Sol Romero‘s journey toward her ancestral heritage began with simple curiosity sparked by the persistent question about her resemblance to her family members. With each investigation into her ancestral heritage, she delved deeper into her family history, which ultimately led to her decision to undergo a DNA test. This test turned out to be not just a matter of satisfying her curiosity, but a quest to unravel the intricate path traveled by her lineage.
Upon receiving the results, she found herself faced with a mosaic of ancestries that spanned continents and cultures. From Swedish and Danish roots to traces of North Africa and India, her genetic makeup painted a vivid portrait of diversity. Surprises awaited her in the form of distant connections with countries she had not anticipated, which rebuilt her understanding of her own identity.
Sol Romero‘s sense of self expanded as she accepted the complexity of her environment, and this led her to embark on a unique journey of self-discovery. Through a photoshoot representing each nationality that comprises her, she sought to bridge the gap between her multifaceted identity and the world around her.
This project wasn’t just about aesthetics; It was a celebration of her heritage and a testament to the richness of multiculturalism that defines her being.
First of all, we want to have the full context. Why did you decide to do a DNA test? Was it curiosity or something else?
I was just super curious because my whole life, every time I would be with my mom or my dad, people would be like, “Oh my gosh, who does she look like? She doesn’t quite look like the mom so much.” Or they would be like, “You look like your dad, but not a lot.” We went through old pictures and found that the person I look most like is my great-grandmother on my mom’s side. I look like a spitting image of her so I wanted to see what my DNA showed.
What did you find with it? What are the nationalities that make up your DNA?
I actually was super excited when I got the results. I found that I have 25% Swedish & Danish genes, 23% Spanish, 12% Mexican, 11% Ecuadorian, 5% Norwegian, 5% Russian, 4% German, 3% Bolivia and Peru, 2% Southern Italy, 2% France, 1% Senegal, 1% Ivory Coast and Ghana, 1% English and Northwestern Europe, 1% Northern Indian, 1% Basque, 1% Portuguese, 1% Benin and Togo, and 1% Yucatan Peninsula. I also did a DNA test for my daughter, my husband, my brother, and my mom.
What surprised you most about the results obtained?
I think Northern Africa, Northern India, Russia, and Italy surprised me the most. I also thought I was going to be a lot more Mexican, but I am 25% Swedish and Danish, which would explain why I look a lot like my great-grandmother. She was Danish and Norwegian. There’s another interesting component. There’s a test that can tell you your predisposition to certain diseases, and it offers an early diagnosis, which I’m going to do as well. I’ll keep you posted about that one.
How do you feel right now about what you discovered?
I love it! It’s funny because I’ve been traveling a lot lately. So when I went to Morocco, which is Northern Africa, people would talk to me in the language and everybody kept saying they couldn’t believe I wasn’t Moroccan. In Bulgaria, they all thought I was Russian, which now makes more sense, too, since I have some Russian DNA in me. In Italy, they all thought I was Italian. When I went to Denmark they thought I was Norwegian, and I do have some Norwegian blood. People also think I’m French, and my grandfather was French and Spanish. The only places people never think I’m from are Mexico, Germany, and Switzerland. But my dad was born in Mexico City, and my grandmother is from Mexico, too. So, you’d think I would be “very Mexican,” but not according to my DNA. When I go to Switzerland with my mom, who is Swiss, it’s kind of like I am Swiss, but at the same time, I’m not. It can be weird, but I actually love it.
Why did you decide to do a photo shoot that represents each nationality you’re made up of according to DNA tests?
I guess it made me feel closer to my real self. I travel so much, so I never feel like I’m 100% Mexican or 100% Swiss or 100% anything. I feel like a “Swiss quesadilla,” which I am, I guess. Discovering what my DNA was made up of made me feel so good.
Given your diverse background, do you have any plans to incorporate different languages or musical styles into your future releases?
That’s a good question. I did a song in French. But other than that, I don’t know. I’ll let you know!
Any project you are working on right now?
Yes! I start recording a new project next week, so I will keep you guys posted.
Recognized for her performances in blockbuster films such as “Casino Royale” and “The Legend of Zorro,” Sol Romero stands as a luminary in the entertainment field. Her musical prowess is also evident in chart-topping singles such as “Money Makes the World Go Round,” featuring French Montana, and the electrifying “Turn it Up,” which reached the Top 10 on the Swiss charts. .
Hailing from the vibrant streets of Mexico City, Sol’s journey into the spotlight began at the age of 13 when she entered the world of film as Eva Méndez’s double in “Once Upon a Time in Mexico.” Since then, her film repertoire has expanded to include memorable roles in iconic films such as “Memory” alongside Liam Neeson.
