If Cuba is known for anything, it’s got to be for its amazing music – that scintillating fusion of Spanish guitar and African drums which defies you not to dance!  Son, salsa, rumba, mambo, and cha-cha-cha were all born in Cuba.  Cuban percussion, energetic dance beats, and rich vocal harmonies, deeply rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions, have had a massive influence on global music – everyone knows the Buenavista Social Club!

So, you’d think that traditional Cuban music would be the soundtrack of your trip to Cuba, right?  Well not exactly. While you’ll still be serenaded by traditional music bands in restaurants and bars, the sound that’s dominating the streets is something new: Reparto, or Cubatón.

So, what is this new sound of Cuba?  

Reparto, also known as Cubatón, is a very Cuban Way of doing reggaeton, the Puerto Rican fusion of dancehall rhythms and Spanish language vocals which has taken the world by storm. Reparto sings about love, sex and life and, just like Cuba, Reparto is loud, sexy, vulgar, political, very rhythmic and hugely popular!  

This is music born in the poorer “barrios” (reparto = neighbourhood/barrio) , where people are poor, the youth feel disconnected from the politics of the country and have dared to comment on the difficulties of living in Cuba.   Ask any Cuban and they’ll tell you that Repa truly conquered them with Chocolate MC’s track Bajanda, the track that went viral in 2015.   From then on it’s Repa that’s played on the tiny portable speakers of Havana, that gets any house party dancing and which is played in dance halls across Cuba.   From 2 year old kids copying the dance moves of their teenage neighbours to the more sedate abuelas of the barrio, it’s Reparto all the way. 

But here’s something curious: Reparto music is banned from official channels. So, how did it become so popular? The answer lies in El Paquete.

El Paquete Semanal (“The Weekly Package”) or El Paquete is Cuba’s underground distributor of digital material (music, films, soap operas etc )  which is the Cuban substitute for broadband Internet and streaming.   Distribution of El Paquete started back in the day when it was impossible to access the internet in Cuba. So the ever resourceful Cubans  pirated material from the USA and brought it over weekly, copied onto hard drives and usb sticks.  It was (and still is) distributed across the country by a network of underground Paqueteros who deliver the new material weekly door-to-door. The cost? About CUP150 (currently about £0.50 a week) and the material is so up to date that it’s become the primary source of entertainment for millions of Cubans.   

Only in Cuba!  Even now that the internet is pretty good in Cuba, the cost of El Paquete is so reasonable it remains the primary source of music, movies and soaps. While most Reparto artists now have their own TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram channels, in a country where internet access is still spotty, El Paquete still rules.  

Back to Reparto…

Here’s our list of contemporary songs in no particular order and recommended by Karla and Emily in the Jaimanitas neighbourhood (West Havana)  and Remy in the Cerro neighbourhood (Central Havana):

Notable Cuban Reparto Artists

1. Bebeshito ( @onielbebeshito ) Has currently taken the crown from Chocolate MC and is King of Repa in Cuba.  He can’t seem to do any wrong either with his own songs or collaborations with other Reparto/Cubaton Artists. 
2. El Taiger (@eltaiger_music) Known for his smooth vocal style and innovative beats, El Taiger has become one of the top names in Reparto music today
3. El Micha (@elmicha ) Known for his deep voice and dynamic stage presence, El Micha has been a significant figure in bringing reparto to a wider audience. His collaborations with international artists have also helped boost the genre’s profile.
4. Chocolate MC ( @chocolatemc_oficial ) Often referred to as the “King of Reparto,” Chocolate MC is known for his controversial lyrics and outspoken personality. His influence on the genre is substantial, and he has a massive following both in Cuba and among the Cuban diaspora. His 2018 hit Bajanda.
5. Ja Rulay  ( @Ja_rulay ) Ja Rulay is a rising artist in the Cuban reparto scene, gaining attention for his energetic style and catchy music. While he may not be as well-known internationally as some of the other Cuban artists, he’s quickly building a name for himself in the genre and collaborations with other more famous reparteros are giving him airtime.
6. Lenier ( @lenieroficial) Lenier is known for his versatile musical talent, blending reparto with other genres such as salsa and pop. His melodic approach has made him a standout figure in the genre.
7. El Chulo ( @elchulo) El Chulo is another prominent artist who has helped shape reparto music. His catchy hooks and relatable lyrics have earned him a loyal fan base.
8. Jacob Forever (@jacobforever ) Previously part of the popular group Gente de Zona, Jacob Forever has carved out a successful solo career in reparto music.
9. Yomil y El Dany ( @yomilyeldany ) Although El Dany tragically passed away in 2020, the duo Yomil y El Dany played a crucial role in popularizing reparto. Their innovative approach and fusion of different musical styles left a lasting impact on the genre.
10. Wampi ( @wampi_dmo ) Young and incredibly talented , Wampi had a classical music training and fuses his beautiful singing voice with reparto rhythms

And a here’s our playlist!

In conclusion…

Reparto isn’t just a genre of music; it’s a reflection of Cuba’s vibrant and evolving culture—a culture that’s deeply rooted in tradition yet always looking to the future. Whether you’re a seasoned fan or you just learned about Reparto, there’s no better way to feel the pulse of Cuba than through its music. Reparto, with its raw energy and deep cultural roots, is the heartbeat of Cuban youth, resonating through the streets of Havana and beyond.

But why stop at the music? If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, why not immerse yourself fully in its rich culture? At Cubania Travel, we offer tailored experiences that go beyond the typical tourist sights and challenge you to get out of your comfort zone.

Ready to experience it all? Start planning your Cuban adventure today.

( Special thanks to my “reparteros” Karla and Emily in the Reparto of Jaimanitas and to Remy in Cerro for helping me write this article! )