IN CONVERSATION WITH NATTI NATASHA

interview by JANA LETONJA

Latin singer Natti Natasha has been releasing new music this year. As the female Latin artist with the most Top 10s on Billboard’s Latin Rhythm Airplay, ten No. 1 singles and dozens of gold and platinum plaques, the Dominican starlet prepares for her boldest chapter yet. 

dress KEBURIA
jewellery BJORN VAN DEN BERG

Natti, your new music has been exploring the Bachata genre. What inspired this musical direction, and how does it differ from your previous work?

As a Dominican, Bachata is part of my DNA, it’s in my blood. I’ve explored this genre during my career, but in this stage, I wanted to go back to my roots. Singing about el Amargue or Bachata, as it’s more commonly known, represents a more vulnerable Natti. It represents who Natalia is as a Latina woman and as a proud Dominican. I love having the creative freedom to explore different genres and create spaces where I can show my fans where I come from. Imagine then getting to work with Romeo Santos, the King of Bachata. It’s been so rewarding working in this genre.

You teamed up with Romeo Santos as the producer on your recent releases. How was your collaboration with him, and what unique elements did he bring to the production of your new sound?

Working with Romeo for ‘Quiéreme Menos’ and ‘Tu Loca’ has been a dream come true. I have been a fan of his for so long and when we got into the studio, we were so in sync immediately. Over these two songs, I have really loved exploring the Bachata genre alongside the king of Bachata. 

cape, shorts and shoes KEBURIA
sunglasses MONCLER

How did your career in music begin, and what has always been your biggest inspiration?

Music has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. Lauryn Hill has always been such an inspiration to me. She was singing about women’s empowerment before that was mainstream.

You’ve amassed over 23 billion streams and 16 billion YouTube views. How do these milestones impact your approach to making music and engaging with your audience?

I’m so lucky to have such amazing fans. I work so hard to make sure they love the new music I’m releasing, and it’s such an honor that my fans engage with my music and videos in the way they do. I know it sounds cliché to say, but I really do have the best fandom out there. I love my LuNATTIcs.

left
dress and coat TOM FORD
jewellery CHRIS HABANA
right
top RAHUL MISHRA

You also executive produced the YouTube Original Series ‘BRAVA’ and starred in ‘Everybody Loves Natti’. How did these experiences influence your perspective on the entertainment industry?

It’s so much fun expanding my creativity across different mediums and really letting my fans into my life in another way. I think it showed what I can do, and diving into different aspects of the industry only gives you more value and makes you a more well-rounded artist. 

Besides music, you also launched your own sparkling wine brand TASHA. What motivated you to launch it, and what is your vision for the brand?

I love TASHA and when I started, I really wanted to create something that I enjoyed drinking, so to see that come to life is very exciting. I hope that TASHA continues to grow and we create different wines to add to the line.

coat RAHUL MISHRA

coat TOM FORD
jewellery ALEXIS BITTAR

How do you balance your musical career with your entrepreneurial ventures and personal life?

I’m so fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends to draw inspiration from for my music. It’s definitely tricky, but my family is the most supportive so we’re really able to tackle everything together.

As a leading female Latin artist with numerous accolades, what continues to inspire you both musically and personally?

My inspirations come from my everyday life, my daughter, my husband, the rest of our family and friends.

chest piece and accessories BJORN VAN DEN BERG
skirt Stylist’s own
boots AGL

Being from Dominican Republic, how has your musical career enabled you to explore the world, and what do you enjoy the most when you get to travel to new countries?

I love to explore their cultures, meeting new people, and trying new foods and wines.

What can you share with us about your upcoming projects?

Well, I have a ton of new music, but I don’t want to give too much away so you’ll have to follow along to see.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent NATTI NATASHA
photography PETROS KOUIOURIS
styling AYUMI PERRY
makeup ANGIE MAR
hair JOEL JAMES
lighting director PHILLIP LEWIS
photography assistants ZHAN XIAOPENG & OMKAR HUUDE & ANNA HENDERSON
market assistant FRANCELESLIA MILLIEN
styling assistant FET HILARIO
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
location 7LINESTUDIO