Savani Quintanilla has emerged as a force in Latin music production — not by riding his family’s coattails, but by creating something genuinely new. Born November 27, 1991, the 33-year-old producer known as Principe Q stands at the intersection of tradition and innovation. He’s the son of A.B. Quintanilla III and nephew of Selena Quintanilla, but his work with Screwmbia proves he’s charting his own course.
Savani Quintanilla (Principe Q) is a Texas-born music producer, DJ, and sound engineer who co-founded the Screwmbia genre — a fusion of slowed-down cumbia with trap beats. At 33, he’s built a career blending traditional Latin sounds with modern production, working with Royal Highness and Kumbia All Starz while honoring his aunt Selena’s legacy through contemporary remixes.
Who Is Savani Quintanilla?
The Quintanilla name carries weight in Latin music. Selena Quintanilla, known as the “Queen of Tejano Music,” was murdered on March 31, 1995, at age 23, leaving an irreplaceable void in the industry. Her brother A.B. continued her legacy by founding Kumbia Kings and later Kumbia All Starz, blending cumbia with hip-hop and R&B.
Savani grew up watching his father produce in studios across Texas. Born in Texas, USA, he was raised in a home filled with music and creativity. His mother, Evangelina Almeida, provided stability while his father dominated the Latin music scene. This dual influence — artistic passion and grounded family values — shaped his approach to music.
However, what sets him apart is that Savani didn’t just inherit a studio. He started from the ground up, DJing in local clubs and learning production through hands-on experience. By his early twenties, he was experimenting with sounds that would eventually define his signature style.
The Sound That Changed Everything
Savani introduced “Screwmbia” with Luis Espada (also known as King Louie), and the duo called themselves Royal Highness. The concept sounds simple — slow down cumbia rhythms and layer them with trap drums. But the execution requires technical skill and cultural sensitivity.
Screwmbia emerged from Houston’s chopped-and-screwed hip-hop tradition, pioneered by DJ Screw in the 1990s. Savani applied this technique to cumbia, creating a hypnotic, bass-heavy sound that resonates with younger listeners while respecting traditional Latin music forms.
The project Royal Highness gave him bigger visibility, with mixes released on Bandcamp and shows that caught media attention. Their 2012 release demonstrated how creative Latin fusion could push boundaries without losing cultural authenticity.
The genre has influenced other producers across Texas and beyond. You’ll hear Screwmbia’s DNA in tracks from San Antonio to Los Angeles, proof that Savani’s innovation struck a chord with a generation looking for music that reflects their bicultural experience.
Family Legacy Without the Burden
Being A.B. Quintanilla’s son comes with expectations. His father helped shape modern Latin music through work with Selena y Los Dinos and later groups. A.B. Quintanilla produced and co-wrote many of Selena’s albums and is the founder of Kumbia Kings and Kumbia All Starz.
Savani has collaborated with Kumbia All Starz as both performer and producer. But he’s careful to establish his own identity. His remixes of Selena’s classics — “Como La Flor,” “No Me Queda Más,” and “Amor Prohibido” — don’t attempt to replicate the originals. Instead, they reimagine these songs for audiences who discovered Selena through Netflix’s 2020 series or the 1997 Jennifer Lopez film.
Savani ensures that Selena’s voice continues to echo through today’s speakers — not as a relic, but as a living force. This approach honors his aunt’s memory while introducing her work to listeners born after her death.
He has seven siblings — one full sister, Markita, and six half-siblings, including Gianni and Elijah Jae. Music runs through the entire family, creating a network of creative collaboration and support.
Technical Skills Meet Artistic Vision
Savani’s Instagram bio is straightforward: “Producer // Sound Engineer // @sonsofcumbia”. These aren’t just titles — they’re distinct skill sets he’s developed over 15+ years.
As a producer, he crafts beats and arranges tracks. As a sound engineer, he handles the technical side — mixing, mastering, and ensuring audio quality meets professional standards. This dual expertise gives him control over every aspect of his music, from initial concept to final master.
