Breaking Barriers: Victoria "La Mala" on Music, Identity & Resilience

For years, the Regional Mexican genre has been largely male-dominated, but today, a new wave of women are breaking down barriers and shattering glass ceilings, paving the way for future generations.
Victoria "La Mala" is one of the women transcending this movement, carving out her own unique path and proving that women in this genre are more than ready to take the stage and claim their space.

Victoria Ortiz, better known as Victoria "La Mala," was born with the heart of a performer. Growing up in Mexico City, she knew from a young age that the stage was where she truly belonged. As a child, she would watch the legendary Selena Quintanilla with awe, imagining herself stepping into the spotlight and doing exactly what Selena did—captivating audiences with her talent and passion. Driven by this dream, Victoria immersed herself in the world of music, exploring every genre and honing her craft, knowing she was destined for greatness.

Victoria grew up listening to music legends like Whitney Houston, Aaliyah, and Mariah Carey, dreaming of a career in R&B. However, everything shifted when she moved from Mexico City to New York. It was there that Victoria truly embraced the richness of her culture and realized the power of her roots. Inspired by this newfound pride, she made a bold decision to pursue a career in the male-dominated world of Regional Mexican music, determined to make her mark in a genre that had long been reserved for men.

In the early stages of her career, Victoria struggled to make significant strides in the industry—until one pivotal moment. She decided to record her own rendition of Olga Tañon’s hit song "Mala," and that decision changed everything. It was the breakthrough she needed, propelling her into the spotlight and marking the start of her transformative journey.

Victoria’s powerful rendition of "Mala" caught the attention of none other than Pepe Garza—one of the most respected figures in the Regional Mexican genre, known for discovering legends like Jenni Rivera. Recognizing her raw talent, Pepe gave Victoria the chance of a lifetime by playing her song on the radio. This moment marked the turning point in her career, opening doors and helping her finally make a name for herself in the industry. It was the spark that ignited her rise to stardom.

Over the past decade, Victoria has consistently forged her own unique path, fearlessly experimenting with a variety of sounds and innovative fusions that push the boundaries of her genre.

In this episode of One-on-One with Andro Mammo, Victoria "La Mala" opens up about the realities of the Regional Mexican genre, shedding light on how women today are breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations. She shares her personal journey—from her upbringing and discovery of music to the powerful lessons it has taught her. Victoria also offers invaluable advice on how to forge your own path and stay true to your dreams.