If you think all reggaeton comes from Puerto Rico, you're dead wrong. To begin with, the genre sprouted from the seeds sown by Panama's dembow. Beyond that little history lesson, though, one need only check today's charts to see non-boricuas leading the movement.
Somewhere near the top, you'll spot Chino y Nacho (AKA Los Mackediches) who both hail from Venezuela. And contrary to common perception, geographic separation from the motherland of el perreo certainly doesn't breed subpar reggaetoneros. As if they were born for the beat, these two have adopted the 787's biggest export since salsa and owned it with authority.
Ever since bursting onto the global scene over a year ago with a hit single -- the title track off their international debut record Mi Niña Bonita -- Chino y Nacho haven't let go of their hold. And with successful and still-rising follow-up singles ("Tu Angelito" and "Lo Que No Sabes Tu") and a jacked-up rerelease of Mi Niña Bonita: Reloaded, Los Mackediches don't seem to have any intention of relenting at all.
Chino y Nacho with Lazardi. Friday, October 29. La Covacha, 10730 NW 25th St., Miami. The show starts at 10 p.m. and tickets cost $25 via wantickets.com. Ages 18 and up. Visit lacovacha.com.
