From creating new music to giving us fitness advice, meet Reina Mar! Born in Bergen County, New Jersey, with Cuban roots, Rosa Martinez, aka Reina Mar, has managed to win fans from all over the world. Her single Time has nearly 200,000 Spotify listens and has become a fan favorite. However, she is also known for singing covers on Instagram and for her fitness page and business, Reina Fit, where she embarked on her health journey and took us all along for the ride.

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Reina Mar has performed throughout New Jersey and New York City, including Met Life Stadium and The Stone Pony, as well as the Puerto Rican Day Parade, NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center), and For La Mega! She is releasing her new single Picante, which features MicMassive, and will be performing it for the first time ever in Jersey City, and she is just as excited as we are!

I’ve always felt so connected to latin music since it’s such a huge part of my heritage. I really let my energy flow back into this genre of music and I am over the moon excited to release this next record !!

Stay tuned for the first release of the year “Picante” Ft. & produced by the one and only @micmassive !!! This Latin pop record could have not been possible without him and CANT WAIT for you to hear his verse on this!! 🔥

We caught up to the Cubana about her music, inspiration, roots and health journey:

Where are you from and how do you attribute this to your music?

I am from Bergen county NJ born and raised. Being a jersey girl brought up in a Cuban family, has given me tough skin and has shown me how to stand up for myself.

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Who did you grow up listening to/ who has influenced you the most?

I grew up listening to some of the greats like Celia Cruz, Selena, Whitney Houston, Adele, to name a few. Because I grew up listening to both Latin and American artists, I developed a passion for all types of genres of music which is reflected in my work. I have a few original pop ballads out as well as some up tempo Latin pop songs.

How does your family support your career? Are they proud you incorporate your Latin roots into your music?

Absolutely! My family are insanely supportive and I thank God everyday they are in my life. My dad is at every single show that I do and my mom has been such a huge emotional support as well. My mom actually wanted to be a singer when she was younger and never pursued her dreams so she’s always made sure I don’t give up on mine.

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How does being Latina affect the way you work? 

Being a Latina has had its struggles for sure. I feel like because I’m Latina, some have put me in a box and tell me that I should only be doing Latin music but the truth is I love all types of music especially since I was born into the Latin and American culture. One positive about being Latina though, Is the amazing support and love I feel from the Latin community.

What are your favorite songs to perform? 

In terms of originals, I would say “Like a Wave” ft. Angel The Prince. It’s such a great live performance song with a Reggaetón beat that really gets the crowd going. In terms of a cover song, I love performing At Last by Etta James as well as Vivir Mi Vida by Marc Anthony.

If you could change anything about the Latinx music industry, what would it be? 

I think over sexualizing Latinas and putting us in a box to look or act a certain way would be great!

Aside from “Picante”, are you working on any new music at the moment? When can we expect to hear it?

Yes! There is an EDM song called Breaking Out of Here that I am on that just got signed to a label called Space Yacht! It should be released around November but no specific release date yet.

Also working on a new smooth Latin song called “Dulce” that I am currently recording at the moment.

Do you have any upcoming shows?

[I] have an acoustic cover band show 9/1 at Brick in Brew in Sussex County NJ and some upcoming shows in Toronto in October.

What inspired you to start a fitness page and routine? 

Growing up as a young artist, I never felt or looked like the part of being an artist. I never even felt talented enough to be honest.

I developed self body image issues and went from an eating disorder in high school all the way to the other end of the spectrum with binge and emotional eating which really effected my voice and overall health.

The pandemic was my darkest moment when I hit rock bottom, I was pretty depressed and the heaviest I’ve ever been.

Had a spiritual awakening one day and started to take care of my mind and body. I started my journey with health and fitness working at a kickboxing gym. Learned so much and got myself into shape and started doing more shows and releasing my own music. Even dove deep learning the holistic side of health 🙂

I then went on to study nutrition and fitness and I knew I wanted to be in that industry but still keep pursuing my music career. So I blended the two!

I used to vocal coach when I co-owned a studio and always had knowledge about vocal health and wanted to really help other artists overcome their health struggles they have while supporting their voice for their careers.

So I created “Reina Fit” an online fitness and nutrition program and I am so blessed I get to help other female artists know their worth and teach them to love themselves no matter where they are on their journey.

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Everything happens for a reason. The good and the bad build us up to be the best versions of ourselves so don’t ever give up and keep moving forward.

-Reina Mar

Make sure you give her a follow on Instagram!