Inside Reparto’s Rise: How the Once-Banned Genre Is Gaining Global Attention
“Reparto music has a sound that’s incredibly catchy — it’s tropical, full of flavor. I feel it’s a musically complete genre,” says Bebeshito, one of the leaders of the resurgence.
In 1990s Cuba, reparto emerged as a music genre blending urban sounds like son, timba and rumba with traditionally marginalized neighborhoods in Havana. Initially banned due to explicit lyrics, reparto was performed in street parties called bonches. Despite restrictions, the genre gained underground popularity. In 2020, the genre experienced a resurgence thanks to breakout hits like "Dichavate" by Cuban artists Ya Ice Dilan, Rey Tony and Helabusador.
The song, featuring provocative lyrics and provocative references, became an international sensation, topping charts in Peru, Spain, Argentina, Colombia and the United States. Despite having no official promotion, the song's success was attributed to its unique blend of Cuban slang, international styles and distinct vocal quality.
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