‘Métele Caña’: A Rare Insight into Cuba’s Urban Reggaeton Scene

Through a non-traditional lens, this book captures the energy and excitement of young people in the current reggaeton sphere (also known as reparto, cubaton and trapton), alongside the country’s rich musical history. Reggaeton as a genre first emerged in Panama during the late 1980s as a blend of the Jamaican styles of reggae and dancehall with Latin sounds and elements of hip-hop.

It arrived in Cuba a few years later and resonated instantly with Cuban youth craving newness in a country soaked in history and tradition. Reggaeton as a genre doesn’t require many instruments, and so allowed people to express their creativity and innovation more freely – as well as making music accessible to a much bigger demographic.

Through its electric and raw imagery, the book captures the niche experience of being Cuban within the context of clubbing. Taking the reader on a truly holistic journey, Métele Caña documents all from the youth’s pre-club beauty routines to the pure self-expression and release they feel on the dancefloor. Nine individual interviews with artists ranging from rising stars to top urban artists of the genre are also dotted throughout the book, providing a deeper insight into the genre. Although its focus lies mainly on reggaeton, it also lends a platform to the various subgenres born out of the urban style – showing the progression of the music.

Offering a rare and authentic insight into the escapism of Cuban youths, and the freedom that can be found on a dancefloor, Métele Caña is available to buy in-person at Dover Street Market London in the IDEA LTD. space.