Savani Quintanilla is more than a name in music. He is part of the famous Quintanilla family, known for their deep roots in Latin sound. Being the son of A.B. Quintanilla III and the nephew of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, he carries a history full of rhythm, passion, and culture. Yet, his path is his own. With his unique style, creative energy, and modern voice, he builds a career that connects the old with the new.
Quick Bio Table of Savani Quintanilla
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Savani (Svani) Quintanilla |
| Stage Name | Principe Q |
| Date of Birth | November 27, 1990/1991 (reported differently) |
| Birthplace | South Texas, USA |
| Parents | A.B. Quintanilla III (father), Evangelina “Vangie” Almeida (mother) |
| Siblings | Sister Martika + several half-siblings |
| Famous Relative | Selena Quintanilla-Pérez (aunt) |
| Profession | Producer, DJ, Sound Engineer |
| Genre | Screwmbia (fusion of cumbia + chopped-and-screwed hip-hop) |
| Group Project | Royal Highness with DJ King Louie |
| Key Releases | Screwmbia Vol. 1, 2, 3 |
| Major Festival | SXSW 2025 |
| Children | Daughter Yvie |
Early Life and Family
Savani Quintanilla was born into one of the most important musical families in the United States. His father, A.B. Quintanilla III, became famous as the bass player and songwriter for Selena y Los Dinos. His aunt, Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, is still remembered as the “Queen of Tejano Music.” This family history gave him early access to instruments, studios, and live shows. It also meant that from childhood he saw music as a way of life, not just a hobby.
Growing up, he shared his home with his sister Martika and later met half-siblings from his father’s other marriages. Family stories often speak about how strong the music bond is among them. For Savani Quintanilla, family was not only about blood but about the love for art, culture, and keeping a legacy alive.
The Legacy of A.B. Quintanilla
His father, A.B. Quintanilla III, helped shape Tejano music in the 1980s and 1990s. He wrote hits like “Como La Flor” and “Amor Prohibido” for Selena. Later, he led groups such as Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz, bringing cumbia to young fans across the world.
Being his son, Savani Quintanilla grew up in the shadow of great success. But instead of copying the same steps, he decided to explore different sounds. This choice shows his will to stand alone and prove his creativity. His father’s career gave him inspiration, yet his music shows his own vision.
The Influence of Selena
The family cannot be discussed without mentioning Selena Quintanilla-Pérez. Her tragic death in 1995 left a hole in Latin music. Even so, her voice still inspires millions today. For Savani Quintanilla, being her nephew means he is always linked to her memory.
When festivals and tribute events happen, he often attends to honor her. In March 2025, at the 214Selena Festival in Dallas, he spoke about her lasting influence and how she continues to inspire his path. This connection ties him directly to the golden era of Tejano music.
Education in Sound
While some artists step directly on stage, Savani Quintanilla took a different approach. He studied and trained in sound engineering, production, and DJing. This made him not just a performer but also a creator behind the scenes. He learned how to shape tracks, mix beats, and use technology to design new sounds.
This technical side gave him confidence to push forward ideas. Instead of following trends, he worked on blending genres. His attention to detail and strong love for innovation became the tools that set him apart.
The Birth of “Principe Q”
When Savani Quintanilla started making his own mark, he chose the stage name “Principe Q”. The name shows respect to his family title yet brings his personal twist. As Principe Q, he became known in Texas clubs and later in national events.
Fans quickly noticed his energy on stage. His mixes combined hip-hop drums, cumbia rhythms, and slowed-down beats. The nickname “El Sabanero” also appeared on his social media, connecting him with cultural pride and identity.
Screwmbia: A New Sound
The most unique step in his career was building the sound of Screwmbia. This style mixes cumbia with chopped-and-screwed hip-hop beats. Together with DJ King Louie, he formed the duo Royal Highness and started spreading the genre in Texas.
Screwmbia is slower, darker, and more powerful than regular cumbia. It reflects life in South Texas, where cultures mix and young people look for something new. For Savani Quintanilla, screwmbia became his signature and a door to recognition.
The Royal Highness Era
The project Royal Highness gave him bigger visibility. Alongside DJ King Louie, he dropped mixes on Bandcamp and played shows that caught media attention. Their release of “Screwmbia” in 2012 showed the world how creative Latin fusion could be.
The duo toured around Texas, blending party energy with cultural pride. Many young DJs and producers point to Royal Highness as their first contact with the screwmbia wave. This period proved Savani Quintanilla could lead innovation, not just follow.
