The “Dutty Love” Dominican songbird speaks about her upcoming video for “Makossa,” what she’s learned from her Orfanato Music Group label boss, Don Omar, and performing in her home isle.
How did Don Omar discover you?
It was very sudden. In 2010, I was working on a couple of songs in the Bronx with Link-On and A&X, producers from El Orfanato. Don Omar had a session right after mine and he heard my songs and asked, “Who’s that girl?” The guys called me and said, “Don’t leave because William wants to meet you.” I didn’t know who “William” was. When I met him he was at the doorway of the studio and he said, “You’re my star.”
What an awesome story! When did you decide to leave DR and come to NYC?
I decided to leave college [where she studied industrial engineering] and challenge myself. I left home to the Bronx, New York. I have my best friend who lives there. It was hard but it made me understand all the hardships are for a reason. I didn’t care because I was focused on my goal. My memories of being alone in New York to this day are what keep me focused. The other day my parents told me, “Now, we get it.” [Laughs] After I won three Latin Billboards, my dad, who is a psychics teacher, said, “We’re proud of you.”
Did you know “Dutty Love” was going be a huge hit?
“Dutty Love” was a song that we took it out just to test the waters. It went all over the world. As a woman in a male-dominated genre it taught me to be strong just like my parents told me. In order to advance in this world you need to have respect for yourself.
Tell us about your new single, “Makossa.”
“Makossa” is from Africa and it means dance. It’s also the name for this type of music. In my song I decided to mix in some Jamaican sounds like the steel drums.
And how about your new album?
I want a new sound for people to enjoy. Just because it’s urban it doesn’t mean it’s just for a certain group. It should be international. As a female representing the movement I gotta do it right. We’re working on my new album and it’s a lot of tropical with urban sounds. It’s about love, real issues that women go through everyday, and equality.
What is some golden advice Don Omar has given you?
That social media is key. It’s how people got to know me. “Dutty Love” went viral on YouTube. This is the new way to get directly to the fans. It’s fun. It’s a great way to promote yourself. He said to always keep that one-on-one contact with fans so they can get a feel for who you are.
What do you do when you’re not recording or performing?
I watch Under the Dome. Oh my God! I love it. I watched Dexter but it ended in a really weird way. I think it’s going to start over again because he’s a new character; he’s like a fisherman. Lately, I’ve been watching binge watching online. Stay in bed for a whole weekend!
How was it the first time you performed in DR?
It was great! It was nerve wrecking. My sister was there and my parents were listening on the radio. The people supported me, they that you’re not a prophet in your own land. When you go your country it’s tough. They’d be like, “She’s Dominican so lets see what she has.” It came out really well. After that day, more and more people starting recognizing me more.