For Zelina Rivera, singing is much more than a profession: it is a way to tell what she has inside and share a message of faith with those who listen to her music. The young Puerto Rican singer-songwriter, influenced by artists such as Tori Kelly and Alicia Keys, has been building an identity that crosses R&B, soul, pop and gospel, without losing her Latin roots.
From an early age he found a space in music to express his emotions and spirituality. Today, each of his compositions is born from personal experiences and his relationship with God, with the intention of turning his songs into messages of love, hope and renewal. With “Tus Ojos,” his most recent single, Rivera addresses insecurities and the challenge of learning to recognize one’s own value from a different perspective: that of God.
While paving the way for a new generation of Christian artists who explore contemporary sounds without abandoning their message, Zelina also seeks to reach an audience that transcends ages, styles and borders. In our interview, the singer talks about the story behind “Tus Ojos,” her connection to faith, the experiences that have shaped her music, and what she is preparing for the future. Read the full interview.
What was the moment or experience that led you to write “Tus Ojos” and what part of your own story is reflected in the song?
Being born and growing up with a dad who is a public figure, from a very early age I was exposed to the opinions and criticisms of others. Part of my story that is reflected in “Your Eyes” is learning to not define my value by how others see me, but by how God sees me and by the identity He has given me.
The song talks about insecurities and self-acceptance. What did you learn about yourself while writing “Your Eyes”?
I learned that God sees us all in such a pure and beautiful way, and that there is no love as deep as His. I understood that His love is all I really need in this life.
Verses like “designed in your image and likeness” show a strong spiritual dimension.
How does your faith or spirituality influence your music and your creative process?
My faith is the center of my music and my creative process. Everything I write comes from my relationship with God and what He puts in my heart. My wish is that each song can convey His love, hope and truth, and that whoever listens to it can feel closer to Him.
Why did you choose to fuse R&B, Latin pop and soul to tell this story? What were you looking to convey with that sound?
I chose to fuse R&B, Latin pop and soul because I wanted the song to feel modern, warm and emotional. I sought to create a sound that transmitted that feeling of peace, love and closeness that I feel when I remember how God sees us.
What was it like to transform the message of “Tus Ojos” into the music video? What story or emotions did you want the audience to be able to see on screen?
I wanted the video to be relatable to the audience, especially young people, because many are still forming their identity and learning to love themselves. I wanted to convey that, above any opinion or standard, our identity and our value lie in how God sees us.
You have previous songs like “Un Deseo” and “Mi Salvador”. What does “Tus Ojos” represent within your evolution as an artist and what is next for Zelina Rivera?
“Tus Ojos” represents a new stage in my evolution as an artist. It’s the most sincere and vulnerable song I’ve ever made, because it talks about a topic that many people don’t dare to talk about: insecurities and the way we learn to see ourselves.
Musically, I am also exploring more modern sounds, without leaving aside the message of faith that defines my music.
What’s next for me is to continue growing, being authentic and creating music with purpose.
