* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. Penny received a DVD from Mariachi Divas free of charge. Giveaway items will be provided by sponsor. That’s IT Mommy will handle shipping of CDs. TIM has the right to refuse filling prize for duplicate winners from other blogs. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
1. How did you come up with the name?
The name DIVA was not popular in the 90’s like it is now and has been for the last decade. Coming up with the name wasn’t because it was popular or
a name used often like it is today with so many TV shows based around the name DIVA. VH1 Divas, etc. I really thought hard about what to call my new all female mariachi ensemble I was forming. I wanted something unique, of course, and something that exemplified what a strong, talented woman was…and I thought “DIVA”. I also wanted a name that was universal. Just like mariachi music has become a universal music loved by the world, I needed the name to also be a universally known name. I am not from Mexico or Mexican American so I wanted something that was catchy, easy to say, and that has a lot of strength to the meaning. I looked up the definition of “Diva”, and with this, Mariachi Divas was born.
A diva is a female opera singer, but now the term also refers to a popular female performer of non-operatic works. The term was originally used to describe a woman of rare, outstanding talent. The term derives from an ancient Italian word meaning “goddess”, which, in turn derives from the feminine form of a Latin word divus, meaning “divine one”.
Time Magazine observed in its October 21, 2002 issue: “By definition, a diva is was originally used for great female opera singers, almost always sopranos. Often today “diva” is used to describe any extremely independent and wildly talented woman. Naturally the term still applies to the classical arts.
2. What message do you want to send out to your genre/fan base?
The message I would like to send out to our fan base is that mariachi music is a music loved by the world. Truly a universal music. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to perform this amazing genre and have our music be recognized at the highest musical honor possible, The Recording Academy (Grammys).
3. Were your family and friends fully supportive in the beginning of your journey?
I have been playing trumpet since I was 8 years old. I have always had the support of my family and friends when it came to music, because they saw my passion at a very young age. It was clear I would end up being a musician as a career path at a very young age, but no one could have ever predicted I would be leading my own mariachi group. When the opportunity came, I
think many of my friends and family were not surprised because I had always had a great love for Latin music in general and for female musicians because I knew what challenges I had as one. The respect I built for fellow female musicians was developed because of my own obstacles and challenges in this business knowing they probably experienced a similar path.
4. How long have you been performing as a group?
We have been working as Mariachi Divas since 1999 when we were established.
5. What advice would you give other young girls looking up to you as role models?
I would tell them to follow their dreams. Even if a dream seems out of reach or impossible, it’s not. I dreamt of a Grammy and I know it is possible when you believe in your art, and work very hard. No matter what the dream is, whether to have a career, to be a mother, to get into college, to become a famous rockstar or athlete, you must believe anything is possible. Never believe
that success and rewards will be given to you without hard work behind it. You must commit yourself to your goals and believe in them no matter what sacrifices must be made. This is the key to success.
6. What particular songs would you encourage new listeners to hear in order to get your messages?
There are no specific songs to listen to, but one of my favorites that is an original song of ours and Latin Grammy nominated is called AY MI MEXICO. It was written by my husband Grammy Award Winning Alberto Jimenez Maeda (also musical director for Mariachi Divas) and co-written with Ismael Gallegos. Here is a link to the song to see the music video. http://youtu.be/
vZUAlW93xoU
Also another great song to see how much fun Divas have while performing is another original song written by the same composers called VIVA LA DIVA. You could say this is kind of our theme song. Here is a link to our music video for this one. http://youtu.be/Ms7QB0_qQ1s
7. What does being nominated for a Grammy and actually winning mean to you? Especially in a male-dominated genre?
Just thinking about it makes me want to cry. Of course tears of happiness. It means more to me than I could ever put into words. Its the highest musical honor on the planet to say you have won a Grammy Award. It is the most humbling and greatest feeling I have ever had in my entire musical career. Especially in a male dominated genre it is so validating to know the struggles
and hard work of the female musician is being recognized. Myself as a mother of 2 kids know on a personal note how hard it is to play the family role and professional musician role at the same time. It is very difficult for a mother of young kids to be in the music business. I know all the Divas would agree with me that without the support and love from our families and kids it would be very difficult. So to know the Divas have come this far earning the prestige and honors we have, is truly a blessing and we only hope that this will open doors for the next generation of women in the music business to know we can do it all. We can make our dreams possible without having to make a choice or sacrificing something else we love (like school or family) The Divas are a perfect example of this. Just to be nominated for Grammy is a win itself as far as I see it. I will always be grateful to the Recording Academy for recognizing music from all over the world, all styles, and all genres. Live your dream. Que Viva La Mujer!
– That’s IT Mommy Penny
* We did not receive monetary compensation for this review. Penny received a DVD from Mariachi Divas free of charge. Giveaway items will be provided by sponsor. That’s IT Mommy will handle shipping of CDs. TIM has the right to refuse filling prize for duplicate winners from other blogs. This will in no way sway our opinion of the product or service. The review is in our own words and is our opinion. Your results and opinions may differ.
9 comments
Thanks for the giveaway, Id like to listen to this with my family
cause i’m awesome and your awesome
I’d like to add this to my collection of Latin music – it would be great to have for a Cinco de Mayo party!
for my niece who loves all kinds of music
We like Latin Music
I want it. It sounds like great music.
I haven’t heard it & I’d like to.
I would love this for my grandmother 🙂 She only listens to this stuff !
I want to win this CD because it sounds very interesting!