Roberto Ferrante Defends His Turf: "The Reparto Genre is Already International"

Italian music producer Roberto Ferrante took to Instagram to stake his claim in the music world, asserting that his label, Planet Records, deserves credit for turning the Cuban Reparto genre into a global phenomenon. He aimed a subtle jab at those he perceives as attempting to portray this international success as yet to be achieved.

In the video shared on Instagram, Ferrante was forthright: "Some artists, record producers, and managers are claiming they're trying to elevate Reparto to an international level. But we've already accomplished that. We have dozens of platinum and gold records, with three platinum in Spain for 'Dichávate,' one for 'Sin Pena,' and three more platinum coming in from the United States. We are talking about 40, 50 or more gold and platinum records in the Reparto genre."

The accompanying text to his video further emphasized his point. "Reparto doesn't need to become international—it's been so for years. And it was us, at Planet Records, who made it a global trend," Ferrante declared.

His sharpest criticism targeted those who, in his view, seek shortcuts by collaborating with past stars: "We did it without resorting to old, flashy names that are as costly as they are ineffective, having not sold a record in over a decade."

Ferrante attributed his success to two factors: "The energy and strength of Cuba and its artists, along with my ideas as a multi-platinum producer. That's all."

On social media, many interpreted his remarks as a dig at Dany Ome and Kevincito El 13, a duo that has recently gained media attention for their collaborations with Ozuna, Wisin, and Spanish artists Nyno Vargas and Omar Montes. They also participated in the ONErpm showcase during the Billboard Latin Music Week 2026.

The immediate trigger for Ferrante's video appeared to be the significant visibility Reparto received last week in Miami Beach. For the first time, the genre had its own official panel at the Billboard Latin Music Week—titled "Reparto: Cuba's Modern-Day Soundscape," held on October 20—with artists like Bebeshito, Wow Popy, DJ Conds, Helabusador, and Rey Tony gracing the blue carpet at the Billboard Latin Music Awards.

Ferrante's video came out just days after the event wrapped up, at a time when the debate over who can claim credit for taking Reparto to the global stage is as heated as ever.

This isn't the first controversy Ferrante has faced within the genre. In December 2024, Chocolate MC publicly accused him of inflating digital figures for Reparto artists through paid campaigns, an allegation Ferrante denied.

Planet Records has been instrumental in promoting artists like Bebeshito, Charly & Johayron, Wow Popy, Fixty Ordara, and Ja Rulay, though Ja Rulay confirmed his departure from the label in June 2026, maintaining an amicable relationship with Ferrante.