J Balvin Looks Back On His Legacy As He Looks Forward To Performing in Singapore

Colombian star J Balvin is a celebrated music icon with six Latin GRAMMYs, eleven Billboard Latin Music Awards and six Latin American Music Awards to his name. For those who still aren't familiar with the big shot, you may recognise his chart-topping 2017 song "Mi Gente" with Willy William when you hear it, as well as the remix with Beyoncé, his Super Bowl halftime show with Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, and his many collaborations with stars like Daddy Yankee and Cardi B. The Latin artist is known for his reggaeton music but has branched out to embrace many other genres and styles. When he isn't busy making his own hits, he's supporting and signing other new Latin artists and advocating for mental health. Ahead, we caught up with the globally-charting musician ahead of his upcoming concert in Singapore to hear more about his music, inspirations and future plans. 

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Being the first Latino artist to headline Coachella and Tomorrowland, fans in Singapore should be excited to experience his performance live once this star arrives on our shores for a concert on 28 July. He will be performing at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre at 8pm as part of their inaugural music festival, "Where Music Takes Over." Get your tickets on the Marina Bay Sands website now!

What are some challenges you face producing music in Spanish for an international audience and how have you overcome them?

Personally, I don’t feel that producing music in Spanish comes with too many challenges; honestly, I think it’s quite the opposite. When we record with a group of only Spanish speakers, we each try to bring new ideas to the table, stemming from what is influencing us culturally at the moment - and for me recently that is Afrobeats. The nuances allow us to build and reimagine without compromising the Latino gang flavour. Producing in Spanish with collaborators from other cultures is one of the things I enjoy the most - being able to use my origins as a platform to push Latino culture forward and spread my energy across the world. Music is a stronger language than any other.

Are there any new artists (Latin or other) you have discovered recently who you enjoy listening to?

There are quite a few! Just within Medellín, my hometown, you have so many names that are starting to break out on both the regional and global charts - Ryan Castro, Blessd, Nath, Totoy el frío, Soley GJ. Also, what Peso Pluma is doing for Mexican and Latino music is extraordinary - this guy can seamlessly move across genres and connect his fans to a new sound. He makes it feel so authentic - there are no motives in those collaborations beyond making good music and having fun. There are also artists that might not be new but are new to me and that I listen to a lot recently, like Central Cee, Lous and the Yakuza, Omah Lay.

You’ve cited Daddy Yankee as one of your musical influences, especially in the reggaetón genre. How has your style evolved or grown since and what can fans expect with your future music?

Funny you ask that because as I re-listen to the album we’re preparing at the moment, the music feels like a truthful reflection of who I am as an artist. There are elements of my DNA that remain loyal to that old school reggaetón sound that we inherited from the icons like DY. But I like having fun with the sounds and creating vibes that speak to me at different points of my life. We’ve made tracks that sound like they belong at a club in Vegas, others at a block party in London, and of course those that carry that undeniable Latino sound. Fans who appreciate our music can expect me to keep learning and pushing the boundaries to reinvent myself as an artist.

As both a mental health advocate and a musical artist, do you find that writing and producing music helps with your mental health?

I feel fortunate to have a job that matches my passion, my calling, and can be the biggest outlet for emotions. Creative expression is such a healing process for the soul in my opinion. I can start writing in my notebook and inadvertently that moment becomes cathartic, all my ideas in a state of flow coming out through a pen. When I get to visit new cities and meet with new people I love to hear about how local communities express themselves through the arts - It’s like learning how to drive to the same destination but taking a different path.

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How do you feel about the increasing popularity of Latin music worldwide, and do you think it will continue to grow?

Every time I see anyone of my Latino peers make a headline abroad and overseas it fills my heart with pride. When we started on this journey with my partner Pope we did it with the sole objective of taking our culture everywhere in the world, and look at us, we are in Singapore playing for a new community of fans at one of the most beautiful destinations in the world! Latinos are bold and relentless. Every week you see a Latino name in the global music charts which is a good indicator that this movement can only get bigger.

