In the booth with Eli Rojas
By Isha Sesay

Eli Rojas has become one of the defining voices shaping the scene’s evolving sound, bringing her signature identity to the forefront of the island’s musical landscape. Through Amazona at Blue Marlin Ibiza, she has curated a residency that combines the power of rhythm, culture and connection with pulsations that move between Latin Tech, tribal house and Afro-inspired elements. Eli Rojas’ sets are driven by her love for music and a mission to be the bridge between music and the crowd.

It’s another year for Amazona, which has become a staple at Blue Marlin Ibiza and on the island. What can the crowd expect to hear from the residency this season?
As always, music will be the main protagonist, with DJs, dancers and artists being the instruments that bring one of the best parties to life, alongside some of the best national and international DJs. We are always promoting good music and energy, with our passion for music and celebrating life.

You’ve been busy travelling and playing all over the world this past year. How have those experiences influenced the music you’re playing right now?
Travelling always inspires you to discover new cultures, sounds, music and people. It pushes your creativity, as you take what you already know and combine it with what you’re learning to create something new. This winter has drawn me closer to reggae and Caribbean sounds, and this year at Amazona we’ll be bringing back traditional sounds like salsa, blending them with tribal, house and Afro influences. We want to create music with more positive messages, more love and a beautiful energy for people.

There is such a strong sense of confidence and individuality in your presence as an artist. How does that translate into your music and the way you connect with the crowd?
For me, the connection with the crowd comes from feeling like I am part of it. We are one family in the room and music is our religion. When I play, I’m there with them, not above them, bringing the music and the people into the same moment. Sharing that moment and creating something special together is what matters most to me, and it’s what makes me feel like I’m living my purpose.

Ibiza has been your home for many years now and your connection to the island is profound. What is it about the island that continues to fuel your energy and creativity, and how have you seen it change and evolve during that time?
Ibiza is my home, my office and my source of inspiration. It’s where I’ve developed my Latin sound and blended it with electronic music, and it gives me the confidence to do what I do. Through my radio show and my residency at Amazona at Blue Marlin Ibiza, I feel like I represent Latin culture and share it directly with people. Ibiza is a big part of my identity, I feel half Latina and half Ibicenca. It’s where I’ve grown as an artist and as a person, and seeing Afro Latin sounds growing now makes me very proud.

 You’ve also been spending time in the studio. What direction is your music moving in at the moment?
Winter is when I really focus on the studio, as it’s quieter and gives me time to work with other artists and producers. It’s much easier for me to create new music and explore new sounds during that time. Right now I’m moving more into Latin Tech, incorporating salsa, reggae and tribal influences, and bringing older sounds back by blending them with the new across Tech House, Tribal House and Latin Tech.

Read Eli Rojas interview on BMI:MAG limited edition, find your copy at @bluemarlinibiza and throughout Ibiza’s hotspots