Tokischa Reveals the ‘Really Strong’ Character She’d Like to Play at Billboard Latin Music Week

Dominican singer Tokischa is contemplating a dual career path, adding acting to her growing music trajectory following her debut performance in the film House of Guerrero. The artist shared insights about this transition during the recent Billboard Latin Music Week, where she participated in a panel dedicated to exploring the intersection of film and music.

House of Guerrero marks a significant milestone for the film’s director, Gina Rodriguez, who leads the project as her feature directing debut. The movie’s storyline centers on Alex Guerrero, a former boxer portrayed by Carlos Sanson Jr., who is striving to rekindle his boxing career. Becky G also features prominently as Maya, a character entwined in a complicated romantic relationship with Guerrero.

Tokischa plays Xochitl Romero, a protective friend to the protagonist, a role that challenged her to navigate cultural nuances. Despite being Dominican, she chose to embrace her Latina identity rather than attempting to adopt a specific Mexican accent for the character. She noted that her upbringing included exposure to Mexican culture through telenovelas, which informed her performance.

The production brought together a notable ensemble cast, including Gina Rodriguez as Paloma Guerrero, the protagonist’s older sister; George Lopez as Alejandro Guerrero, the father; and Rosario Dawson as Elsa Guerrero, the mother. Filming took place in Los Angeles and California’s Imperial Valley, though the release date for the film remains unannounced.

Tokischa’s aspirations extend beyond this initial acting experience. She expressed a strong interest in portraying deeply emotional and dramatic characters, drawing from her personal life experiences and emotional range. Her desire to depict complex roles, such as individuals struggling with loss or addiction, reflects her readiness to explore new artistic dimensions.

Carlos Sanson Jr., whose background spans Chilean, Cuban, and Nicaraguan heritage, emphasized the importance of cultural respect and authenticity during the film’s development. He shared that his time in Mexico before production enhanced his understanding of the culture beyond common stereotypes, fostering a more genuine representation.

The conversation also touched on the evolving landscape of Latin cinema and its potential to reach global audiences on par with Latin music. Scott Budnick, CEO of 1Community and an executive producer with a notable Hollywood background, highlighted this growing momentum. He cited recent high-profile projects, including Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance and collaborations within his own company, as indicators that Latin narratives are gaining broader commercial and cultural recognition.

Budnick underscored the significance of universal themes embedded within Latin stories, suggesting that their resonance with diverse audiences is key to their international success. The integration of authentic cultural experiences with widespread relatability positions Latin cinema for a promising future.

As Tokischa navigates this emerging facet of her career, her participation in House of Guerrero and subsequent reflections showcase her commitment to expanding her artistic scope. While details about the film’s release are still forthcoming, the project exemplifies a collaborative effort among Latin talent to bring nuanced stories to a wider platform.