Spanish singer Rosalía left her audience in awe during the final concerts of her world tour in Miami, openly acknowledging that Cuban reparto "has got soul." She compared it to deeply rooted popular genres like salsa, son, and flamenco, all of which have significantly influenced her artistic journey.
"For me, salsa definitely has soul. I believe son, reparto, and flamenco, without a doubt, have soul," the artist declared to thousands of spectators during one of her performances in the city.
The statement was made during the conclusion of the LUX Tour 2026, which wrapped up on September 16 at Miami's Kaseya Center, drawing approximately 20,000 attendees each night. The tour had offered nearly 60 shows across 17 countries since its kick-off in Lyon in March of this year.
The Significance of Miami's Cuban Influence
Miami, with its substantial Cuban community, was the chosen backdrop for this grand finale. The context is significant: recognizing Cuban culture in a city where it holds a strong presence amplifies the symbolic weight of her words.
Rosalía's Cuban Connection and Tour Highlights
Rosalía's connection to Cuba is not a recent development. She revealed in a 2019 Billboard interview that her great-grandfather was Cuban, a link she has mentioned on various occasions. Additionally, her LUX Tour prominently featured Cuban talent: Yudania Gómez Heredia, an orchestra director born in Santa Clara in 1994 and now based in Germany, led the Heritage Orchestra throughout the tour.
Reparto's Rising International Profile
Rosalía's recognition comes at a time of growing international visibility for reparto. The genre, which emerged in the mid-2000s in Havana's working-class neighborhoods like Arroyo Naranjo, blending reggaeton, timba, and Afro-Cuban rumba, has been historically overlooked—and even dismissed—by Cuban cultural institutions.
Nevertheless, some of its most prominent figures are making significant strides on the international stage. This week, Oniel Bebeshito and Wow Popy led the first official panel dedicated to reparto at the Billboard Latin Music Week 2026, marking a milestone for the genre.
Having an international figure like Rosalía place reparto alongside salsa, son, and flamenco—genres with decades of global recognition—provides a significant boost to a Cuban musical movement that continues to carve out a space on the world stage.
Understanding Reparto's Impact and Recognition
What did Rosalía say about Cuban reparto in Miami?
Rosalía praised Cuban reparto, stating it "has got soul," and equated it with other deeply rooted genres like salsa, son, and flamenco.
Why is Rosalía's recognition of reparto significant?
Rosalía's acknowledgment is significant because it places reparto alongside globally recognized genres, offering a boost to the Cuban musical movement on the international stage.
What is the history of Cuban reparto?
Cuban reparto emerged in the mid-2000s in Havana's working-class neighborhoods, combining elements of reggaeton, timba, and Afro-Cuban rumba. Despite its popularity, it has been traditionally ignored by Cuban cultural institutions.