Gente De Zona
Biography
Gente de Zona is a Cuban reggaeton duo, currently composed of Alexander Delgado Hernández and Randy Malcom Martínez. The group was originally formed in 2000 in Alamar, a neighborhood of Havana known as the birthplace of Cuban hip-hop, by Alexander Delgado and Michel "El Caro" Delgado. They began as a local rap collective, performing at parties and clubs in their area.
Band Evolution
In 2005, Michel Delgado left the group. Alexander then recruited Yosdany "Jacob Forever" Carmenates and Fernando "Nando Pro" Otero. This lineup released several successful albums and gained significant popularity within Cuba. In 2012, both Jacob Forever and Nando Pro departed to form their own project, leaving Alexander as the sole member once again. Shortly after, Randy Malcom Martínez, formerly of the popular timba band Charanga Habanera, joined Alexander to form the current duo.
International Breakthrough
Gente de Zona's international fame skyrocketed in 2014 with their collaboration on the song "Bailando" with Enrique Iglesias and Descemer Bueno. The song was a massive global hit, winning three Latin Grammy Awards and becoming the first Spanish-language video to reach one billion views on YouTube. This success was followed by other major collaborations, including "La Gozadera" and "Traidora" with Marc Anthony, which further solidified their place in the international Latin music scene.
Musical Style
The duo is known for their fusion of reggaeton with traditional Cuban rhythms like son and mambo. Their music often falls under the genre of "Cubatón," a Cuban take on reggaeton. They have also been credited with promoting "reparto," a newer sound emerging from the streets of Cuba.
Notable Achievements
Throughout their career, Gente de Zona has received numerous awards and nominations. They have won six Latin Grammy Awards and twelve Billboard Latin Music Awards. Their 2016 album "Visualízate" won the Tropical Album of the Year at the Billboard Latin Music Awards and a Latin Grammy for Best Tropical Fusion Album. In 2021, their song "Patria y Vida" won two Latin Grammy Awards, including Song of the Year.