Cholita aiming to make her mark with ‘Broken Promises’ EP

Emerging artiste Cholita is quickly carving out a unique lane in the music industry, bringing a refreshing blend of cultural influences, emotional storytelling, and genre-defying sounds to audiences worldwide. With the release of her EP Broken Promises and her collaboration with dancehall artiste Popcaan on Never Come Down, this rising star is proving she is one to watch.

But before the music, who is Cholita?

Born Carmen Elena Stewart, Cholita’s stage name is deeply rooted in her heritage. With a Peruvian mother and Jamaican father, her identity is shaped by two rich cultures that continue to influence both her artistry and worldview.

“The [modern-day] indigenous people of Peru are called ‘Cholitas’,” she explained. “When I was growing up, my mom would say in an endearing way, ‘My little Cholita, my little Cholita’, and so I just kind of kept the name from there.”

That sense of identity and belonging is central to who Cholita is, not just as an artiste, but as a person.

“Cholita is someone who is super passionate about music and who found a very safe space in music,” she shared. “I want to create that same feeling and safe space for the people who listen to my music.”

For Cholita, her passions and creativity extend far beyond singing. Whether it’s dancing, make-up artistry, drawing, or visual expression, the creative arts have always been woven into her life.

“I’ve always been a fan of the creative, visual, and performing arts,” she said. “Anything creative, you can probably count me in.”

Her path into music feels almost destined. Raised in a household where music was ever-present, Cholita was surrounded by the arts from both sides of her family.

“I have always been surrounded by music. My dad is a sound engineer and music producer, and on my mom’s side, all of the men are musicians,” she said.

“I’ve always been surrounded by music, and it’s something that I grew up in. That’s how it became my safe space.”

What began as singing privately in her room and shower soon evolved into something bigger after acclaimed producer Dre Skull discovered her through social media.

“Dre Skull came across my socials one time, and he reached out, and it just so happened that I had written one song, and one song only,” she recalled. “I was able to send it to him. And, since then, the rest is history.”

That moment sparked a creative partnership that has helped shape Cholita’s artistry. Dre Skull, founder of Mixpak Records and known for working with global stars such as Vybz Kartel, Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy and more, says her growth has been remarkable.

“When I met her, she had just started writing songs,” he said. “Her first studio session with me was her first time ever working with a producer. It’s been amazing to watch. All great artistes know how to rise to the occasion, and every step of the way she has been incredibly impressive.”

Musically, Cholita refuses to be boxed into one category. Instead, her sound reflects the layered experiences and influences that shaped her.

“I don’t think I fit into one specific category,” she said. “My music is a fusion.”

That fusion includes dance, reggae, R&B, jazz, and global influences that create a sonic identity uniquely her own.

“There’s dance, reggae, some R&B, and even jazz depending on the vocal approach,” she explained. “It’s a blend of everything.”

At the heart of her music lies a deeper mission: emotional connection.

“The biggest thing for me is creating a safe space for someone else,” Cholita said.

“Music gave that to me. It’s special when you can escape into something, and I hope my music can do that for others.”

With Broken Promises, Cholita invites listeners into an intimate emotional world, one built around vulnerability, healing, and self-discovery.

o’brian.wynter@gleanerjm.com