Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea, known by her stage name La Doña, is an American musical artist whose music combines Latin rhythms and San Francisco hip-hop.[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]
In 2019, La Doña was one of 14 artists from around the world selected for the Foundry, a YouTube incubator known for launching a number of musical careers.[8]
She released her Algo Nuevo album on March 12, 2020, with a planned national tour starting at SXSW and launch party in San Francisco, just as San Francisco and the United States went into lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her launch party and tour were cancelled, which attracted attention from the media as she became an example of an artist whose career momentum was interrupted by COVID-19.[9] Since then, she has had music played at San Francisco Giants games and performed at San Francisco's Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park.
Former president Barack Obama included La Doña's single "Penas con Pan" on his 2023 summer playlist.[10]
La Doña's music combines many influences from across Latin America, including Colombian cumbia, Cuban salsa, Mexican norteñas, and Puerto Rican reggaeton. Her unique style brings fresh energy to Norteño music, making it more relatable to younger, urban audiences. Her latest EP, Algo Nuevo, is a testament to this fusion, combining Latin folk sounds with contemporary urban beats to reflect her experiences as a young Chicana navigating the complexities of cultural identity in a rapidly gentrifying San Francisco.
La Doña is celebrated not only for her musical contributions but also for her representation of radical brown femininity within the music industry. Through her work, she encourages young artists, especially women and those from marginalized communities, to embrace their cultural heritage and creative passions. This commitment to authenticity and cultural pride has enriched the Norteño music scene, positioning her as an influential figure for a new generation of musicians who aim to honor traditional music while pushing its boundaries.