Since the creation of reggaeton, the genre has been considered overtly misogynistic. However, due to some incredible artists, reggaeton is now a tool used to empower women. In recent years, many reggaeton artists have steered away from lyrics and music videos that objectify women; instead, they aim to honor women and tell their perspective within the genre.
In addition to the women I mention in a previous blog, here are a few other feminist reggaeton artists.
Ms Nina
Ms Nina – La Caprichos
Ms Nina has yet to experience mainstream success, but she is a woman who is unafraid to voice her opinions. Ms Nina has gained attention by many as she often challenges the male-dominated genre. She is unafraid to speak of her sexual encounters and sings about the female perspective.
She is a strong believer that “perreo” (twerking) is a dance meant to empower women and allow them to freely express themselves. Ms Nina incorporates messages of body positivity and advocates for the LGBTQ community as she often incorporates drag models in her music videos.
Natti Natasha
Natti Natasha is known to voice her opinions and concerns about sexism within the music industry. Natti Natasha’s collaboration with Becky G in the hit song “Sin Pijama” gained criticism for the steamy music video, but Natasha quickly defended their decision for the video as it was meant to be a celebration of women’s sexual expression. The singer uses her platform to express messages about feminism and defend women’s rights in the music industry.
Kali Uchis
Kali Uchis, Jhay Cortez – La Luz
Though Kali Uchis tends to stick to neo-soul and pop genres she has tapped a little into reggaeton. Without a doubt, Kali Uchis’ music is empowering as it is all about self-love, body positivity and human rights.
The Spanglish singer embraces the female body and often narrates the female perspective in her music. She often empowers women as she sings about independence, not having to rely on a man or relationships to be happy and sexual freedom.
Bad Bunny
Bad Bunny dedicates his Billboard Music Award to women.
This blog post would not be complete with none other than “El Conejo Malo” aka Bad Bunny. Bad Bunny quickly made a name for himself as people criticized his image as he often wears feminine clothing, hoop earrings and gets his nails done. His hit single “Yo Perreo Sola” is an anthem dedicated to women who have dealt with unwanted attention from men on the dance floor or in their daily routines. Bad Bunny uses his platform and music to combat toxic masculinity and fight for gender equality as well as LGBTQ rights.
Bad Bunny -Yo Perreo Sola
(Originally published in Reggateon Ambiente.)