Dress: RVNG
Shoes: Alevi
Dress: Do Long
Shoes: Rogers Pearson
Dress: Do Long
Shoes: Alevi
Earrings and necklace: De Liguoro
Glasses: Buekinabae
Dress: RVNG
Shoes: Alevi
Jumpsuit and cape: CHARAH
Earrings: Caroline Svedbom
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Dress: Ella Zahlan
Shoes: Alevi
Jewelry: Burkinabae
Dress: RVNG
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Earrings and bracelet: Caroline Svedbom
Dress: Do Long
Shoes: Rogers Pearson
Dress: Do Long
Shoes: Alevi
Earrings and necklace: De Liguoro
Glasses: Buekinabae
Dress: RVNG
Shoes: Alevi
Jumpsuit and cape: CHARAH
Earrings: Caroline Svedbom
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Dress: Ella Zahlan
Shoes: Alevi
Jewelry: Burkinabae
Dress: RVNG
Shoes: Betsy Johnson
Earrings and bracelet: Caroline Svedbom
Dress: RVNG
Shoes: Alevi
Talent: Esther Anaya
Production/PR: Burgerrock Media, Irma Penunuri
Photographer: Jessica Howes
Art Director: Ubaldo Mendoza
Production Assistant: Jose Vielman
Stylist: Horacio Aguilar
Makeup: Eileen Madrid
Hair: Jordan Alexander
Esther Anaya is a Colombian DJ, Singer/Songwriter, music producer and classically trained Violinist, known for her unique sounds and imaginative performance. Anaya migrated at an early age to the United States under political asylum.
Anaya has over 20 years of musical training, and over 10 years of professional experience. Originating out of a classical music conservatory, she gravitated toward pop, Latin and electronic music. Anaya would eventually blend these styles, mixing her electric violin into DJ sets and live vocal performances.
Anaya has connected with hundreds of thousands of fans across four continents. In 2011 she performed with Rihanna and Kanye West at Los Angeles’s Staples Center. Additionally, Anaya has been the opening act for Maluma’s European Tour. She has been part of music collaborations with Lil’ Yachty, has released a song with Snoop Dogg, performed at festivals alongside J.Balvin, Bad Bunny and others. Her most recent performances include being the official DJ for the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium, Super Bowl 2023, Pro Bowl 2023, WM Open 2023 and EDC Mexico City 2024.
To date she’s shared the stage with the likes of David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Zedd, DJ Snake and Sean Kingston. Outside of the stage, Anaya has been frequently featured on national news segments such as Fox Sports and CBS Sports, and has performed for popular radio shows such as iHeartRadio.
Your journey from classical music conservatory to blending pop, Latin, and electronic music is fascinating. Can you share what inspired this evolution in your musical style?
Coming from a classical conservatory in Colombia was the core of my childhood. Once my family migrated to the United States I continued my classical studies. Being introduced to multi-genres of music in such a culturally diverse country, opened my eyes to wanting to do something more unique and that would represent who I am as an artist. I am very diverse, love culture and enjoy pop & electronic music. One of my biggest inspirations has been Santana, who was able to make of the guitar a different perception and into a soloist perspective. That is what I wanted to do with the violin, essentially taking the violin from an accompanying instrument in orchestra to soloist instrument, to shine on its own and make it cool.
Performing with Rihanna and Kanye West at the Staples Center in Los Angeles must have been an incredible experience. Can you tell us what that moment meant to you and how it influenced your career moving forward?
I recall meeting Rihanna during the rehearsals and I was starstruck. She has always been a big inspiration to me as an artist. Accompanying her on the violin to her song ‘Umbrella’ was a dream come true. I still remember the performance date like it was yesterday. Being on that stage, looking around at all the people and how magical the energy was made me realize it was what I wanted to accomplish one day with my career. It helped me set the goals to achieve that type of success in what I do as an artist. This opened many doors for me in the music industry and gave me validation to continue to work with other artists of her caliber.
Being an opening act for Maluma's European Tour and collaborating with artists like Lil' Yachty and Snoop Dogg showcases your versatility. How do you approach collaborations and what do you look for in potential musical partnerships?
The way I approach collaborations is that I prepare what I’m going to present to a level which I feel satisfied that I gave the best of myself. Once I know my collaboration targets, I go for it. I ask and reach until I get a yes! In collaborations I look for versatility, talent and strategy from the other artists as well.
From residencies at Zouk nightclub LV and E11even Miami to being the official DJ for the Los Angeles Chargers at major events like the Superbowl, your career has taken you to remarkable places. How do you adapt your performances to suit different audiences and venues?
I do my research, my homework in regards to the environment that I will be performing. I always stay true to my essence. I provide a very unique show adding the live violin and live vocals to my sets, and bringing a very high energy vibration. People love that and that’s why I get brought into different stages.
You've shared the stage with renowned artists like David Guetta, Calvin Harris, and DJ Snake. What have been some of the most memorable moments from these experiences, and how have they shaped your perspective as an artist?
Being able to share the stage with artists that I’ve admired from a young age has always been a goal of mine, so I feel grateful to God for the amazing opportunities that keep inspiring me to become better every day, and from sharing stages to one day collaborating with them is an ongoing goal of mine. I appreciate the way each one of them treated me as both a person and artist.
As someone who has migrated to the United States under political asylum, how has your background influenced your music and the messages you convey through your art?
It influences my music in the versatility of the sounds and multi-cultural influences of my upbringing. The struggles I went through leaving my home and coming to a new country made me stronger and fearless. It really taught me to appreciate the important things in life. God, family, community, love and loyalty. The message in my music portrays hope, empowerment and encouragement. I always infuse a positive message to any circumstance no matter how negative it could seem.
Your recent partnership with Cadillac and iHeartMedia for a tour sounds exciting. Can you share more about this collaboration and what audiences can expect from your upcoming performances?
This partnership is yet another dream come true. I love working with Cadillac and iHeart, and look forward to continuing my relationship with both. Audiences can expect excitement, energy, an experience in each and every show of mine. I have many exciting musical collaborations upcoming and can’t wait to share a new show I’m preparing for my audiences of Esther Anaya Live.
Beyond your performances, you've been featured on national news segments and popular radio shows. How do you balance the demands of being a performer with other aspects of your career such as media appearances and collaborations?
I love all aspects of it. I enjoy public speaking and sharing my journey with others. Balancing the numerous demands is easy for me, because I enjoy every moment of it. I love staying active and this helps give my career a very fun and ever changing dynamic.
