Nina Dilet Rodriguez
Tell us about you and your work
In traditional cultures across the world, the human voice is a sacred tool, often building a bridge between human beings and the realm of the divine. In the world of dance music, NDR does this very thing. A vocal powerhouse whose unique fusion of Yoruba sacred song with African-and Afro-Caribbean-inspired dance music lights up any dance floor, NDR is musical chameleon with roots as deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban sacred traditions as classic salsa, soul, and R&B. Born and raised in New York State in 1981, Nina Dilet Rodriguez was born into a dynamic and deep-rooted tradition of song. Daughter of vocalist Maria Elena Candelario (of Rumba Afro-Son & Fransisco Aguabella renown), Nina began her journey as singer at the age of 4. Among the youngest heirs to her family’s musical legacy, Nina was heavily influenced by the diverse musical traditions of Puerto Rico and Cuba. Surrounded by a variety of genres and rhythms ranging from bomba, plena, and rumba to salsa and the music of Puerto Rico’s beloved trios since an early age,Nina is also a product of the soulful sounds of New York City streets where she inherited gospel, Hip-hop, soul and R&B.
Inspired to cultivate her musical career in early adolescence, Nina attended Buffalo’s Academy of Visual Art, Theater, and Music where she trained formally in song, dance, and musical theater under notable instructors such as Mr. James Diotte. In Latin music (from Yoruba sacred song to salsa and jazz), she has studied under highly lauded musical talents Rebecca Mauleon, John Santos, Fransisco Aguabella, and Roman Diaz. Nina’s talent and love for traditional Afro-Caribbean music combined with her training in theory and technique have made her a unique and valued member of the Latin music community in genres from salsa and pop to house and contemporary roots music since her adolescence. So much so, that she has performed as a back-up vocalist for Tito Nieves, Domingo Quiñones, Mickey Taveras, Obie Bermudez, Lilliana, and Roselyn Sanchez, among others.
What inspires me?
What inspires me as a person first and foremost is my family. My family has inspired me to do better, to be better, and to never give up on my dreams and what it is that I want in life. Knowing that I have them and no matter what they are there for me, and will always be there to lift me up when I fall. To show my children that it’s ok to fall and that what really matters is what you do when you get back up. What inspires me as an artist is the moment I walk out on that stage, not knowing what someone in the audience may be going through, but knowing in my heart of hearts that even if it's just for that moment, that memory, that thought, that feeling of understanding, that connection, that moment of peace through music can help heal them. Even if I reached that one person, I know I did what I was there to do. That as an artist, to me, keeps me inspired, keeps me wanting to do more. - Act as if what you do makes a difference, it does.
What does community mean to you?
I grew up in a big family, so the sense of community is staple in my life. Knowing that you have a group of people that at times may not agree on everything, but can come together when needed be in love, peace and harmony with one common goal, the future of our children and generations to come. To me it is very important that we feel that support and love, not only from our family, but also from our extended family, our community. That we support one another, that we are there for one another, that we look out for one another. That we plant those seeds together so that our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren can grow up feeling safe and knowing that they have a community willing to do what they have to do to make sure they're good. That WE as a community instill in them the importance of tradition, good values, morals, respect, loyalty, honor, determination, and drive, not only for themselves or their families, but for their community as well. - It takes a village to raise a child.
Favorite film?
One of my favorite films at this moment is A star is Born. That film speaks volumes to me. Seeing her struggle as an upcoming artist, and seeing what she had to endure and how the industry wanted to change how she looked, her style of music, and take away her creativity and input in what she did musically and as an artist. But in the end, through it all, all the hurt, pain and loss, she found her way back to who SHE really was. - Always stay true to yourself .
Favorite Song?
As a singer this is a really hard one, I can honestly say I don’t have one. My favorite songs are based on my mood, my feelings at the moment, where I’m at, and who I’m with. A song that speaks to me as I answer this question is Bird Set Free by SIA. The song speaks about how she felt held down for so long, how she felt she had a voice but couldn’t sing, how she felt like
she was dying inside because she was scared to let go, speak her mind, and be who she truly was. In the end she talks about how she built up the courage to fight back and let her voice be heard. “ I don’t care if I sing off-key, I’ve found myself in my melodies, I sing for love, I sing for me, I’ll shout it out like a bird set free” Such a powerful message!!! How many of us at some time or another have felt like our voices aren’t being heard? That we’re speaking and no one is listening? You, WE have a voice, speak up, scream, cry, SING!!! But let your voice be heard. - Spread your wings and fly high!!!
Favorite place?
This is an easy one. My favorite place is wherever my family is. - Ohana