In the heart of Central America lies Panama, a vibrant tapestry of cultures, colors, and Caribbean flair. It’s a place where every individual carries a rhythm in their step, a song in their heart, and a story on their lips.
As a hub of commerce and investment, Panama has not only flourished in the business realm but has also carved a niche in the world of arts.
Erika Ender
This prolific composer of the Latin musical market was born in Panama but is of Brazilian descent. She sings and composes in Spanish, English, and Portuguese. The Panamanian singer is one of the creators of the smash hit, “Despacito” which she composed with Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee.
Ender has composed themes for several artists such as Gloria Trevi, Chayanne, and Víctor Manuelle, among others. Her talent is recognized in the music industry and was the only woman nominated in 2017 to enter the Hall of Fame of Latin Composers.
Rubén Blades
He is the first artist to lead this list. Rubén Blades is multifaceted and therefore has excelled in the world of music, acting, and politics. During his golden age, he recorded songs in duet with Willie Colón, and composed songs for other artists, including “El Cantante”, interpreted by Héctor Lavoe, one of his most emblematic songs.
He is also known as the “salsa poet” and is admired for the depth of the lyrics of his songs. He has been awarded nine Grammy Awards in his career and has done an important job in Hollywood as an actor in independent productions. Among the films he has been a character actor in is “The Last Fight”, “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” and “Predator 2”.
Los Rabanes
This ska punk band began in the nineties and is integrated by Emilio Regueira (Guitar and Voice), Christian “Pipón” Torres (Bass), and Javier Saavedra (Drums). Nowadays it is considered the most emblematic group of fusion rock in Latin America. It won a Latin Grammy Award in 2007.
In 2015 they made a world tour in more than 35 cities in Latin America and the United States. It is one of the best-known music bands in Latin America.
Jordana Brewster
This model and actress born in Panama is also known for her most iconic role in Hollywood with the saga “Fast and Furious” with her character called Mía Toreto.
Brewster has been featured in television series and was nominated for the Teen Choice Award, which she won in 2009.
Joey Montana
This Panamanian artist has devoted to urban genres as the reggaeton. He started as a soloist but later joined the group La Factoría, managing to sell around 100,000 copies internationally.
Joey participated in several productions in Panama and abroad. Among them were: “Planet Farm 3”, “Mafia”, “The Empire”, “The Band”, and “The Clan”, among others, directed by El Chombo and Dj Pablito. Among his best known songs are: “La Melodía”, “Tus ojos no me ven”, “Si muriera mañana” and the famous “Si te vas”.
Jimmy Bad Boy
Guillermo Rodríguez Alveo, the so-called Jimmy Bad Boy, is a Panamanian reggae singer. He started his musical career when he was thirteen years old when he sang on television shows in Panama with his group Los Crazy Boys.
His songs “Bailando” and “Si pudiera estar con ella”, are part of the Panamanian culture. His style predominates in romantic compositions. Jimmy was the first Panamanian romantic artist to hit in Spain, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Brazil.
Leonte Bordanea
Panamanian singer songwriter, voice, and leader of the band Instinto with a great musical career. He spent a good part of his musical career in Spain, where he also devoted himself to theater.
In 2004 he was part of the cast of “Hoy no me puedo levantar”, a musical directed by Nacho Cano, a member of the hit musical group Mecano. He has recorded several successful albums as a soloist.
Patricia de León
Actress, model, and television host born in Panama. She represented her country in the Miss Universe contest. She has excelled in her work as a professional model for MAXIM, SOHO, and FHM and for her performance in the television series Crossing Jordan, Cold Case, and PETA Ambassador.
Mercedes Moltó
Actress born in Panama City who has developed her career successfully in Mexico. The press emphasizes her participation in drama series such as Mujeres Asesinas, La Rosa de Guadalupe, and several soap operas produced and transmitted on Televisa.
She also worked on Telemundo in the series “Relaciones Peligrosas” in 2012. She currently lives in Spain.
Nando Boom
Fernando Brown, better known by his stage name Nando Boom, is a Panamanian reggae en Español singer. He’s considered one of the pioneers of the Spanish-language dancehall reggae genre. His music has been influential in the reggaeton movement, with hits like “Ellos Benia” being sampled by many reggaeton producers.
Sech
Carlos Isaias Morales Williams, better known as Sech, is a Panamanian singer and songwriter. He gained international fame with his single “Otro Trago”, which was a huge success across Latin America.
His unique voice and style have made him one of the most sought-after artists in the Latin urban music scene.
El General
Edgardo Franco, known as El General, is a Panamanian reggae artist considered by some to be one of the fathers of “Reggae Español”. During the early 1990s, he initiated the Spanish-spoken dancehall that would later become reggaeton.
Hits like “Tu Pum Pum” and “Rica y Apretadita” made him famous internationally.
Samy y Sandra Sandoval
Known as “Los Patrones de la Cumbia”, this brother-sister duo has been one of the most enduring and popular acts in Panama. They’ve been instrumental in popularizing the “típico” style of music in Panama and have a vast number of hits to their name.
Final Words
Panama, steeped in a rich cultural tapestry and vibrant essence, has gifted the world with numerous talents that have resonated profoundly on the international scene. From soulful melodies to compelling theatrical performances, these Panamanian artists encapsulate the heart, fervor, and determination of the nation.
Their remarkable feats are not merely a display of their personal excellence but also mirror Panama’s relentless spirit and its significant imprint on the global arts and entertainment sphere. As we honor these trailblazers, we recognize the depth, variety, and splendor that Panama contributes globally.
And for those yearning to immerse themselves in such musical brilliance, the bars in Panama City Beach offer a firsthand experience of this cultural richness.