Fariana, one of reggaeton’s earliest female pioneers, is back with her latest album Underwater, offering a powerful reflection on her journey through the male-dominated genre. Born Farina Pao Paucar Franco in Medellín, Colombia, the 38-year-old Latin singer and rapper first rose to prominence in 2005 after placing third on Colombia’s El Factor X, a reality singing competition modeled after Simon Cowell’s The X Factor. However, it was her foray into reggaeton—a genre led by male superstars like Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, and Wisin & Yandel—that truly solidified her place as a trailblazer.
Fariana made history as one of Colombia’s first female reggaeton artists with early singles like Sólo con Palabras, Será, and Regresa a Mí. However, breaking into the male-dominated industry was not without its challenges. “There were a lot of people talking, and they didn’t understand what I was doing,” Fariana told USA Today in Spanish. “A lot of people saying very negative things. But at the same time, it was easy to be the only one because I achieved this position with my talent and gained the respect of many men” in the genre.
Her latest album Underwater dives deep into both personal and professional growth. Fariana explores themes of resilience and empowerment, while still embracing reggaeton’s infectious rhythms. For the artist, this album represents not just her own evolution, but also the shifting landscape for women in reggaeton.
Over the years, the genre has seen a wave of dynamic female artists rise to prominence, with stars like Natti Natasha, Becky G, Anitta, and María Becerra leading the charge. Fariana said that the current female artists are opening path for the upcoming generation and she is proud to do so.In 2021, she collaborated with Natti Natasha and other female emcees on the anthem Las Nenas, celebrating women’s power and presence in the genre.
“I feel very powerful when I have a woman by my side because together, we are more,” Fariana added. “Women represent me in every way because I’m sure that all of them have fought for the positions they have.”
As Underwater makes waves, Fariana’s influence on reggaeton remains undeniable. Her pioneering efforts have not only opened doors for herself but also for future generations of women in Latin music, proving that the genre is no longer a man’s world.