Ibiza reggaeton invasion: clubs swap roots for rhythms without soul

For decades, Ibiza stood as a temple of electronic music. A place where beats connected minds, bodies, and the dance floor. But in 2025, that identity is under threat. The Ibiza reggaeton invasion is no longer a side act — it’s taking centre stage.

This September, Ushuaïa will host I Love Reggaeton, a show headlined by Juan Magán, Lorna, and Alexis & Fido. Once home to some of the world’s most respected house and techno acts, the beachside venue now opens its gates to urban pop. It’s a booking that could suit any mainstream summer festival — but in Ibiza, it feels like a betrayal.

Meanwhile, Es Paradis has added Puro Reggaeton as a regular Friday feature. Known for its legendary water parties and melodic dance sets, the club now prioritises perreo and social media-friendly anthems. It’s no longer about deep sets and sonic journeys. It’s about viral hits and TikTok-ready hooks. The island’s essence takes a back seat.

Amnesia, too, is leaning into the trend. The Latin-pop party BRESH has taken over several Saturdays this season. Though hugely popular worldwide, its commercial format feels out of sync with Ibiza’s legacy. These nights lack dialogue with the island’s sonic story. There’s no trace of the minimalism, soul, or underground spirit that made the White Isle iconic.

The Ibiza reggaeton invasion isn’t just about changing sounds. It’s about shifting values. Once, the island curated music that challenged, moved, and transformed. Now, algorithms decide what fills the room. The culture that made Ibiza a global musical sanctuary is being pushed aside for fast-turnover commercial success.

No one is saying that reggaeton doesn’t have its place. But in Ibiza, a space rooted in electronic experimentation and freedom, it feels imported without care or context. We risk turning the island into just another party stop — one that trades history for hype.

If no one defends the island’s musical soul, who will?

When electronic music dies in Ibiza, it’s not just a sound that fades — it’s a culture lost.