While many producers lean heavily into minimalistic dembow riddims, The Cuban Kings take a different approach. They layer the piano montuno (the signature syncopated piano of salsa) over a heavy, 808-driven reggaeton drum pattern. This creates a sound that feels simultaneously nostalgic (evoking the golden age of Cuban casino music) and futuristic (tailor-made for nightclubs from Bogotá to Barcelona).

Her early work involved underground collaborations with DJs in Miami and Hialeah, where she honed her sound. But it was her partnership with that would launch her into the mainstream, culminating in the massive success of “El Bombon de Colombia.” The Producers: Who Are The Cuban Kings? To understand the track, you must understand the beat. The Cuban Kings are a production duo (and sometimes expanded collective) known for their high-energy fusion of traditional Cuban tumbaos with modern perreo beats.

In the video, Esperanza Gomez sports a sequined bodysuit in yellow, blue, and red—the colors of the Colombian flag—while backup dancers wave Cuban fans. The choreography is a hybrid: Salsa rueda de casino turns into reggaeton perreo instantly. The Cuban Kings make cameo appearances as DJs spinning vinyl that catches fire. It is chaotic, colorful, and undeniably catchy. The collaboration between Esperanza Gomez and The Cuban Kings arrived at a specific moment in music history (circa 2020-2022) when listeners were tired of formulaic Latin pop. There was a hunger for authenticity—for music that felt like the street, not the boardroom. 1. The "Old School" vs. "New School" Debate Younger listeners wanted the heavy bass of J Balvin and Bad Bunny, but older millennial listeners missed the complexity of 90s salsa and Cuban son . “El Bombon de Colombia” bridged that gap. The Cuban Kings produced a beat that a abuela (grandmother) could dance a casino to, but with a bass drop that hits hard enough for a perreo session at 2 AM. 2. Female Empowerment In 2022, the Latin urban genre was still dominated by male voices. Esperanza Gomez provided a counter-narrative. She is not a thin, blonde pop star; she is a curvy, dark-haired, outspoken Latina. “El Bombon de Colombia” became an anthem for plus-size dancers and women who refuse to be shamed for their sexuality. The hook, “Muerde el bombon, pero no me rompas” (Bite the candy, but don’t break me), became a viral TikTok sound used by women showing off their confidence. 3. The Cuban-Colombian Bridge Historically, Cuban and Colombian musical relations have been strong (think of the influence of Fruko y sus Tesos or Celia Cruz in Barranquilla). However, modern reggaeton had drifted toward a more Puerto Rican-dominant sound. The Cuban Kings and Esperanza Gomez reminded listeners that the clave rhythm (the foundational beat of Latin music) belongs to Cuba, while the sabor of vallenato and cumbia belongs to Colombia. The song acts as a musical handshake between the two nations. Critical Reception and Chart Performance Upon release, “El Bombon de Colombia” did not immediately explode on the Billboard Hot 100. Instead, it took a grassroots path. It dominated streaming charts on Spotify Venezuela , Apple Music Ecuador , and Claro Música Colombia .