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The 2025 Premios Juventud took place in Panama City, marking the first time the awards were held outside the United States. The event celebrated Panama’s major contributions to Latin music, particularly its influence on reggae en español and the early development of reggaeton.
Held at the Figali Convention Center, the gala brought together a mix of traditional and urban music, with performances by Sech, Boza, Willie Colón, and Natti Natasha. The opening performance, “La Murga de Panamá” by Willie Colón, showcased Panama’s rich musical heritage and set the tone for the evening.
A highlight of the night was Nando Boom performing his 1980s hit “Ellos Benia Dem Bow,” a song widely recognized as a precursor to reggaeton. This moment reinforced Panama’s critical role in shaping the global urban music scene.
Though not attending, Bad Bunny emerged as one of the biggest winners, taking home three awards, including Best Urban Album. Other notable winners included Shakira, Karol G, and Morat.
The event also featured an emotional performance by Natti Natasha, who revealed the gender of her second child while performing “Traje Aquí” alongside the Panama Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond the music, the awards highlighted Panama’s Afro-Antillean cultural legacy and its influence on the nation’s identity. According to Panama’s Deputy Minister of Tourism, the gala generated roughly 2,000 temporary jobs and $20 million in tourism promotion, demonstrating its economic and cultural impact.
The 2025 Premios Juventud in Panama solidified the country’s position as a hub for Latin music and culture while honoring its artists and pioneers who have shaped the genre globally.
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