, was a response to recent immigration raids in Los Angeles. Hernández, whose parents are Dominican immigrants, felt compelled to sing in Spanish in solidarity with her community. While the Dodgers haven’t commented, The Athletic reports no disciplinary action was taken against her.
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Nezza, a singer who performs under the moniker Nezza, recently ignited a controversy when she sang the Spanish version of the Star-Spangled Banner at a Los Angeles Dodgers game. This wasn’t simply a musical performance; it was a deliberate act of protest against the ongoing immigration raids affecting her community. The singer, whose parents are from the Dominican Republic, revealed that she had been explicitly told by a Dodgers staff member to sing the anthem in English.
This pre-game instruction, she stated, directly contradicted her personal feelings and her desire to connect with the Latino community through her performance. The singer felt a deep sense of responsibility to sing in Spanish, a language that reflects the heritage of many in Los Angeles, particularly those impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions. This personal connection, she explained, outweighed any potential concerns or regulations she might have been aware of.
The fact that an official Spanish-language version of the anthem, commissioned by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945, exists added another layer to the controversy. This historical fact underscores the long-standing presence of Spanish-speaking communities in the United States and casts the Dodgers’ request in a different light. It seems counterintuitive, given this history, to prevent a singer from performing the anthem in a language that has a demonstrably rich history within the United States.
Nezza’s decision to sing the anthem in Spanish despite the warning sparked a wave of reactions. Many praised her courage and her powerful statement. Some emphasized the fact that Los Angeles has a large Spanish-speaking population and that the anthem’s performance in Spanish felt entirely appropriate, even expected, within that context. The event also served as a reminder of the complex relationship between national identity, language, and immigration policies in the United States.
The Dodgers’ decision to prohibit Nezza from singing in Spanish has been widely criticized. Some interpreted the request as a display of insensitivity to the Latino community and their cultural heritage. Others pointed out the apparent hypocrisy, given the significant Latino population in Los Angeles and the team’s own reliance on a diverse fan base. The action sparked outrage among many who felt the team was ignoring the concerns and experiences of its diverse community and instead prioritizing an image of conformity.
The incident has raised broader questions about the role of language in national identity. Many argued that the ability to express patriotism and love of country should not be constrained by linguistic limitations. The multilingual nature of the United States was championed as a strength and a reflection of the nation’s history and ongoing evolution. Those who condemned the Dodgers’ actions used the opportunity to call for increased tolerance and understanding of diverse cultural expressions.
Beyond the immediate controversy, Nezza’s protest also highlighted the ongoing impact of immigration raids on Latino communities. The singer’s act of defiance served as a powerful symbol of solidarity and resistance against policies that disproportionately affect these groups. It was a statement about the need for empathy, inclusivity and recognition of the cultural contributions of all citizens, regardless of their immigration status.
Furthermore, the historical context surrounding the Spanish-language version of the anthem revealed a previously unknown aspect of the song’s history to many people. This unexpected historical detail served as a point of education and highlighted a facet of American history often overlooked in mainstream narratives. This brought to the forefront the complicated and evolving nature of American identity and the continued significance of acknowledging historical facts, particularly in the light of current political and social climates.
In conclusion, Nezza’s performance of the Spanish-language Star-Spangled Banner was more than just a musical act; it was a powerful statement of protest against immigration raids and a bold assertion of Latino identity within the United States. The controversy that followed brought attention to issues of cultural representation, language rights, and the complicated relationship between national identity and immigration policy. The incident continues to fuel conversations about inclusivity, cultural sensitivity, and the importance of respecting the diversity of voices within the American landscape.