Andre Veloz is a one-of-a-kind artist.

While Latin trap, reggaeton and dembow penetrate the airwaves, the bachatera has caught the attention of audiences here, in New York City, in the Dominican Republic, and beyond. Though some were introduced to Veloz through the virality of her smash hit “Eta Que Ta’ Aquí,” the St. Croix-born singer/songwriter has been shaking up the male-dominated genre for years.

”I feel frustrated,” says Veloz, when asked about being a woman in the industry. “There’s no space for us to go in. I have to work extra hard — I don’t want to say to prove myself because I don’t have anything to prove, in general, but to keep myself in the game. I have to put in an insane amount of effort.”

Our correspondent Major sat down with the Bronx-based artist to discuss her career, body and self-titled album, Andre Veloz.  

Watch the interview, here:

Camera woman: Francis Carrero

Huge thanks to the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute for allowing us to interview Andre Veloz in your beautiful space!