J Balvin Sets Wynwood Ablaze with Thrilling Surprise Performance at Latin Music Week 2024
On Wednesday, October 16, the atmosphere at Wynwood Marketplace was electric as attendees gathered for the Billboard Latin Music Week 2024 event, “Next Gen Reggaetón: An Evening Curated by J Balvin.” Sponsored by Cheetos and part of the House of Huella series, the night was set to feature rising reggaetón stars Omar Courtz, Saiko, and Dei V. However, no one expected what would happen next—a surprise appearance by the reggaetón legend himself, J Balvin.
The evening started strong with performances by Omar Courtz, Saiko, and Dei V, each bringing their unique style to the stage. Omar Courtz opened the night with his fiery performance, followed by Saiko’s energetic set that had the crowd dancing non-stop. Dei V then closed out the initial lineup, delivering a captivating performance that showcased his talents and cemented his place in the reggaetón scene.
As the audience reveled in the fresh talent, the energy shifted dramatically when J Balvin unexpectedly took the stage. Dressed in a casual yet striking white T-shirt and light blue jeans, Balvin—sporting cornrows—looked every bit the reggaetón titan as he electrified the crowd with an unannounced performance. The surprise appearance sent shockwaves through the crowd, and the excitement was palpable.
Balvin opened his set with his global hit “Mi Gente,” overcoming a brief technical glitch that momentarily disrupted the audio. However, his charisma and infectious energy quickly had the crowd dancing with fervor. His performance of “Doblexxo” from his latest album Rayo was a standout moment of the night, delivered with such passion and precision that it arguably surpassed the recorded version. The song, which originally features Feid, resonated deeply with the audience, further solidifying its place as a new reggaetón classic.
Not one to rest on his laurels, Balvin also revisited some of his biggest hits. Songs like “I Like It” and “Reggaetón” had the audience singing along in unison, while his rendition of “Tata” showcased the growing influence of Latin drill in the urban music scene. Fans were also treated to performances of crowd favorites “Loco Contigo” and “Con Altura,” reminding everyone of Balvin’s versatility and his global appeal.
Later in the evening, J Balvin was joined on stage by the night’s featured artists. Saiko performed “Gaga,” Dei V jumped in for “La Noche,” and Omar Courtz joined Balvin for “En Alta,” all from his latest album Rayo. These collaborations highlighted Balvin’s commitment to promoting the next generation of reggaetón artists while continuing to push the genre forward.
As Latin Music Week continues, this surprise performance further cements J Balvin’s role as a pioneer in reggaetón and a torchbearer for the genre’s future.
