Cultivating Indigenous Voices

In this episode I sat down with KXCI’s very own Nenny G of the Latin Connection show which broadcasts Wednesday nights 8pm-10pm. Off air Nenny G is known as Gwen Hernandez; as you tune in you will hear stories of her child hood and all the musical influences that surrounded her in various stages of her life. But, what laid the foundation of musical interests and expression was the memories she spent with both her maternal and paternal grandparents. Gwen recalls spending time after school with her paternal Grandmother Guadalupe, who would pull out old records and other forms of music and play them as they enjoyed listening together.

Here is a photo of her paternal grandparents Juan Hernandez Sr. (left) and Guadalupe (right). Circa 1940s-1950s. Photo courtesy of Gwen H.
Photo of both Gwen’s grandmothers Josepha Perez (left) and Guadalupe (right). Photo courtesy of Gwen H.

Gwen also delves in deeper in sharing a little more family history of her maternal grandmother Josepha Perez, who migrated to the United States in search of more for her future. Her grandmother Josepha was a hard worker, who settled in the Southern part of Arizona and helped build a loving foundation for her growing family. Another person who influenced the family musically was her late father Juan Hernandez Jr., who was also a musician. Gwen talked about so many fun memories of her and her siblings singing together alongside their father.

Photo of Juan Hernandez Jr. (Gwen’s father) and baby Gwen aka Nenny G. Photo courtesy of Gwen H.
Photo of Gwen (right) and sister (left) together singing at home. Photo courtesy of Gwen H.
Photo of Gwen’s father, Juan Hernandez Jr. holding a guitar. Photo courtesy of Gwen H.
Photo of Gwen’s father, Juan Hernandez Jr. playing keyboard. Photo courtesy of Gwen H.

I listened with such big imagination that took me places and made me feel inspired as Gwen shared details about her life story and about where she is now in her life. As the host of the Latin Connection show the music and educational experience you get from the show, you see why this radio program is a favorite for many! Tune in now to learn all about Nenny G’s life experiences and how she got into radio broadcasting. You can also learn about the true meaning behind her DJ name.

A teenage Nenny G listening to her cassettes in the early 90s. Photo courtesy of Gwen H.
Nenny G and her late father Juan Hernandez Jr. Photo courtesy of Gwen H.
Graphic created by T. Andrew