Colombian reggaeton singer Nataly Galan went from the stages and bright lights of urban music to microscopes and chemical formulas. Known early in her career for her participation in the reggaeton hit “Tocarte Toa” alongside artist Big Yamo, the Colombian left the music industry behind to become one of the country’s most influential chemists, with 13 registered patents to her name.
The Colombian reggaeton singer traded the stage for chemistry
In 2007, when reggaeton was experiencing one of its most vibrant moments in Colombia, Galan emerged as one of the female voices that brought freshness to the urban genre. “Tocarte Toa” became an anthem of its time, playing in clubs, on the radio, and on playlists across the country. Her artistic career seemed destined to keep growing but Galan chose an unexpected path: She swapped the microphone for the microscope.
She began her studies in chemistry at the University of Cartagena, Colombia, and later earned a Ph.D. in Applied Chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico. Today, Galan works as a researcher and professor at Universidad Simon Bolivar in Barranquilla, an institution that has honored her for her contributions to science and innovation in the Caribbean region. Galan shared: “My story as a singer began when I was a little girl. I am the great-granddaughter of Pacho Galan, a very famous composer who created a musical style called Merecumbe … and I think that creativity runs in my blood and is what makes me love science.”
Throughout her career, Galan has registered 13 patents in Colombia, focusing on applied chemistry developments that promote sustainable and socially impactful solutions. Her dedication and perseverance have made her one of the few Colombian women to reach such a level of scientific production.
Her work has been recognized by the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce and Universidad Simon Bolivar, which paid tribute to her contributions to science in the Caribbean region. In addition, she was named among the 50 most influential female scientists in Colombia, a distinction reserved for researchers transforming national science through their innovation and vision.
“Tocarte Toa”: A local reggaeton classic
The song “Tocarte Toa” was part of the wave of Colombian reggaeton that began to gain strength in the mid-2000s, characterized by its sensual, catchy, and danceable style. After its release in 2007, it became an international hit, especially in Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. It played for years in clubs, radio stations, and digital platforms, earning a place as one of the most representative songs of the Colombian urban scene.
“It’s a song that still surprises me because it continues to be listened to after so many years. It’s practically a reggaeton classic now. The song transcended — it’s not like today’s music that people consume quickly and then forget,” Galan explained in an interview, recalling the impact the track had on her career.
Today, the former singer who once made a generation dance takes pride in contributing to Colombia’s scientific innovation, inspiring young people — especially women — to pursue their dreams, no matter how different they may seem.