Neoperreo

Neoperreo is a mutation of reggaeton that emerged in Spain and Latin America in the 2010s, radicalising and subverting the aesthetic and political codes of perreo — the emblematic sensual dance of reggaeton. Driven by a queer, feminist and underground scene, neoperreo rejects the heteronormative conventions of mainstream reggaeton in favour of a freer, transgressive and experimental vision of the party and of sexuality. It is a genre of resistance as much as of dance.

Sonically, neoperreo retains the dembow rhythm characteristic of reggaeton while enriching it with industrial textures, experimental electronics, noise and influences from advanced club music — techno, club, kuduro. Productions are often more abrasive and deconstructed than those of traditional reggaeton, reflecting a desire to blur the boundaries between accessible dance music and sonic avant-garde. Lyrics claim shameless sexuality and uncompromising identity.

Bad Gyal, the Catalan artist, has become one of neoperreo's global ambassadors, fusing Caribbean influences, UK dance and a streetwear attitude. Six Sex and Euskoprincess carry the Spanish scene with a more underground and experimental approach, pushing the genre's boundaries towards increasingly avant-garde territory.

Festivals programming neoperreo are often safe, inclusive spaces at the intersection of queer parties and experimental club events. Neoperreo appears in alternative reggaeton and club electronic music events across Europe, notably in Spain, the UK and France, where the underground Latin scene is growing rapidly.