Solo Career and EPs
After the duo, Savani Quintanilla continued solo work under Principe Q. He released three EPs: Screwmbia Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3 in 2018. These records featured remixes, slowed cumbia loops, and trap-inspired beats.
The EPs appeared on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud, reaching fans far beyond Texas. This showed his ability to turn underground experiments into streaming success. For him, these projects are not just albums but part of a larger movement.
Live Shows and SXSW
A highlight in his career came in 2025 when he appeared at SXSW. The official festival bio introduced him as the “visionary behind screwmbia.” This was a big moment, showing how his sound had moved from local clubs to international stages.
Fans at SXSW saw the mix of tradition and innovation firsthand. His beats carried the soul of Tejano roots while pointing toward the future. For Savani Quintanilla, this stage was proof of hard work and creative vision.
Collaborations and Community
Collaboration is part of his style. Savani Quintanilla worked with artists like Cuco, J.Patron, and Ratchetón during the Royal Highness era. In 2025, he teamed with MexStep, a San Antonio rapper, to release Tráfico, mixing screwmbia and hip-hop storytelling.
These works show his openness to other voices. He is not limited by one sound. Instead, he connects cumbia with rap, R&B, and electronic music. Each project shows growth and invites new fans into his world.
Social Media and Persona
On Instagram (@principe_q), he shares clips from shows, studio work, and personal life. His posts reveal both his role as an artist and as a father. Photos of his daughter Yvie appear from time to time, showing the human side behind the music.
This mix of family and art builds trust with fans. People see Savani Quintanilla not only as a DJ or producer but as a real person with love, struggles, and dreams. His online presence grows his reach while keeping it personal.
Connection to Selena’s Legacy
Even as he makes his own sound, he never forgets his family’s past. At events like the 214Selena Festival, he speaks about his aunt’s lasting impact. He says her strength and music continue to guide him in his own creative path.
This connection adds meaning to his name. Being part of the Quintanilla family is both an honor and a responsibility. By making new music, Savani Quintanilla keeps the family name alive in the modern world.
Challenges and Identity
Carrying a famous name is not always easy. Many expect him to copy his father or honor Selena in every move. But Savani Quintanilla chooses balance. He respects the past but focuses on his unique career.
He also works in a space where Latin music is always changing. To stay true to screwmbia, he must defend his style against mainstream trends. Yet these challenges help him grow, giving him a sharper identity as an artist.
Cultural Impact
Today, screwmbia is more than a genre; it is a movement. Young DJs in Texas, California, and beyond use the term proudly. They credit Savani Quintanilla as one of the first to push it forward.
This shows how one artist can shape culture. By mixing heritage with new beats, he created space for a new generation. The impact may grow further as screwmbia spreads into festivals, radio, and international playlists.
Future Plans
Looking forward, fans expect more EPs, collaborations, and live shows. Savani Quintanilla has hinted at new projects that continue mixing styles. His growth suggests he will not stop experimenting.
As the music industry opens more doors for Latin fusion, his place may grow stronger. By holding on to his identity and pushing creative borders, he can build a career as lasting as his family’s legacy.
FAQs
1. Who is Savani Quintanilla?
Savani Quintanilla is the son of A.B. Quintanilla III, nephew of Selena Quintanilla, and an artist known as Principe Q.
2. What music does Savani Quintanilla create?
He is the pioneer of Screwmbia, a blend of cumbia with chopped-and-screwed hip-hop beats.
3. Did Savani Quintanilla perform at major festivals?
Yes, in 2025 he was featured at SXSW, where he was introduced as the “visionary behind screwmbia.”
4. What are some of Savani Quintanilla’s key works?
He released Screwmbia Vol. 1, 2, and 3, and collaborated with artists like MexStep, Cuco, and Ratchetón.
5. Does Savani Quintanilla have children?
Yes, he has a daughter named Yvie, who sometimes appears on his social media.
Conclusion
Savani Quintanilla is both a product of history and a maker of future sound. From being the son of A.B. Quintanilla III to creating screwmbia with DJ King Louie, he shows that music is alive, changing, and full of spirit. His story mixes roots, family pride, and personal ambition.
Through EPs like Screwmbia Vol. 1–3, festival stages like SXSW, and projects like Tráfico, he continues to prove that innovation is part of his DNA. For fans of Latin music, his path is one to watch closely.
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