What are some of the ways you inject your Colombian culture and identity into your music?

I am 100% Colombian head to toe, through and through - everything I do from the moment I wake up feels Colombian, at least to me. My story is a live album of the moments and people who inspired me, from my mom and childhood friends to the hoods where I got my first break as an artist. Every sunset I have been lucky to witness around the world I respectfully compare to my favourite one, the Medellín sunset, and I aspire to honour the privilege of being Colombian through my work and how I present myself to the world. Even when I’m exploring new music, my hunt always starts in Medellín - I’m always asking my producer friends to put me onto the freshest up-and-coming artists at that moment.

Apart from music, you’re also known for your unique sense of fashion, collaborating with brands like Guess and Nike. How would you describe the J Balvin look and what are some of your favourite pieces?

The J Balvin look is definitely eclectic - a mix of looks from the runway and the essence of what is relevant in the streets. For me, style has to carry an element of curiosity and intention to make a statement. In one day my style can go from a comfortable oversized core Vetements look onto a tailored, monochrome ensemble with a smooth jacket and trouser set - both looks with the freshest Jordan sneakers for sure. Lately I’ve been wearing the only available sample from my upcoming Air Jordan collaboration which takes the Medellín sunset as inspiration.

You’ve worked with award-winning artists like Beyoncé, Daddy Yankee, Pharrell Williams, and Cardi B. Are there any other artists you’d love to collaborate with in the future?

For me, timing and chemistry in a collaboration are everything - not necessarily the accolades of the other artists but sharing a good moment in time. That has allowed me to create with some of the names I admire the most like Pharrell and Stormzy but also with younger artists like Maria Becerra or Trueno, who have their own unique vibe. In the future, I’d love to collaborate with Drake, Angele, and Rihanna.

What can fans look forward to in your next album?

Get ready to party! I had so much fun making this album for the past year - and my only requirement was to deliver music that fosters having a good time. The album is a complete vibe meant to be played from start to finish without skips. It will take you from the OG reggaeton vibes to a mix of fresher club sounds that keep the energy up - with a couple of unexpected guests joining me on tracks. If you’re hosting a party, just hit play and let it take you for a ride.

Are there any specific songs or messages in your music that you believe will resonate particularly well with the Singaporean audience?

I hope that everyone gets to connect to all of my songs! But maybe "In Da Ghetto" and "Mi Gente" seem to bring the temperature up lately. There’s one of my new songs in there too - when that classic Usher kicks in, you’ll know.

How do you adapt your performance style or setlist when performing for an international audience?

We try to put the most energetic show together for the fans every single time. The global hits are all in there - but sometimes we also try to create versions of those hits that are different and unique, that have a twist. If there is a song that really connected with fans in a specific country, we make sure to prepare something special when we perform there.

What can your fans in Singapore expect from your upcoming performance? Are there any surprises or special elements that you have planned?

This is a completely new J Balvin show - created specifically for this tour. We have created an immersive world that we’re taking everyone inside: an old school, animated story. Beyond the amazing production, I just want to spread happiness, good vibes and my appreciation for allowing me to share my music.

How does it feel to bring your music and energy to a diverse and vibrant city like Singapore?

Singapore is a place where culture just catapults and spreads. From what I understand, Singapore has a varied mix of flavours and backgrounds. What better place to share my music than that? I am proud to be a Colombian proudly representing Latin America in front of such a diverse audience.

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Are there any specific aspects of Singaporean culture or the local music scene that you are looking forward to exploring or incorporating into your performance?

I’m for sure going to try the food! I read that it has the best mix of influence from different Asian cuisines! I try to learn from every place I get to visit - my ears will be perked up to what’s playing through the speakers and the local radio. Singapore is also famous for being very orderly and clean - I think everyone could learn from that.