Q&A: Here’s How First-Generation Gen Z Artist Estevie Is Making Música Mexicana Her Own Way

Sarah Silva, better known as Estevie, is a rising Gen Z música mexicana artist, blending classic ’90s grupera culture with a modern twist.

After collaborating with regional Mexican artist Christian Nodal on “Un Besito Más,” the young singer-songwriter continues to expand her audience with “Corazón Tatuado,” a melancholic cumbia that highlights her distinctive sultry vocals and signature emotional touch.

To gain insight into Estevie’s mind, Brilla Latina spoke with the emerging artist about her newest single, working with Nodal, her inspirations, and the lessons she’s learned through her rapidly growing fame.

What was the inspiration behind “Corazón Tatuado”?

“Corazón Tatuado” is a sad cumbia. It explores the emotions of someone leaving such a deep mark on your heart that it feels like they’ve become tattooed into your memory! You know that this person will never be yours again, but when you think back on the memories, they’re so vivid it’s like you’re reliving them all over again.

What inspires your alternative grupera vibe in the música mexicana realm?

These are genres I love making and performing, which makes the creative process so easy. I’m inspired by all the gruperas from the ‘90s and early 2000s. The absence of women in this genre motivates me to keep pushing. I hope to inspire more women in Mexican music so that my generation can experience the beauty of grupera music.

Who is your biggest Latina inspiration, and how has she influenced your journey?

Jenni Rivera has been my idol since I was little. She’s the reason I wanted to become an artist. Everything about her stood out to me, from how she interpreted her songs to the inspiration in her unique voice.

Have you faced any challenges as a Latina in the male-dominated regional Mexican space?

The biggest challenge, especially at the beginning, was getting attention in this male-dominated space. When I started making cumbias in 2021, it was an older genre that wasn’t popular at the time. I’d go to meetings and present it in a new, modern way but was often dismissed. Getting people to understand the music and take me seriously was tough.

My mom always says, “Deja que tu trabajo hable por ti” (let your work speak for you), and that mindset brought me to where I am now. I kept believing in my sound, and though I didn’t have their attention at first, I think my work has stayed true to who I am, and now the industry has turned its focus to that.

How was it working with Christian Nodal on “Un Besito Más”?

It was a beautiful experience working with one of my favorite artists. I’m so grateful for it. I learned a lot from him as a songwriter, especially watching how he works in the studio. He gave me many tips and advice during the recording process and the music video. I admire how humble he is and how willing he is to support the next generation of Mexican artists.

Your stage presence is charismatic, and your audience is constantly growing. What have you learned over the last few years?

I’ve learned so much in the past two years, and my life has moved quickly since I started making cumbias and signed with my record label. I’ve grown as an artist and person, but the most important thing I’ve learned is that God’s timing is perfect. I used to be impatient, but now I see that everything I’ve gone through has led me to where I am today.

How do you hope to inspire the younger generation, especially young Latinas?

I hope more girls and women are inspired to make Mexican music and take it to the next level. I believe there’s a wave of Mexican women artists coming, and I can’t wait to see that. I hope to be an inspiration to anyone with a dream and to help keep our creative Mexican culture alive.

What can we expect from Estevie in 2024-2025?

I’m in a deep process of rediscovering myself as an artist. It’s about reflecting on what I’ve done, deciding what to keep, and where to grow. I want my fans to see new layers of me. It’s like a movie—people see the most important parts, and I want to show them new colors they haven’t seen yet.