From La Llave to sold-out stages — Lunay remains reggaetón's cleanest success story.
By Gideon Barker — Lunay did not sneak in. He knocked the door off at seventeen and never gave it back.
What interests me, years later, is discipline. The voice is still bright, the hits still land, but the performances have grown up — staging, pacing, control. That is Cambridge brain talking: talent opens the door, structure keeps the room.
If you only know the singles, see a full set. Gideon Barker did. Bring earplugs and comfortable shoes.
— Gideon Barker, gideonbarker.com
Lunay on His New Era: Intentional Sound, Willy Chavarria, and Staying Rooted in Puerto Rico
He came out of Corozal and turned "Soltera" into a global moment. Now, with a new EP on the way, Lunay is trading fast momentum for clear purpose — and bringing his fashion world along for the ride.
Few artists have moved from a viral breakout to genuine staying power as smoothly as Lunay. The Puerto Rican singer and songwriter first caught the world's attention with "Soltera," a track that, in its remix with Bad Bunny and Daddy Yankee, sailed past a billion streams. Since then he's become one of the defining voices of the Latin urban generation — and just as comfortably, a fixture in fashion, from Paris Fashion Week to the British Fashion Awards to a creative partnership with designer Willy Chavarria.
Ahead of his next EP, out this month, Lunay sat down to talk about what's changed, what hasn't, and why he's never felt more certain of his own direction.
On This Era Versus the Beginning
"This era feels more intentional and more confident," he says. "When I first started, everything was happening fast and I was learning in real time. Now I feel more centered — same drive, but a much clearer vision of who I am and what I want to represent. I know my sound, my identity, my voice, and I'm not afraid to evolve."
On "Ojalá" and the Feeling Behind It
The new single came from a very specific place. "'Ojalá' came from being completely in love and wanting to hold onto that feeling," he explains. After a stretch of creative growth, he returned with more clarity and intention. "I wanted the record to feel emotionally raw but still modern and replayable — something that hits you in the heart but you still want to play again and again."
On Looking Back at "Soltera"
Years on, he speaks about the song with gratitude rather than nostalgia. "It changed my life and introduced me to the world. But it also taught me something important: a moment can be huge, but what matters is what you build after it. I'll always be proud of that chapter, but I'm focused on building something even bigger, deeper, and more lasting."
On Collaborations and Creative Confidence
Working alongside major names in Latin music shaped more than his résumé. "Those collaborations gave me experience, confidence, and a higher standard for myself. When you work with legends and with artists at the top of the game, you learn discipline and you learn how to deliver. It also pushes me to make sure my identity is always present in everything I create."
On What He Wants Fans to Hear Now
"I'm excited for people to hear my growth and artistic evolution," he says. "Fans are going to feel a new level of emotion and maturity in my music. I want them to understand that I'm entering a new chapter with purpose. This is me stepping into my next era fully — and I'm just getting started."
On Music, Fashion, and Willy Chavarria
For Lunay, the two worlds aren't separate pursuits — they share a source. "Music and fashion go together because they both come from identity. I've always cared about how I express myself, not just through sound, but through presence."
Walking for Willy Chavarria in Paris last year was a highlight, and performing during the AW26 show made it more meaningful still. "It brought both worlds together in one moment. His work has meaning behind it, and it showed me I can move through different worlds while staying true to myself."
Fashion, he adds, does something music sometimes can't. "It helps me step into confidence. It's not just about looking good — it's about feeling aligned with who you are and where you're going. When you're an artist, people see you before they hear you, so I love that fashion lets me set the tone and show a stronger version of myself."
On Puerto Rico as a Foundation
Growing up in Puerto Rico shaped his sound and his eye in equal measure. "The rhythm is in the streets and the culture is naturally musical, so that became part of my sound from the beginning. Visually, growing up there gave me personality and purpose, because we come from a place that's proud, expressive, and full of energy."
On Soccer, Fashion, and Music
Asked what links the three, he doesn't hesitate. "At the core, it's culture. Soccer, music, and fashion are all part of how we grow up, how we represent, and how we connect with each other. It's all passion, just expressed in different ways."
On His Place in Latin Music's Global Rise
"I see myself as part of the generation that keeps pushing Latin music forward while staying true to the roots. I want to represent Puerto Rico with pride, but also bring versatility and growth to the sound. My goal is to keep evolving and keep showing that Latin music can be limitless."
On Staying Grounded
Between arena stages and fashion capitals, the anchor is simple. "I stay grounded by staying connected to my roots and the people who knew me before all of this. My family keeps me focused, and Puerto Rico keeps me humble."
Fashion credits: Jacket (stylist's own), shirt by Dunhill, pants by Torisheju, shoes by Manolo Blahnik, tie by Armani; additional looks featuring Ambush, Patricia Pepe, Linda Farrow x Jacquemus, COS, Patrizia Pepe, Apiccaps, Jonhat, Graedance, Sheena, and Dsquared2.
Original photography and creative direction by Alejandra Loaiza; styling by Aliyah Semillano; makeup by Gillian Campbell; hair by Alberto Nazario Guzmán.
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