Colombia has established itself as one of the leading musical powerhouses in Latin America, being the birthplace of artists who have set international trends. In particular, Colombian reggaeton artists have managed to cross borders and captivate audiences around the world with songs that not only top global charts but have also become genre classics. With infectious rhythms, catchy lyrics, and collaborations with renowned figures in the music scene, several songs have taken Colombia’s reggaeton to international stages.
Five Colombian reggaeton tracks that conquered the world
Tusa – Karol G
One of the biggest global hits of Colombian reggaeton is “Tusa,” the iconic collaboration between Karol G and Nicki Minaj, released on November 7, 2019. Produced by Ovy On The Drums and written by Keityn, Karol G, and Minaj herself, this song blends reggaeton with pop elements, achieving an immediate impact in the international market. Released under Republic Records, Universal Music Latino, and Universal Music Group, “Tusa” quickly became a viral phenomenon, reaching over 4 billion views on YouTube and becoming one of the platform’s most-watched videos. It debuted at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at number 42, while topping the Hot Latin Songs chart, marking a milestone for Karol G as a Latin artist.
The success of “Tusa” was also reflected in numerous awards. It was nominated for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 2020 Latin Grammy Awards and triumphed at the 2021 Latin American Music Awards, winning Song of the Year, Favorite Urban Song, and Collaboration of the Year. Its popularity placed it in the top 20 in many Latin American countries and Spain, and it earned multiple platinum certifications, including eight platinum records.
Felices los 4 – Maluma
Felices los 4 is one of the great international successes of Colombian reggaeton, performed by Maluma and released on April 21, 2017 as part of his album F.A.M.E.. The song mixes reggaeton and Latin pop, and was produced by the Rude Boyz under the Sony Music Latin label. Written by Maluma along with Servando Primera, Mario Cáceres, and Miky La Sensa, this catchy story about modern, no-strings-attached love quickly became a viral phenomenon. It was Maluma’s first single as a lead artist to enter the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number 48 and remaining on the chart for 20 weeks. It also topped the rankings in several Latin American countries and Spain, including Mexico and Argentina.
The official video of Felices los 4 has garnered over 1.6 billion views on YouTube, reflecting its massive global reach. Its success was recognized with multiple platinum certifications, including 20x Platinum and Vevo distinctions.
Porfa – Feid
Porfa is one of the songs that solidified Feid as one of the standout voices in Colombian reggaeton. Originally released in February 2020 with Justin Quiles, the song quickly gained attention across Latin America for its melodic sound and emotionally charged lyrics. Its popularity led to a remix released in September of the same year, featuring major figures in the genre like J Balvin, Maluma, Nicky Jam, and Sech. Under the Universal Music Latino label, “Porfa” not only had a strong impact on digital platforms but also charted in major music rankings: the original version reached number 2 on the Argentina Hot 100 and number 48 on Colombia’s National Report, while the remix remained in the top 20 of Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs chart for twenty weeks, peaking at number 11.
The song was praised by both the public and critics and received major award nominations. Feid was nominated for a Latin Grammy in the category Best Reggaeton Performance for Porfa, and the remix was nominated for Remix of the Year at the 2021 Premios Lo Nuestro.
Mi Gente – J Balvin
Mi Gente is one of the global anthems of Colombian reggaeton, released on June 29, 2017 by J Balvin in collaboration with French producer and singer Willy William. With an explosive fusion of reggaeton and electronic music, this song broke cultural and language barriers, becoming the first all-Spanish song to reach number one on Spotify’s Global Top 50 chart. Released under Scorpio Music and Universal Music Latin, and written by José Osorio (J Balvin), Willy William, and other collaborators, Mi Gente quickly conquered music markets in countries like Colombia, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Its official video has surpassed 2.5 billion views on YouTube, cementing its place as one of the biggest Latin hits of the digital era.
Although it did not accumulate specific awards, the cultural and commercial impact of Mi Gente was immense, even being performed during the Super Bowl LIV halftime show in 2020—a stage reserved for the world’s most prominent artists. The song has also received multi-platinum certifications in numerous countries.
Bichota – Karol G
Bichota is one of Karol G’s most powerful and representative singles, released on October 23, 2020 as part of her successful album KG0516. Produced by Ovy on the Drums and written by Lenny Tavárez, J Quiles, Cristián Salazar, and Karol G herself, the song was released under Universal Music Latino. Its empowering message and infectious rhythm turned “Bichota” into an anthem for her fans, further establishing Karol G as a leading female figure in the global urban genre.
