The magazine Billboard Latin has for the first time dedicated a comprehensive article to the reparto genre, titled "Reparto Music Is Cuba’s New Urban Movement: 31 Artists to Discover", recognizing this musical movement that has emerged from Cuban neighborhoods as an urban expression with international potential.
The publication includes a selection of 31 artists, both men and women, who, according to the magazine, represent the best of the genre both on and off the Island.
This recognition has been celebrated by some musicians who see Billboard as a validation of their efforts and the evolution of the genre. Among those who expressed their gratitude for the inclusion are L Kimii, Wow Popy, Gente de Zona, Dale Pututi, and others, who shared excerpts from the article and their thanks to the magazine for highlighting the genre on social media.
However, the publication has also sparked significant controversy within the Cuban music community. Some artists, such as El Uniko, have criticized the list of selected artists, pointing out that some included do not truly represent the genre and that other foundational figures of the movement were unjustly overlooked.
"Thanks to Billboard for the acknowledgement, but for the next time, please do your homework, because I find it disrespectful to include in the list artists who have not represented, do not represent, and will never represent the distribution movement. Don't confuse having hit songs with being part of the suffering and sacrifice that was endured to get to this point. Until recently, you were mikis. That desire to belong has you going crazy. But as long as I have life, I will be here to remind you how things were and how they are. ATT: LA HISTORIA," wrote El Uniko on Instagram.
For his part, Mawell also supported El Uniko's reflection: “If there hadn’t been a ‘Parapapampam’ and a ‘Lío es lío’ by Chocolate and El Uniko, today ‘La Triple M’ and its numbers and international awards wouldn’t exist. Thank you, Billboard”.
In response, other artists like Dale Pututi tried to mediate the discussion by calling for respect between generations and to celebrate that Cuban music has reached new global audiences and that a magazine of this scope recognizes for the first time the impact this genre is having internationally. Dale Pututi urged his colleagues to put aside grudges and controversies and to celebrate the international openness that the movement is experiencing, which he believes has ceased to be merely a genre associated with the streets and marginality.
The debate has reopened old wounds and highlighted the generational and representation tensions within the cast. While some see the internationalization of the genre as a collective victory, others demand greater rigor in recognizing who the true architects of this sound have been.
The truth is that, for the first time, an international media outlet like Billboard has decided to place the Cuban cast at the center of the Latin music conversation, a significant step for a movement born in the poorest neighborhoods of Cuba that today seeks to conquer the world.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gender Recognition in Repertoire by Billboard Latin
What does the Billboard Latin recognition mean for the genre of reggaeton?
Billboard Latin's recognition of the reparto genre marks a significant step towards the internationalization of this Cuban urban music. Being highlighted by an internationally renowned magazine, reparto gains visibility and validation beyond Cuba, which can open new opportunities for its artists in the global market.
Why does the list of artists recognized by Billboard in the distribution genre generate controversy?
The list of artists recognized by Billboard has sparked controversy as some representatives of the genre, such as El Uniko, believe that certain included artists do not truly represent the roster. El Uniko and other musicians criticize that those they consider pillars of the movement have been ignored, reopening debates about authenticity and representation within the genre.
What is the critics' stance on the distribution genre?
The critics' stance on the genre of reparto is varied. While some, like Yulien Oviedo, believe that it does not require a deep musical knowledge and see it as a betrayal of academic training, other critics and musicologists acknowledge its rhythmic richness and authenticity as a significant cultural expression of Cuban urban music.
How has the Cuban music community responded to Billboard's recognition?
The Cuban music community has responded in various ways to the recognition by Billboard. Some artists have celebrated the international validation of the genre, while others have expressed their dissatisfaction with the list of selected artists, pointing out issues of representation and authenticity among those recognized.
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