Emily Estefan to make European debut at Tenerife festival

Some surnames open doors, but they also raise expectations and public scrutiny. Emily Estefan (Miami, 1994) has known this ever since she decided to pursue a career in music. The daughter of Gloria and Emilio Estefan grew up surrounded by some of the biggest names in Latin music, but she made the decision long ago to forge her own path. A singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, she arrives at the Cook Music Fest this Friday to give the first concert of her career in Europe. She will do so with a sound that blends pop, funk, soul and Latin rhythms.

‘A truly special place’

“Very much so. Tenerife is a truly special place, not only for its landscapes but also for the warmth of its people. I’ve seen how they welcome music and how they experience concerts, so it will be a dream for me to get on that stage and feel that energy in such a magical place.”

“Yes. He [my father] told me it was a magical experience, not just because of the concert but also because of everything Tenerife has to offer. There are corners and people that remind him a lot of Cuba, and I think that is part of the very special connection our family feels with this land.”

Family legacy and finding her own voice

“I feel very fortunate to belong to a family that has music in its veins. I grew up surrounded by it, but I have also found my own style and my own voice by exploring who I am as an artist. Now I see my nephew Sasha following that same path and it moves me to see that the legacy keeps growing with each new generation.”

Building bridges between cultures

“I think so. I grew up in the United States but I am first generation and I feel a very deep connection to my Latin roots. Today more than ever we need to build bridges and celebrate our cultures. It is an honour to be able to bring those two identities to a place like the Canary Islands, where that connection is also part of the memory of so many families.”

A celebration on stage

“My music tries to be a constant celebration. I like mixing styles because that mixture is also part of who I am. I want the audience to feel like they are on stage with us, to travel with the band and to be surprised. Plus, we have a few surprises prepared.”

“Probably ‘Calle’ (Street). It sums up that festive energy I want to convey and the musical fusion that defines my artistic project.”

On a changing industry and words of wisdom

“Artists like my parents opened so many doors so that others could walk through them without fear and with pride. Today Latin musicians have many more opportunities to reach any corner of the world without giving up our identity, and we owe that to those who did that work before us.”

“That you can’t fake what is authentic. It has also taught me to enjoy every moment and to understand that music is a magical, universal language through which we can contribute something positive to the world.”

“He is a master at everything he does. His ability to turn dreams into reality through hard work, creativity and a love for music has been a constant lesson in how to navigate this industry without losing your essence.”

What she hopes to take away and what comes next

“I hope to return home with beautiful memories and immense gratitude for having been able to share my music at such a special festival. And, if possible, also with a few olives.”

“I am working on new music and I am convinced that this experience is going to inspire me a great deal. I would love to come back to Tenerife and keep sharing new songs with this wonderful community.”

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Emily Estefan to make European debut at Tenerife festival