The song made a strong impact on the charts, reaching number 3 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Songs and topping the Argentina Hot 100 for five consecutive weeks. The official video has surpassed 500 million views on YouTube, and on Spotify it has over 300 million streams. “Bichota” not only dominated the charts but also received critical acclaim: it won the Latin Grammy for Best Reggaeton Performance in 2021 and the 2022 Premio Lo Nuestro for Urban Song of the Year.
Five classics of Colombian reggaeton
Te Pintaron Pajaritos en el Aire
Te Pintaron Pajaritos is one of the most iconic classics of Colombian reggaeton, performed by the duo Yandar & Yostin along with young artist Andy Rivera. Released in 2016 under the label Los Del Entone, the song became a viral phenomenon that transcended borders, especially in Spain, where it surpassed 45 million views on YouTube and topped Spotify and iTunes charts. Its lyrics, which speak of heartbreak and broken promises in a relationship, deeply resonated with audiences, making it a must-play anthem at clubs and youth gatherings of the time.
Although it did not receive formal awards, the cultural impact of Te Pintaron Pajaritos was undeniable. Recognized by artists like Juan Magan, who included it in his DJ sets, the song marked a turning point in urban music made in Colombia. Andy Rivera has mentioned in several interviews that this collaboration was a key moment in his career, to the point that he considers the song his musical “ID,” as fans still sing it more than a decade after its release.
Ay Vamos – J Balvin
Ay Vamos is one of Colombian reggaeton’s great anthems, establishing J Balvin as an international figure in the genre. Released on July 22, 2014 as part of the album La Familia B Sides, the song not only dominated charts in Latin America but also marked the beginning of the global rise of the paisa artist. With catchy rhythms and lyrics that reflect the ups and downs of a romantic relationship, “Ay Vamos” reached number one on various Billboard charts, including Hot Latin Songs and Latin Airplay, and topped charts in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. Its video has surpassed 2 billion views on YouTube—a feat achieved by few Spanish-language songs.
The impact of Ay Vamos is also reflected in its impressive list of certifications: it was certified Diamond in the United States and received 7 Diamond and 3 Platinum records in Mexico. In terms of awards, the song won the Latin Grammy for Best Urban Song in 2015 and was nominated for the Billboard Latin Music Award for Latin Rhythm Song of the Year. Beyond its commercial success, the song helped consolidate the Colombian urban sound internationally and marked a turning point in reggaeton’s global expansion.
Salgamos – Kevin Roldan, Maluma, Andy Rivera
Salgamos is one of the most memorable Colombian reggaeton classics of the 2010s, performed by three of the most prominent names in the country’s urban genre: Kevin Roldán, Maluma, and Andy Rivera. Released in 2014 under Kapital Music, the song quickly became a massive hit, reaching number one on the National Report charts in Colombia. Its catchy beat and party-themed lyrics connected with a young generation who sang along to its verses both in clubs and on social media.
The impact of Salgamos went beyond Colombian borders, gaining popularity in other Latin American countries and especially in Spain, where it earned a Gold Record for sales. The official video on YouTube has accumulated over 330 million views, showing its massive reception.
Movimiento de Caderas
Movimiento de Caderas is one of the best-known songs by Colombian duo Rayo & Toby—a track that has remained relevant in the reggaeton scene thanks to its catchy rhythm and danceable energy. Although there’s no exact release date or official information about its authorship or label, the song has stood out organically in digital platforms and urban playlists across Latin America.
Borro Cassette – Maluma
Borro Cassette is one of the classics of Colombian reggaeton that solidified Maluma’s career on an international level. Released on June 29, 2015, as part of his successful album Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy, the song was produced by Chan El Genio and Kevin ADG from the duo The Rude Boyz, under the Sony Music Latin label. With its catchy rhythm and lyrics that tell the story of a woman who denies having had a passionate night, the track quickly captured the public’s attention and became a viral phenomenon. It reached number one on the charts in Colombia and climbed to third place on Billboard’s US Latin Airplay chart, reaffirming Maluma’s influence in the Latin music market.
The official music video has surpassed 1.177 billion views on YouTube, standing out for its urban and cinematic aesthetic. Additionally, Borro Cassette received international certifications, including Gold in Italy and Platinum in Spain, reflecting its impact on audiences beyond Latin America. The song remains one of the most representative hits from the early days of the “Pretty Boy” in the global reggaeton scene.