J Balvin has become the first Latin music artist to headline Lollapalooza.
The 34-year-old singer is the first Latino reggaeton artist to headline the Chicago event in its 28-year history, as he took to the stage to close out the third and final day on Sunday (04.08.19).
The singer later tweeted in Spanish: “After 28 years of @ Lollapalooza for the first time, a Latin artist is the headliner of the night. This is dedicated to dreamers to Latinos and those who know that in life everything is cause and effect and that we deserve to be here.”
And it seems that fans were excited to see the star grace the Lollapalooza stage. One tweeted: “Only a great artist can achieve this great party. He also shared a message for all Latinos.”
Solo un gran artista puede lograr esta gran fiesta. 🔥 Además compartió un mensaje para todos los latinos. @JBALVIN en #Lollapalooza2019 pic.twitter.com/v8ocUmpWLn
— Jessie Cervantes (@jessiecervantes) August 4, 2019
Balvin’s headline slot marks the first time a musician who sings entirely in Spanish has topped the bill of the festival, and he marked the occasion by bringing out Puerto Rican chart-toppers Wisin y Yandel as special guests.
And fans were delighted to witness Latina representation at the Chicago festival.
One fan tweeted: “J Balvin brought out Wisin y Yandel to sing ‘Rakata’ and my soul left my body for a moment.”
The Colombian star wowed crowds with fan favorites including ‘Mi Gente’ and ‘X’ and told crowds he was “making [his] dream” by performing at the music extravaganza.
Balvin – whose real names is José Álvaro Osorio Balvín – said on stage: “From Medellín, Colombia to the world, pa’ la vi’ Latino (short for para la Vida, aka ‘for the Latino life’), this is our time. This is our moment. It’s our time to make our dreams come true. Like I’m making my dream, you can make your dream too.”
The reggaeton star also joined forces with clothing brand BAPE to release an exclusive tee in conjunction with his festival set, which saw the label reimagined its iconic camouflage print for the occasion.
Balvin has previously collaborated with the likes of Beyonce, Cardi B, and Pharrell Williams. He moved to the United States of America from Medillin Columbia at age 17, to learn the English language. His first major breakthrough came in 2014 when he collaborated with Puerto Rican singer Farruko on the track “6 AM”. In a span of 5 years, he has gain global success performing at Coachella and more recently at Lollapalooza.