As the anticipation builds for the upcoming 2026 Billboard Latin Music Week, the Cuban urban music scene is preparing to make an unprecedented statement on a global platform. Among the leading figures carrying the torch is Oniel Ernesto Columbie Campos, universally known as Bebeshito, who is set to take center stage as one of the featured speakers at the first-ever dedicated reparto panel. He will be joined by fellow genre pioneers Wow Popy, Rey Tony y Helabusador, and DJ Conds for a historic conversation exploring the meteoric rise, cultural roots, and future trajectory of a sound that has captured the imagination of millions.
Reflecting on this milestone for the latest episode of Billboard’s popular video series Cafecito Con, which premiered on Monday, September 28, the artist expressed profound gratitude and excitement for the movement he helps champion. It represents a monumental turning point for a musical style that has steadily transitioned from neighborhood origins into international recognition.
“It’s a huge opportunity for the genre. Trust me, the genre is celebrating,” Bebeshito shares during the episode, capturing the collective pride shared by artists and fans alike who have watched reparto evolve from underground local phenomena into a recognized powerhouse within the broader Latin music landscape.
Recognized by Billboard as one of the official 2026 Latin Artists to Watch, Bebeshito sits at the vanguard of a new generation of reparto stars. The genre itself is deeply rooted in the “repartos”—the urban housing developments in Cuba—where it developed as a vibrant hybrid of traditional Caribbean rhythms and contemporary styles. By fusing urban music sensibilities with foundational Cuban rhythms such as timba and rumba, and anchoring the rhythm section with the distinctive percussion of the clave instrument, reparto has created a high-energy, infectious groove that resonates deeply with audiences across generations and geographic borders.
The artist’s inclusion in the upcoming panel follows a series of monumental career achievements that have firmly established his commercial viability and cultural impact. In August 2025, the singer made history by becoming the first reparto artist to headline and completely sell out the prestigious Kaseya Center in Miami, performing an unforgettable, high-octane set for a roaring crowd of 20,000 passionate fans.
Beyond his historic arena success, Bebeshito has consistently found his way onto the Billboard charts, proving that his appeal extends well beyond live concert venues. His viral track “Tacto Que Llegó El Reparto” made a major splash last spring, securing a coveted entry on the Hot Tropical Songs chart and showcasing the commercial crossover potential of contemporary Cuban urban music. His growing footprint within the industry was further highlighted in 2025 when he made his debut appearance at Latin Music Week as a featured participant on the “Cumbia and Tropical Explosion” panel. During that session, he shared the stage with legendary tropical icons and peers including Olga Tañón, Guaynaa, Luck Ra, and Grupo 5, bridging the gap between established tropical traditions and the new wave of Cuban urban expression.
Despite his rapid ascent to international stardom, Bebeshito maintains a grounded perspective on his career, attributing his success to relentless hard work, meticulous preparation, and a deep-seated respect for his growing fanbase.
“Honestly, I am an artist who is deeply dedicated to this. I truly love it,” he reflects during his conversation on Cafecito Con. “I can’t let anyone down because people believe in me, and I have to make them proud; I bring a lot of discipline and consistency to my work.”
That dedication to his craft is matched by a fierce loyalty to his roots and the peers who paved the way. In the same episode, the young star opens up with touching candor about his profound friendship with the late, great Cuban artist El Taiger, whose real name was José Manuel Carbajal Zaldívar. El Taiger tragically passed away in October 2024 after sustaining a fatal gunshot wound to the head in Miami, leaving a massive void in the hearts of his family, friends, and legions of fans worldwide. Before his untimely passing, El Taiger and Bebeshito collaborated on numerous high-profile tracks that helped define the contemporary sound of urban Cuban music, including fan favorites like “Marca Mandarina” and “El Punto.”
For Bebeshito, keeping his mentor and friend’s memory alive is not merely an artistic choice; it is a personal responsibility and a moral obligation.
“José was my friend, and it’s my duty to carry on that legacy,” he notes, emphasizing the purity of the bond they shared. “He truly supported me. There was no self-interest, because I was just starting out.”
That mentorship and mutual respect remain central to how Bebeshito views his place in the industry today, as he works to ensure that the global doors opened for Cuban music continue to widen for those who follow.
The conversation on Cafecito Con also touches on lighter, memorable moments from the artist’s journey, including recounting the first time he crossed paths with global superstar Bad Bunny. Demonstrating the charismatic energy that makes him a magnetic presence both on stage and on screen, Bebeshito even takes a brief moment to teach viewers a quick dancing lesson, giving audiences a firsthand look at the rhythmic flair that defines the reparto experience.
Bebeshito is officially confirmed to speak at the 2026 edition of Billboard Latin Music Week, which is scheduled to take place from October 19 to October 22 at the Faena Forum in Miami Beach. For more information, updates, and ticket purchases, fans and industry professionals can visit BillboardLatinMusicWeek.com.
