Famous Panamanian Musicians

Rubén Blades is a versatile Panamanian musician, singer, composer, actor, activist, and politician known for his contributions to salsa and Latin jazz genres. He is a prolific songwriter with a unique blend of Central American and Cuban influences in his music. Blades has achieved critical acclaim, winning numerous Grammy and Latin Grammy Awards. His acting career includes roles in notable films and television series. Additionally, he has collaborated with various renowned artists, showcasing his diverse talents and broad influence in the music industry.

El General, a Panamanian former reggae artist, is recognized as a pioneer of reggae en Español and a precursor to reggaetón. In the early 1990s, he helped popularize the Spanish-language dancehall variety of reggae music with hits like "Te Ves Buena" and "Tu Pum Pum." His collaboration with a Jamaican producer led to international success in North America, opening doors for other Spanish-language dancehall artists. Known for his easy-to-listen-to style, El General produced numerous well-known songs across Latin America before retiring in 2004 to pursue a different path.

Billy Cobham is a highly acclaimed Panamanian-American jazz drummer known for his explosive technique and influential contributions to the fusion genre. He rose to prominence in the late 1960s and early 1970s through collaborations with Miles Davis and the Mahavishnu Orchestra. Inducted into both the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame and the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame, Cobham's exceptional drumming skills have left a lasting impact on the music industry, influencing not only jazz but also progressive rock and artists like Prince, Jeff Beck, and Phil Collins.

Marc Anthony Thompson is a Panamanian singer-songwriter known for his work in the music project Chocolate Genius, alongside musicians like guitarist Marc Ribot, cellist Jane Scarpantoni, keyboardist John Medeski, and bassist Chris Wood. Based in New York City, he is also recognized for his solo performances and his contributions to scoring film and theater productions. His professional life revolves around creating music, collaborating with talented artists, and showcasing his talents as both a group member and a solo artist in various creative projects.

Roque Cordero was a distinguished Panamanian composer known for his contributions to contemporary classical music. Throughout his career, he gained recognition for his innovative compositions that skillfully combined modern techniques with traditional Latin American influences. Cordero's works have been performed internationally, showcasing his unique musical voice and artistic vision. He held various positions in the music industry, including teaching and conducting, and his impact on the world of music continues to be celebrated long after his passing.

Makano, a Panamanian singer, started his professional career at a young age as part of a reggaeton group called "Los Makanos." Despite initial discouragement from his father, Makano's talent led him to success in the music industry. Signing with Panama Music in 2007, he released his first solo album, "Te Amo Rosemary," which included hit songs like "Yo Quisiera Vivir" and "Te Va a Doler." Makano's track "Te Amo" topped the Billboard Hot Latin Songs chart in 2009, solidifying his place as a prominent artist in the Latin music scene.

Gaby is a Panamanian Reggae en Español and Reggaeton singer and rapper known for his hit single "Meneaíto" released in 1992. He gained popularity with this song, becoming a well-known figure in the music industry across South and Central America. After leaving the music scene in 1998, Gaby made a successful comeback in 2016. His music career has been marked by his unique style and memorable performances, solidifying his reputation as a talented and influential artist.

Flex, also known as Nigga, is a Panamanian reggaeton singer and songwriter. He gained popularity for his unique vocal style and music. Initially adopting the name Nigga due to a comment from another artist, Flex later transitioned to using the name Flex for his professional career, particularly in the United States market. He released albums and singles under the name Flex, showcasing his talent and versatility within the reggaeton genre. Flex's music has resonated with audiences and contributed to his success as an artist.

Carlos Francisco Chang Marín was a multi-talented Panamanian figure known for his work as a folklorist, painter, musician, journalist, activist, and writer. His writing style reflected the voice of the people, focusing on themes of class struggle and social justice. Chang Marín's work blended descriptions of Ibero-American countryside beauty with humor and optimism, often culminating in messages of proletarian revolution. Despite facing political persecution, his contributions to Panamanian culture and folklore garnered international recognition and numerous national awards, compelling even antagonistic institutions to acknowledge his achievements.

Eddy Lover, a Panamanian reggaeton and Spanish reggae singer-songwriter, gained international recognition through his collaboration on the popular 2006 track "Perdóname" by La Factoría. Known for his distinctive style and smooth vocals, Eddy Lover has solidified his place in the music industry through his catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. With a successful career spanning several years, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with his talent and passion for creating music that resonates with listeners across different genres.

Fito Blanko, known as Roberto E. Testa, is a Panamanian-Canadian tropical urban artist with a successful professional career. As a singer, songwriter, and producer, he has made a significant impact in the music industry. His vibrant musical style and energetic performances have garnered him a dedicated fan base. Fito Blanko has collaborated with various artists and has released a number of hit songs that have resonated with audiences worldwide. His talent and passion for music continue to drive his success in the industry.

DJ Black, also known as DJ Negro, is a prominent Panamanian recording artist, songwriter, producer, and music executive. He gained widespread recognition in 2008 with his hit song "Chucha Su Madre," which topped the charts in Panama and sparked both controversy and praise due to its explicit lyrics. Despite facing government censorship, DJ Black's music continued to break records and resonate with audiences, leading to his appointment as the Director/Minister of Culture by President Ricardo Martinelli.