Nuevo Culture

Meet Marina Sena, the Newest Star Blending Pop With Brazilian Genres

Maluma has a history of recording music in the regional Mexican music genre. In 2014, he teamed up with fellow artist Pipe Bueno for the reggaeton-infused “La Invitación.” Last year, pop star Carlos Rivera collaborated with Maluma for the mariachi-pop ballad “100 Años.” Now he is giving banda a go with Grupo Firme.

Grupo Firme created a stir on social media this year with the members being spotted with J Balvin, Karol G, and Maluma. The reggaeton stars are taking a shine to the band that’s revitalizing regional Mexican music for the Gen-Z crowd. In the regional Mexican scene that can be old-fashioned, Grupo Firme is pretty progressive. One of the band’s members Jhonny Caz is openly gay. And just last month, Caz’s partner proposed to him onstage. Now the guys are continuing to push boundaries by teaming up with a reggaeton artist for the first time.

Grupo Firme’s lead singer Eduin Caz co-wrote “Cada Quien” with Maluma and hit-makers Edgar “Edge” Barrera and Horacio Palencia. The song speaks to the band’s message of inclusiveness. Maluma and Eduin Caz trade verses about living life how they want to without worrying about the naysayers. “Think twice before you open your mouth,” Caz sings in Spanish. Maluma digs deep to deliver a passionate performance that’s on par with Caz. For this being his first banda song, Papi Juancho sounds incredible.

Maluma also gets down banda-style in the “Cada Quien” music video. With his Tejana on, he guzzles down tequila and shuffles in his boots alongside Grupo Firme. Maluma truly earned his invite to the carne asada.

Grupo Firme won their first Latin Grammy last month for Best Banda Album. “Cada Quien” marks the second time this month that a regional Mexican act has teamed up with a reggaeton artist. Puerto Rican singer Jhay Cortez jumped on the remix of Ivan Cornejo’s viral hit “Esta Dañada.” A new trend in Latin music is starting to happen.