Bebeshito, Wow Popy, DJ Conds, Helabusador & Rey Tony Discuss the Cuban Genre’s Global Rise: ‘Reparto Is Here to Stay’

At the Faena Theater in Miami Beach during Billboard Latin Music Week 2026, the Cuban musical style known as reparto was the focus of a dedicated panel event under the title “Reparto: Cuba’s Modern-Day Soundscape.” The gathering, moderated by Billboard associate editor Jessica Roiz and hosted by EMM, Rami Records, and Plus Media Music, convened prominent reparto artists including Bebeshito, Wow Popy, Helabusador, Rey Tony, and DJ Conds to examine the genre’s growing global presence.

The panel commenced with a tribute to two pivotal figures in reparto’s development, Elvis Manuel and El Taiger, both of whom passed away in recent years. These artists are credited as foundational pioneers who nurtured reparto’s emergence from Cuban neighborhood origins into a modern musical expression. Participants reflected on their legacy and acknowledged that the current international recognition owes much to their early and persistent advocacy for the genre.

A central theme discussed was reparto’s distinct musical identity, especially in relation to cubatón. Helabusador described reparto as an innovative blend that fuses salsa elements with reggaetón rhythms, notably substituting traditional dembow beats with a pedal-driven sound. This instrumental choice, the panelists noted, reinforces reparto’s deep connection to Afro-Cuban salsa traditions, setting it apart within the broader Latin urban music landscape.

As reparto’s footprint expands beyond Cuba, the artists deliberated on how to navigate its presentation for new and diverse audiences. Bebeshito emphasized an evolving approach toward the genre’s lyrical content, suggesting a gradual refinement to enhance accessibility without compromising the music’s core authenticity. Rey Tony echoed this sentiment, revealing a personal shift in lyrical mindfulness. Meanwhile, Helabusador highlighted the tension between maintaining reparto’s raw, explicit language—which some argue is integral to its character—and the necessity to adapt for wider acceptance and international platforms.

Wow Popy offered insight into his forthcoming album, Mundial, which reflects this global approach. The project features collaborations with well-known international artists such as Nelly, Farruko, Tito El Bambino, and J Balvin. Differing from the typically rapid production pace common in the genre, Wow Popy spent over a year crafting the album, indicating a strategic and deliberate expansion effort.

The discussion also touched on an organic hit shared by Rey Tony and Helabusador, which achieved notable chart success across multiple Latin American countries including Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, and Bolivia, as well as appearances on charts in Spain, Argentina, and the United States. Remarkably, this track gained traction without any formal promotional campaign, highlighting reparto’s unexpected viral potential. DJ Conds described this phenomenon as unprecedented in their experience, where songs usually rely heavily on marketing strategies to gain attention.

Rey Tony attributed the song’s rise to a unique “magic,” underscoring the collaborative spirit within the reparto community as artists collectively contribute to the genre’s expanding reality. This grassroots momentum reflects reparto’s transition from a localized Cuban scene to a broader musical movement resonating on an international scale.

Overall, the panel underscored reparto’s dynamic evolution as a genre rooted in Cuban culture yet increasingly defined by cross-border influences and audience engagement. The dialogue at Billboard Latin Music Week 2026 highlighted reparto’s ongoing challenges and opportunities, particularly balancing authenticity with global appeal. While details about future projects and strategic directions remain limited, the consensus among the artists suggests reparto is solidifying its place in the contemporary Latin music panorama and is poised for sustained growth.