Nixon High School teacher and swim coach, Maritza Gomez has been selected to perform at the 2024 Pura Vida Awards on Friday, August 16, at the Tobin Center in San Antonio.
Gomez is among many established music artists in the Tejano industry that were nominated and invited to perform and showcase their music during the awards night. She was nominated for six categories that includeSongwriter of the Year, Single of the Year for the song she wrote, “Ni Modo,” Mariachi Single of the Year for the song she wrote for her mom “Madre Adorada,” Female Artist of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, and Album of the Year for her album, “Asi.”
The music artist’s record label, promoter, manager, and/or representative can nominate an artist for multiple categories. Strict guidelines must be met in order to qualify for a nomination in any given category. Once nominated the people/fans select the Top 5 artists for each category.
Gomez was selected for the top five for the Female Artist of the Year Category. Artist for this nomination must have an album that was released in 2023 and the songs are being played on digital platforms and on AM/FM Radio Networks.
Gomez writes all of her songs and will be performing three songs “Ni Modo”, “El Campo Santo”, and “El Gallero” from her album “Asi” during the awards night.
Gomez, who started singing with her sister at a young age while attending elementary school, is thrilled to be to be mentioned with well-known Tejano artists.
“As a singer songwriter from Laredo being nominated as Female Artist of the Year and making it to the Top 5 alongside Elida Reyna and Patsy Torres is an honor,” said Gomez. “I’m in great company and it tells me that the people enjoy listening to my songs.”
Gomez credits being a member of the Nixon High School choir and the band for her musical talents and success.
“Thanks to the music program at Nixon High School and my band directors: Mr. Carlos Luna, Hector Navarro, Eugene Granados, Chris Moore, my principal at the time Ms. Viola Moore, and Laredo ISD. They prepared me to write songs and make music for people to enjoy,” said Gomez. “I am also grateful to Mr. Carny Guerra, his locally owned radio station, and his DJs’ for motivating me to sing and dance every day no matter what that day would bring. Now my songs can be heard at Mr. Carny Guerra’s radio station, Z-93 where his DJs continue to motivate and change people’s lives through music, as they did with me.”
Gomez writes and sings songs in different genres and is among the few female songwriters cataloged in our nation’s music registry. Her album “Asi” includes Mariachi, Cumbias, Baladas, and Tejano songs. She also wrote a song for the Christmas season called, “Feliz Holidays” for the families to enjoy throughout the season. Gomez also plays the clarinet and Tuba.