INTERVIEW: Erick Brian Is Bringing Reparto Into the Mainstream by Returning to His Cuban Roots

Since the disbandment of CNCO nearly three years ago, Erick Brian has been navigating the challenges of establishing himself independently in the music industry. Moving beyond the boy band’s collective identity, Brian has chosen to delve deeply into the reparto genre—a Cuban-rooted style that blends reggaeton with local musical traditions—marking a significant shift toward his cultural heritage.

Born and raised in Havana, Brian’s early exposure to reparto came through pioneering artists such as Chocolate MC and Elvis Manuel, whose sounds shaped his musical foundation. After experimenting with various genres during his initial solo efforts, including his debut EP "Btw… Lo Intenté," he has now found a clearer artistic direction by embracing reparto as the core of his evolving style.

This artistic realignment has been characterized by collaborations with well-established and emerging reparto musicians. Notably, Brian partnered with Dale Pututi and Nesty on "Efímero," a track that showcases the seamless integration of reparto rhythms with his Latin pop sensibilities. Further collaborations with Ernesto Losa, Jacob Forever, and Richard Morales on "Qué Linda" have reinforced his commitment to authentic Cuban sounds while maintaining a contemporary appeal.

Brian’s recent work highlights a conscious effort to balance the genre's traditional elements with his own vocal timbre and performance style. The iterative creative process involved experimenting with reparto’s distinctive beats and lyrical flow to ensure his solo identity remained intact while honoring the genre’s roots.

In July, this renewed focus propelled Brian to collaborate with Cuban reparto figures Rey Tony and Helabusador on the upbeat track "Vacaciones," further solidifying his position within the genre’s community. His growing influence was notably recognized when he became the first artist to perform reparto music at the Billboard Latin Music Awards, delivering a set that included "Efímero" alongside Dale Pututi and Nesty, as well as a reparto rendition of Tony Dize’s "El Doctorado."

At just 25 years old, Brian’s journey reflects both a personal and professional renaissance. His dedication to reparto not only reconnects him with his Cuban identity but also positions him as an ambassador for the genre on an international stage. According to reports from remezcla.com, his ambition extends beyond personal success; he envisions reparto achieving global recognition akin to the widespread popularity of reggaeton.

Looking forward, Brian is planning to continue exploring reparto through additional collaborations and possibly a full-length album dedicated to the genre. His recent statements indicate a strong desire to nurture reparto’s growth by uniting artists within the scene and amplifying its vibrant, danceable energy to broader audiences.

This strategic embrace of reparto underscores a broader trend among Latin artists who seek to reclaim and reinterpret traditional sounds through contemporary lenses. Erick Brian’s evolution from a boy band singer to a solo artist championing Cuban musical culture illustrates both the challenges and opportunities inherent in forging an authentic path in today’s diverse Latin music landscape.