Cecilia Villar Eljuri: Full Life Interview

In this oral history, Cecilia Villar Eljuri discusses growing up as an immigrant from Ecuador in New York City and how her music is deeply intertwined with her roots. Eljuri talks about the rock and espanol scene, Latin Rock Pop, and her experience being signed to multiple labels as a bilingual, multi-genre, Latina woman. She also details the experience of owning and managing her own record label, the difference between collaboration and control, her activism for immigration reform, women’s rights, and anti-border justice. The interview concludes with Eljuri emphasizing the importance of community organizing.
Cecilia Villar Eljuri is a Latina singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer. Known for her band “Groupo Fiesta”, a Latin Rock Pop band, and her solo career, Eljuri has committed her life to music and activism. Eljuri has toured internationally for over a decade and is releasing her new album in summer 2022.
Learn more at: WomenofRock.org
Interviewed by Tanya Pearson for the Women of Rock Oral History Project
The Women of Rock Oral History Project is a collection of digital interviews and written transcripts, housed at the Sophia Smith Collection at Smith College-one of the oldest women’s history archives in the United States. Started by Tanya Pearson in December, 2014, WOROHP documents the lives and careers of women in rock whose work and careers have been underrepresented or omitted from rock journalism and historical scholarship. With a collection of publicized and accessible primary source documents, the Women of Rock Oral History Project seeks to facilitate a more comprehensive, inclusive, and accurate cultural history.
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