His work spans multiple platforms. You’ll find his tracks on Spotify, Apple Music, and SoundCloud, with collaborations ranging from established artists to emerging voices in the Latin music scene. In 2025, he appeared at SXSW with the official festival bio introducing him as the “visionary behind screwmbia”.
The SXSW appearance marked a shift from regional recognition to international visibility. Festival organizers rarely highlight niche genres, but Screwmbia’s cultural significance and musical innovation earned that spotlight.
Life Beyond the Studio
Savani keeps his personal life relatively private. He’s a single father to his daughter, Yvie, who occasionally appears on his Instagram. At 5 feet 5 inches tall and 150 pounds, he maintains an active lifestyle that supports the demanding schedule of a working producer and DJ.
His zodiac sign — Sagittarius — aligns with his creative, adventurous approach to music. Sagittarians are known for philosophical thinking and risk-taking, qualities evident in their willingness to experiment with genre boundaries.
Financial success has followed artistic achievement. His estimated net worth sits around $5 million, generated through production work, live performances, collaborations, and royalties. This puts him in a solid position financially while still building his career trajectory.
The Cultural Impact
Tejano music faced challenges after Selena’s death. Media outlets called Selena the “Tejano Madonna” for her clothing choices, and she ranks among the most influential Latin artists. Her passing left a gap that many artists tried to fill, but none could quite replicate.
Savani isn’t trying to fill that gap. He’s creating a new space entirely. Screwmbia represents a generation of Latin artists who grew up with hip-hop, electronic music, and internet culture alongside traditional family music. His work validates the experience of being culturally rooted while musically adventurous.
Savani has worked with artists like Cuco, J.Patron, and Ratchetón during the Royal Highness era. In 2025, his collaboration with MexStep brought Screwmbia into conversation with hip-hop storytelling, expanding the genre’s possibilities even further.
These collaborations aren’t random. They reflect a deliberate strategy to position Screwmbia as a flexible framework rather than a rigid genre definition. Each partnership introduces the sound to new audiences while maintaining its core identity.
What’s Next
Savani continues expanding his musical vision. Royal Highness remains active, with new releases planned that push Screwmbia in unexpected directions. His production work extends beyond his own projects — he’s sought after by other artists looking for his particular blend of technical precision and cultural authenticity.
The Latin music industry is evolving rapidly. Streaming has democratized access, allowing regional genres to find global audiences. Artists like Bad Bunny and Karol G have proven that Spanish-language music can dominate charts worldwide. This creates opportunities for producers like Savani who offer something distinctive.
His role as Selena’s nephew will always be part of his story, but it’s no longer the defining chapter. The music speaks louder than the family tree. When you hear a Screwmbia track, you’re hearing an artist who understands both where Latin music came from and where it can go.
FAQs
How old is Savani Quintanilla in 2025?
He’s 33 years old. Born November 27, 1991, he’s been actively producing music for over a decade.
What is Screwmbia?
Screwmbia is a hybrid genre combining elements of chopped-and-screwed hip hop with Latin cumbia rhythms, co-created by Savani and DJ King Louie. The style features slowed tempos, heavy bass, and trap-influenced drums.
Is Savani Quintanilla related to Selena?
Yes. Selena was his aunt, and A.B. Quintanilla is his father. He grew up surrounded by the family’s musical legacy.
Where can I listen to his music?
Savani’s work can be found through Royal Highness collaborations, on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, and via releases with Kumbia All Starz.
What’s his net worth?
Estimates place his net worthat around $5 million, earned through production, performance, and collaborations over his career.
The Bottom Line
Savani Quintanilla represents what happens when cultural heritage meets creative innovation. He’s not trying to recreate the past or reject it — he’s building something new while staying rooted in tradition.
The name Quintanilla opened doors, sure. But Savani’s work with Screwmbia, Royal Highness, and his production career demonstrate that he has the talent and vision to keep those doors open on his own terms. At 33, he’s still early in what promises to be a significant career.
For listeners curious about where Latin music is heading, Principe Q offers one compelling answer: forward, without forgetting where it came from.