It’s hard to believe it’s already been 25 years since Selena left this world. Our Queen of Tejano was exactly that — a regent proponent of the Mexican-American genre, who catapulted it into the American spotlight in ways nobody else had before. While her mission was cut short by her tragic murder, we need not forget the legacy she left behind in such a short time. It’s why Selena’s sister, Suzette, is bringing together a star-studded lineup of Latinx artists to honor the star this May.
The Selena tribute concert, dubbed Selena XXV-Veinticinco Años was announced this week, and we’ve been thinking about the acts included ever since. Selena XXV, spearheaded by Q Productions — the Latin music entertainment company helmed by the Quintanilla family themselves — is set as a one-day concert in Selena’s home state of Texas on Saturday, May 9, featuring the likes of bigshots Pitbull and Becky G. But what’s really pulling on our heartstrings are the acts that speak even more deeply to Selena’s Tejana roots.
Turns out, the late star’s family is doing more than working behind the scenes. Among the promising list of headlining acts, there is also A.B. Quintanilla — Selena’s older brother — performing with Los Kumbia Allstarz. A.B. collaborated with his little sister on some of her greatest hits, including “Como la Flor” and “Amor Prohibido” before her death, making him an essential part of her legacy to date.
Suzzette, meanwhile, shouts out their father — Abraham Quintanilla — for his support in not only Selena’s success but to sustaining her contributions to Latinx music, too. “Over the past 25 years, her influence and relevance have only grown throughout generations. Through our father, Abraham Quintanilla, we were taught to persevere in the face of adversity and to work hard to accomplish our dreams,” she said in a press statement. “Those core values, along with her amazing talent and ability to connect with people has helped sustain Selena’s legacy and it is what makes her an impactful and an important role model 25 years later.” So important, she’s still got Spotify streams for days and a Netflix series on the way.
“My family and I are excited to celebrate this special moment of her 25 year legacy in San Antonio, Texas with her fans around the world,” Suzzette added, referring to the concert’s location this year. “San Antonio and the Alamodome have always held a special place in our hearts and we’re honored that the city of San Antonio has welcomed us.”
Tickets for the Selena XXV concert are currently on sale at the Alamodome Box Office or online via Ticketmaster, and range from $40 to $200. Additional concert schedules and other performance information — especially that regarding other event performers like Los Tucanes de Tijuana (a.k.a. the first-ever norteño band to perform at Coachella), are available at www.selena25.com.
