Scene to Watch: The international rise of reggaeton

Guest post by music journalist Isabela Raygoza*

On November 14, 2019, millions of viewers from 80 countries tuned in to the 20th annual Latin Grammys and witnessed reggaeton come full circle. Onstage at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand, breakout star Sech delivered the first-ever Grammys’ performance by a black Panamanian reggaeton artist. This was more than a look into the genre’s future, however, it was also a return to reggaeton’s historical roots in Panama and the African diaspora.

Flanked by backup dancers in futuristic attire, Sech took the stage with sporty swagger, and belted out a passionate wail to the tune of “Otro Trago” (or “Last Drink”)—the summer hit that’s kept resonating well beyond the streets of Latinx communities and onto global dance floors since its April release. Joined by Puerto Rican upstart Darell’s textured verses, Sech charmed onlookers and cut an impressive figure, finding the sweet spot between reggaeton salaciousness and R&B sensuality. Superstar Ozuna also joined the party for the duet “Si Te Vas.”

“Otro Trago” is 25 year-old Sech’s first Latin Grammy-nominated, diamond-certified, and number one song—an impressive feat for a newcomer to the world stage who first began dropping tracks via SoundCloud just three years ago.

Although reggaeton was coined and further developed in Puerto Rico, black Panamanians descended from Jamaican immigrants helped birth the genre.

“Panama is the epicenter of reggae en español,” said Sech at a press brunch the day before the ceremony. Called la plena in Panama, reggae en español was a crucial ingredient in reggaeton’s synthesis, blending jamaican dancehall, reggae, hip-hop-styled vocals, and soca.

“El General and Nando Boom were at the top of it,” Sech continued. “They inspired me to do what I do.” Widely considered the godfathers of the genre, El General and Nando Boom laid the foundation for reggaeton with dembow—the signature skeletal riddim that stems from Jamaica. This musical hybrid then made its way to Puerto Rico, and changed the course of urbano music forever.

Reggaeton exploded into uncharted territory with Daddy Yankee’s 2004 release “Gasolina.” The hit ushered in reggeaton’s maximalist EDM era, as well as the genre’s first international wave, also fronted by the likes of Tego Calderón, Ivy Queen, and Don Omar. In the 2010s, Colombian reggaeton stole the spotlight with new, homegrown twists on radio-ready pop sounds, launching such stars as J Balvin, Karol G, and Maluma.

Today, reggaeton’s third wave is led by a bevy of fresh-faced urbano prodigies hailing from across the Americas, including Colombians Greeicy and Feid, and Puerto Rico’s Eix, Jhay Cortez, and Mathew, all of whom had their moment to shine at “the Biggest Night in Latin Music.”

Sech’s rise to international stardom is a beacon for reggaeton’s current generation. He is a standout in the scene largely due to the potent reggae en español element he adds to his music, along with a healthy dose of soul (after all, he did start off singing gospel as a choir boy in church). Though he’s the genre’s current torch-bearer, there are more Panamanian artists creating today’s biggest bangers. There is Dímelo Flow, Sech’s frequent producer and the man behind reggaeton’s slinkiest hits; upstart rapper Nino Augustine, who brings an intoxicating tropical flow to the main room; and DJ and promoter BCA, who throws thrilling reggae-dancehall parties. As Panama triumphantly returns to the spotlight, reggaeton’s international rise shows no signs of stopping.

Want to hear more? Check out SoundCloud’s “BAILE” playlist to hear the all latest reggaeton bangers.

*Isabela Raygoza is a rock and Latin music journalist from the borderlands of San Diego and Tijuana. Her work has appeared in publications such as Rolling Stone, Billboard, and Noisey. She is currently an associate producer and curator at SoundCloud in New York City.